These are organisations that represent and support people working in a particular industry or profession
Content provided by Edinburgh Napier University's Employability & Careers Team.
Professional bodies and associations are organisations that represent and support people working in a particular industry or profession. Examples can include engineering, accounting, marketing, healthcare and science but there are many others available. They may do work to raise the profile and standards of the profession, offer support and resources and provide opportunities for members to develop and enhance their careers. If you’re thinking about joining a professional body, this article looks at three benefits professional bodies can provide you as a student or graduate.
- Access reliable, up-to-date information on the profession
Professional bodies may monitor industry trends, publish research through journal publications or provide resources that can help members stay informed about new developments. Some may also offer career talks and guides. These can help to provide you with an understanding of what employers are looking for, how the industry you’re interested in is growing and the routes into the profession. They may also run events such as workshops, webinars and conferences or publish newsletters where you can hear directly from experts and gain insights into how your classroom learning is applied.
- Opportunity to build your network
Professional bodies and associations bring people from all stages of their career together, from students and recent graduates to experienced professionals. They can be an opportunity to connect with peers and professionals to learn from, get advice and hear about the career stories of others and routes you might not have previously considered. Some professional bodies may advertise internships, mentoring opportunities and jobs but you may also be able to develop your own opportunities through connections and conversations.
- Professional development
Many professional bodies and associations may offer lectures, conferences, training courses and events which can be a way to supplement your learning and demonstrate to potential employers your commitment, motivation and passion for the field. These might be free for members although some may have an additional cost attached You can also add your student membership status to your CV.
How do I find a professional body relevant to my field?
The Government website has a list of approved learned societies and professional organisations but you might find it helpful in the first instance to speak with your programme or module leader about what professional bodies are relevant for your programme and field. If you already have a career or job role in mind, the Prospects website also has information on professional bodies within the relevant job profiles.
Some professional bodies offer free student membership if you’re studying a relevant or accredited course, which can help you to make the most of what they have to offer. Before joining a professional body, it can be useful to familiarise yourself with the member benefits they provide and make sure you read and understand the membership and subscription fees terms and conditions.
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