February 6, 2015

study-book_0Like most companies, Association Headquarters (AH) has a set of policies regarding the professional development of its staff. These policies can be found in the Employee Handbook.

The first policy is in regards to professional organizations:

“Association Headquarters encourages employees to join related professional organizations. Membership in and attendance at meetings of these groups are considered beneficial to clients and employees.”

The second policy is in regards to continuing education:

“Association Headquarters fosters growth and development for all employees. AH works to provide employees with an environment that cultivates valued experiences, growth opportunities, and personal satisfaction. To this end, AH offers continuing education and tuition assistance benefits for employees who attend accredited colleges and universities.”

The language seems fairly standard compared to what most companies put in policy manuals. However, AH has taken its position on professional education and has made it a key part of its office culture. I've personally benefited from AH’s commitment to its staff’s professional development. When I joined AH almost 8 years ago, I didn’t have a background in association management. In my first year I learned a lot through hands-on experience and basic job training, which allowed me to provide the appropriate service to my clients. I wanted to gain a better understanding of my position and how I could do more for my clients to reach their goals and mission. In my attempt to provide the best service to my clients I have attended many educational sessions that were provided or sponsored by AH. This education has contributed to my professional growth and development. By applying what I learned, I was able to provide better service to my clients and move up the ranks from entry level to executive director.

AH has recently increased their commitment to professional development with the AH Education Committee and by teaming up with the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) to be a provider of the Association Management Certificate Course (Association Management 101). Below is a list of all the activities that AH has developed and supported to assist staff in their professional development. As you can see, it’s not a short list.

Image removed.1. Brown Bag Lunches
AH employees who have an expertise in a subject teach other staff members their tips and tricks over lunch. 
 
2. Pencil It In Series
An educational program organized and hosted by AH on various topics, including going global; association public relations; association board leadership development; launching a body of knowledge; and more.
 
3. Toastmasters
Employees get to practice and hone their public speaking and leadership skills.
 
4. CAE Study Group
Employees who are eligible to sit for the Certified Association Executive exam meet once a week for 2-3 months leading up the exam. The course can also be attended for staff members to earn their credits to sit for the exam.
 
5. LaSalle Courses
These face-to-face workshops with LaSalle University professors cover topics such as website marketing, communications, and leadership skills.
 
6. Professional Association Memberships and Events
These events provide support for employees to join various association and meeting professional organizations and attend educational events.
 
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7. ASAE Association Management Certificate Course
Like I mentioned above, this program helps association professionals build the competencies they need to manage their organizations more effectively. Classes take place in the Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. areas, as well as right here in the AH Mt. Laurel office.
 
8. Professional Certifications
The certifications provide support for employees to sit for professional certification exams, such as the Certified Association Executive (CAE), Certified Meeting Planner (CMP), and Certified in Exhibits Management (CEM) exams.
 

AH wants to provide the best quality service to its clients and knows that the best investment they can make is in their staff by supporting and providing opportunities for professional development. Eight years ago, I didn’t even know what a Certified Association Executive was and now I am one. I wouldn’t have been able to do that without the support of AH and culture they created to promote Professional Development.