Associations, Volunteering & Continuing Education

Professional Associations

Industry organizations and networking groups are the untapped goldmine of the job search universe. These organizations exist to help people meet and do business with other professionals and students in their industry—the perfect venue for finding a job opportunity. Associations run the gamut from intimate dinner clubs to massive international membership organizations. Every industry has at least one association, and most industries have several, many of which include chapters designed specifically for women. Some associations, particularly in popular fields like accounting and marketing, even have collegiate chapters.

Large, multi-industry women's professional and networking organizations include the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE), Business & Professional Women (BPW), and the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Female-focused industry groups include fields ranging from Professional Women in Construction to Women in Film and Television. For the largest directory of women's organizations around the world, contact the Business Women's Network, a Washington, DC-based organization, at www.bwni.com .

The secret about most associations—particularly those focused on women—is that they need members as much as you need a job. Most associations rely on membership dues and mailing lists to survive, so they are thrilled to talk to potential new members like you. So don't be shy about cold calling your industry association or a professional women's networking group—membership directors will be more than happy to discuss the benefits of joining and answer your specific questions. Why not ask for the names of a few members to speak with about the association? This is a great way to meet active, involved professionals in your field. By mentioning that you received their name from their association, they're sure to take your call.

Volunteer opportunities

This is a great tip for recent college grads or career switchers looking to break into a new field. Call the local chapter of the industry's association and offer yourself as a volunteer. Many associations are non-profit and run by people with full-time jobs, so they are thrilled for any assistance, particularly from a motivated job seeker. Consider volunteering for a task that will help build your experience (writing an article for their newsletter, balancing the books, organizing the catering for an event, designing a new feature of their website), then put this on your résumé as experience in your field. Or, as mentioned earlier, if you can't score a professional task, volunteer for a position in which you'll meet the most association members—manage the database, work the registration table at an event, or make fund-raising phone calls. Remember, it's perfectly acceptable (encouraged, in fact) to list volunteer work on your résumé, and non-profit managers can serve as great professional and personal references.

Adult/Continuing Education

We know what you're thinking: "I already went to college! What more do I need?" But adult education offers so much more than information. Even a one-day seminar or a series of night courses can provide the extra skills or certification you desire. Most continuing ed classes are designed to accommodate the schedules of busy professionals so they are flexible in their offerings.

Adult and continuing education classes offer many benefits to the savvy job seeker:

• Résumé Boost. Particularly for career changers or rising executives, education demonstrates to an employer that you are motivated, eager to stay on the cutting edge of your industry and willing to put in the work to achieve your highest potential. Whether you are in the midst of a course or have already completed one, additional education is always impressive and particular certifications may boost your chances (and your eventual salary range).

• Industry contacts. Adult ed courses are taught by industry experts and attended by industry insiders. Make a point to learn about new industry trends, networking opportunities, and job leads by chatting with the other people in your classroom.

• Leadership opportunities. Instead of taking a course, why not teach one? One of our favorite PR pros got a job at NBC after volunteering to teach a class at her local university—when she was only 21. For adult education classes, you don't need a PhD or dozens of years of industry experience—just some solid work experience, a great syllabus, and lots of enthusiasm. Colleges and universities are always looking to expand their roster of professional teachers and lecturers—start by calling your local schools and asking about the process of becoming an instructor. Courses are usually held at night or on the weekends, so teaching shouldn't interfere with your job search. Contact your local college, technical school, or even high school to find out about opportunities to teach a course in your field. It looks great on your résumé, and, again, you never know who you might meet on the job!