5 Simple Ways Trade Organizations Can Help Your Career

Trade organizations exist in just about every field, and the entertainment industry is no exception.  Many people overlook the organizations and associations that can help build their careers.  That’s unfortunate, because freelancers especially can really benefit from belonging to and participating in a trade organization.  The cost of membership is a tax write off, so there’s really no down side.  I’ve personally belonged to several trade organizations in my career, and found them all to be worth the time and money I spent on them.

Here are 5 ways trade organizations can help your career:

1. Trade groups offer the opportunity to expand your professional contacts.

Groups can be local, national or even international, so you’re guaranteed to meet people in your field you otherwise wouldn’t meet.  Meetings and events are often held in more relaxed settings, so it’s easier to get to know people.  The virtual events many groups are now holding expand participation considerably.  I attended one trade event with over 800 attendees located in several countries.  It was a stress-free way to interact with many people in my field I didn’t know and otherwise never would have met.

2. You’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills.

Many organizations have educational workshops and seminars, so you’ll have a chance to learn new skills.  This is a major advantage for your career, as well as an affordable way to expand your knowledge.  Many top people in their fields give seminars or are part of panels for members of professional organizations.  I include trade unions and guilds under the organizational banner here, as they’re often the primary trade groups in highly unionized environments.  I’ve attended numerous panels with top directors through my membership in the DGA and expanded my skills through workshops offered by the Arizona Production Association (APA.)  The cost of membership in these organizations is a bargain considering the educational opportunities available.

3. Participation on committees means you’ll be seen as a leader in your field.

Trade organizations often have committees for events or community outreach that offer an opportunity for you to demonstrate your leadership skills.  Showing up and participating regularly highlights your reliability and leadership, as well as your willingness to be part of a team.  It’s not uncommon to get jobs and referrals from working on committees, because your profile in the industry rises and you’re now seen as a leader.

4. The membership directories make it easier for employers and clients to find you.

Many organizations have directories of members, which is one more way for potential employers or clients to find you.  If a production is filming outside a major market, producers often rely on trade organization directories to find crew members. I’ve gotten numerous jobs from my membership in the APA.  Out of town producers have called me because they saw my name and credentials listed in the directory.  The cost of membership in the organization is small, when I consider all the work I’ve gotten over the years.

5. You’ll be seen as someone willing to be of service to others in your field.

The people serving on committees in organizations are volunteering their time to help others in their field succeed.  It benefits your own career to be someone who’s willing to be involved and serve.  It’s also rewarding on a personal level.  Helping others increases your own self-esteem.

The internet and social media have allowed us to promote ourselves and our skills to a worldwide audience.  But that doesn’t mean belonging to professional trade organizations is now unnecessary.  If anything, we need to be part of personal and professional communities more than ever.  Vibrant organizations of like-minded professionals that work towards everyone’s success have existed for hundreds of years.  Make full use of them to benefit your own career.