You’re in network administration. How can you use professional organizations to make connections?

1 Benefits of professional organizations

Professional organizations offer many advantages for network administrators, such as access to educational resources, networking opportunities, recognition and credibility, and advocacy and support. Through webinars, courses, certifications, and publications, you can stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies in network administration. Networking events, forums, and social media platforms can help you connect with mentors and peers who can share their insights and advice. Additionally, awards, scholarships, and endorsements can help you showcase your achievements and boost your reputation in the network administration community. Lastly, professional organizations provide lobbying, policy making, and legal assistance to protect your rights and interests as a network administrator.

2 How to find professional organizations

Network administrators have a variety of professional organizations to choose from, ranging from local to international, general to specialized, and free to paid. For example, IEEE Computer Society (IEEE-CS) is the world's leading organization for computing professionals, with over 60,000 members, 200 chapters, and 50 technical committees. They offer publications, conferences, certifications, awards, and education programs. The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, with over 100,000 members, 170 chapters, and 37 special interest groups. CompTIA is a leading trade association for the global IT industry, with over 200,000 members, 3,000 academic partners, and 2,000 corporate partners. It offers certifications, education, research, events, and policy. If you need more options for professional organizations for network administrators you can search online or consult your local chamber of commerce or library.

3 How to join professional organizations

Joining a professional organization is usually a simple process that involves filling out an online application form, paying a membership fee (if applicable), and providing some basic information. However, before you join any professional organization, you should research the mission, vision, and values of the organization to ensure they align with your goals and interests as a network administrator. Additionally, you should consider the membership requirements, benefits, and costs of the organization to see if they match your needs and expectations. It’s also important to research the reputation, credibility, and influence of the organization to determine how they will affect your image and opportunities as a network administrator. Furthermore, you should look into the activities, events, and resources of the organization to find out if they fit your schedule, preferences, and learning style as a network administrator. Ultimately, you should compare different professional organizations to see which ones offer the most value and relevance for your network administration career.

4 How to participate in professional organizations

Joining a professional organization is only the first step in making connections. To make the most of your membership, you should also actively participate in the organization's activities, events, and resources. For example, you can attend and contribute to the organization's webinars, conferences, and workshops either online or in person. Additionally, you can join and engage in the organization's forums, social media groups, newsletters, and blogs to share your questions, answers, opinions, and feedback with other network administrators and experts. Furthermore, you can volunteer and serve in the organization's committees, boards, or projects to demonstrate your skills. Alternatively, you can apply and nominate for the organization's awards and scholarships to showcase your achievements. By participating in professional organizations in this way, you can not only make connections but also learn, grow, and advance as a network administrator.

5 How to maintain and leverage your connections

Making connections is not enough to benefit your network administration career. You need to follow up and keep in touch with your connections regularly, either by email, phone, or social media. Show appreciation, interest, and support for their work and goals. Provide and seek value from your connections such as referrals, recommendations, endorsements, feedback, advice, or collaboration opportunities. Showcase and update your connections on your network administration skills, projects, and achievements. Invite them to your presentations, webinars, or events. Expand and diversify your connections by asking for introductions, referrals, or invitations to other network administrators or professional organizations that can offer you more knowledge, opportunities, or challenges. By maintaining and leveraging your connections you can build trust and rapport as well as boost your reputation and prospects as a network administrator.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?