Definition for professional body:
A professional association (also called a professional body, professional organization, or professional society) is a non-profit organization seeking to further a particular profession, the interests of individuals engaged in that profession, and the public interest.
Professional bodies also are organizations whose members are individual professionals. In some professions it is compulsory to be a member of the professional body, in others it is not. This usually depends on whether or not the profession requires the professional to have a ‘license to practice’, or to be on a professional register, in order to do their job. This is related to how the profession is regulated i.e. who is responsible for making sure that professionals are doing their jobs properly.
What are the advantages to being a member of a professional society?
If you are interested in furthering your career, joining a professional association is a good start. There are associations for nearly every profession or area of interest and many have national, state and regional chapters available to join. An association is a synergistic group, meaning that the effect of a collection of people is greater than just one person. So, how exactly can becoming part of this synergistic group help further your career goals?The advantages are:
1. Enhance your network:
For most people, creating professional relationships is important, and joining a group allows you to have a sense of security and trust. From this, you are able to support and help one another in reaching your professional goals. Associations sponsor numerous events throughout the year that allow you to connect with your peers. You can share ideas, ask for advice, volunteer to be a speaker or become a member of a committee. Since most associations have national or local conferences, you can participate and have the opportunity to learn about breaking news in your career, learn "best practices" or new ideas, hear about key achievers in your field and also meet and brainstorm with others who are also looking to share and learn new information. Another benefit of enhancing your network is that you may find a mentor to help you with your professional needs or you may be in a position to become a mentor to someone else. Giving back can be the greatest reward and benefit. Participating in forums, chat groups or discussion boards sponsored by the association is also a great way to grow your network. This allows you to use your peers as sounding boards and often make some great friends with the same interests as you.
For most people, creating professional relationships is important, and joining a group allows you to have a sense of security and trust. From this, you are able to support and help one another in reaching your professional goals. Associations sponsor numerous events throughout the year that allow you to connect with your peers. You can share ideas, ask for advice, volunteer to be a speaker or become a member of a committee. Since most associations have national or local conferences, you can participate and have the opportunity to learn about breaking news in your career, learn "best practices" or new ideas, hear about key achievers in your field and also meet and brainstorm with others who are also looking to share and learn new information. Another benefit of enhancing your network is that you may find a mentor to help you with your professional needs or you may be in a position to become a mentor to someone else. Giving back can be the greatest reward and benefit. Participating in forums, chat groups or discussion boards sponsored by the association is also a great way to grow your network. This allows you to use your peers as sounding boards and often make some great friends with the same interests as you.
2. Take charge of your career:
Another important reason to consider membership to a professional organization is to take advantage of their career resources. Associations often have job listings online or in print available only to their members. This is a great way to find targeted job postings for your area of interest. Additionally, many associations have career resources available such as tips on effective resumes or cover letters, job searching strategies and negotiating techniques. Some associations even have panels of experts that you can contact for specific questions on career issues. Other benefits include information about seminars, training or certification classes that may be suitable for you. Often these classes can be done through web- or podcasts so you don't even have to leave your home. And don't forget, listing your association membership on your resume is impressive to current or future employers as it shows that you are dedicated to staying connected in your profession.
Another important reason to consider membership to a professional organization is to take advantage of their career resources. Associations often have job listings online or in print available only to their members. This is a great way to find targeted job postings for your area of interest. Additionally, many associations have career resources available such as tips on effective resumes or cover letters, job searching strategies and negotiating techniques. Some associations even have panels of experts that you can contact for specific questions on career issues. Other benefits include information about seminars, training or certification classes that may be suitable for you. Often these classes can be done through web- or podcasts so you don't even have to leave your home. And don't forget, listing your association membership on your resume is impressive to current or future employers as it shows that you are dedicated to staying connected in your profession.
3. Broaden your knowledge:
Most associations provide an enormous amount of access to resource information such as: case studies, articles, white papers and books written by experts in your field or area of interest. Also, major journal, magazine and newsletter access is provided as a part of your membership privileges. Another reason to join an association is to learn more or stay informed about issues in diversity. For example, Academic360.com includes a list of associations and articles that provide valuable information such as: resource guides for diversity, affirmative action and advocacy, as well as information on new and proposed regulations related to diversity.1 additionally, associations provide a source for scholarship information, links to publications, and awards for persons achieving excellence in their field. No matter what your field is, staying on top of all of these issues is important.
Most associations provide an enormous amount of access to resource information such as: case studies, articles, white papers and books written by experts in your field or area of interest. Also, major journal, magazine and newsletter access is provided as a part of your membership privileges. Another reason to join an association is to learn more or stay informed about issues in diversity. For example, Academic360.com includes a list of associations and articles that provide valuable information such as: resource guides for diversity, affirmative action and advocacy, as well as information on new and proposed regulations related to diversity.1 additionally, associations provide a source for scholarship information, links to publications, and awards for persons achieving excellence in their field. No matter what your field is, staying on top of all of these issues is important.
What is the “code of ethics” of computing societies?
Short Codes
- IEEE code of ethics Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- IEEE/ACM Joint Code of ethics of Software Engineering IEEE/ACM
- Australian Computer Society Code of Ethics Australian Computer Society
- Computer Society of India Computer Society of India
- Hong Kong Computer Society Code of Ethics Hong Kong Computer Society
- AITP Code of Ethics Association of Information Technology Professionals
- SAGE Code of Ethics System Administrators Guild
Longer Codes
- NSPE Code of Ethics National Society of Professional Engineers
- ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Association for Computing Machinery
- New Zealand Computer Society Code of Ethics New Zealand Computer Society
- Code of Online Business Practices Better Business Bureau.
Which professional society are you eligible to join?
Am eligible to join the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Have you joined? Will you join? Why, or why not?
Yes I have joined them. And below are my reasons for joining the professional society:
1. Meet great like-minded people.
2. Opportunity to showcase my experience through peer to peer discussions or public speaking.
3. See what opportunities and challenges are in the industry.
4. Get access to experts in the field – speakers, other members, sponsors.
5. SWAG – discounts or free books, magazines, get access to webinars, e-learning, certification of exam vouchers.
6. Gain training and knowledge.
7. Meet my competition and expectation in my career.
8. Get professional job opportunities.
What is meant by CPD – Continuing Professional Development?
CPD (Continuing Professional Development) is quite simply a means of supporting people in the workplace to understand more about the environment in which they work, the job they do and how to do it better. It is an ongoing process throughout our working lives.
It refers to the process of tracking and documenting the skills, knowledge and experience that you gain both formally and informally as you work, beyond any initial training. It's a record of what you experience, learn and then apply. The term is generally used to mean a physical folder or portfolio documenting your development as a professional. Some organisations use it to mean a training or development plan, which I would argue is not strictly accurate.
The CPD process helps you manage your own development on an ongoing basis. It's function is to help you record, review and reflect on what you learn. It's not a tick-box document recording the training you have completed. It's broader than that.
How important is this for your career?
It’s important to me because I can now understand more about my career better than before.
