By Dawn Klingensmith
CTW Features
Most books and articles that dole out advice to jobseekers extoll the virtues of using professional associations to network. Fewer point out a more direct route to a job: associations themselves.
"; article_html += "Poised between the corporate and nonprofit worlds, associations make up their own unique sector – and they need workers. New association job listings were up 45 percent in the first two months of 2011, according to the March 4 issue of CEO Update, an association news publication.
"; article_html += "Although they are technically nonprofits, associations are often run like corporations, with competitive pay and benefits, says Charlotte Weeks, who worked at an association before becoming a career adviser. The president of the National Résumé Writers’ Association is author of “I Want to Work in an Association …Now What?” (Happy About, 2011).
"; article_html += "Here, based on more than 50 interviews she conducted for the book, Weeks talks about getting a job in this “secret sector” of the job market.
"; article_html += "A lot of people I interviewed for the book found it’s a nice blend between the for-profit and nonprofit worlds. There’s usually better pay and benefits than a nonprofit, but they don’t have that corporate bottom-line focus. Associations are more mission-focused.
"; article_html += "It almost seems to be a little entrepreneurial. Most people said they wear many hats and jump in and pitch in whenever it’s needed. It’s not unusual for the CEO to help stuff folders for an event. It creates a strong sense of camaraderie.
"; article_html += "Jumping in and helping where it’s needed – that’s something you must be willing to do. You need to have an interest in the mission, not necessarily a passion, because your work needs to support it.
"; article_html += "It’s just like any other company. If it’s a small association, it can take longer to move up, and there’s not much room for advancement. If it’s a larger association, you’ll have more opportunities.
"; article_html += "Associations exist to serve members, so customer service has to be an important value. Associations look for good communicators and dedication to the mission.
"; article_html += "Copyright © CTW Features
"; article_html += " "; article_html += " "; article_html += ""; document.getElementById("article").innerHTML = article_html;