Professional_Organizations

Developing professional knowledge and abilities affect career success by keeping you current with the latest technologies and techniques, promotes personal growth and gives you an edge over your competition. Long term benefits include receiving promotions, increasing earning potential and better job security. One way to stay current is through networking with other people in your field through professional organizations, such as the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP). “Join an elite network of Information Technology professionals, educators, and students dedicated to continuing education, professional growth, leadership, and the exploration of issues that face the IT industry” (AITP, 2009). AITP members have access to IT, forums, resources and educational opportunities for networking with IT professionals who have been in the field a while as well as new. AITP membership benefits include: • White papers covering the most recent technology and IT management practices • National and Chapter events, with discussion forums providing plenty of networking opportunities • Breaking news, latest developments on IT conferences, vendor solutions, research developments, advocacy efforts, and career opportunities • Local region and chapter affiliations. • Knowledge exchange via IT discussion and repository forums. • Special discounts on continuing education courses, financial services, group insurance plans, and other products and services. • Influence and advocacy opportunities in the industry via AITP advocacy committees. • Directory of AITP members. (AITP, 2009) The ways that joining AITP may positively affect your career might be best stated in their Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct: “We must seize the opportunity, be agile and embrace this change. We must move AITP forward and lead the profession. Your Association is aware of this critical juncture. We understand the importance of being the leading advocate for our profession and the need to provide programs that enhance our members' professional skill sets and business knowledge. We must protect the human element of IT: our professionals, and help them path their careers in the IT profession today and for the future” (AITP, 2009). In conclusion, there are so many opportunities and benefits to joining a professional organization that it would be crazy not to join. It is no longer enough to graduate college and obtain employment; you have to network with your peers and engage in lifelong learning in order to stay employed. Companies are looking for people who are willing to grow in their field and professional organizations can go a long way toward helping you realize that goal. Reference: (2009). The Association of Information Technology Professionals. Retrieved September 20, 2009, from http://www.aitp.org/