[IxDA Discuss] Professional Organization Memberships

[Liz Danzico]

Hi Georgia -

> So I'm new to the professional world, and I've been asked to figure  
> out what
> membership I want (ala ACM, AIGA, etc).
>
> I'm not really sure what's best to join, so I was wondering what  
> you all
> would recommend?

Peter Drucker, of all people, has a good set of criteria that may  
help you suss out the answer. To grow as a professional, he suggests,  
you have to understand yourself first--not just where you excel, but  
where you are weakest. In an article that was recently reprinted in  
HBR ("Managing Oneself"), he asks some questions, including:

* What are my strengths?
* How do I get things done?
	* * Am I a reader or a listener (e.g., would you prefer to read or  
hear something)?
	* * How do I best learn (e.g., from people, from events, from books,  
etc.)?
* What are my values?
* Where do I belong?
* What should I contribute?

Knowing the answers to these coupled with what each organization  
offers may provide some guidance.

My two cents:
Join two organizations--one that provides you with professional and  
social skills you feel you are lacking, and another that champions  
your strengths. The combination of the two has brought me,  
personally, the most professional fulfillment.

Liz