What do you think of the different admin organizations

[judiann]

What do all of you think about the different admin organizations out there? Is one better than another? What have been your experiences with local chapters?



A lurker and occasional poster.

[kknisley]

I have only recently become familiar with Executive Women International, of which my boss is treasurer of her Chapter.  Seems to be a very positive organization, lots of networking possibilities for women.  Administrative Assistants to CEOs are members.  According to my boss, they have an outstanding International Seminar (this year in Nashville, last year in Calgary, Canada).  



I'm a member of IAAP, currently president-elect of our Chapter.  I've always found IAAP to be helpful to me and my career.  Others on this board feel otherwise and that's okay.  



There are administrative professional groups out there, including one for those working in the US Government and Military, one for the legal and medical professions, one for financial institutions, etc.  



It depends on what you want to get out of an organization and what you are willing to put into it.  Sometimes it takes a little digging to get information from IAAP, but when I get it, it has been of value.



You will need to ask yourself if you are looking for an organization that can help you hone your skills or if you are looking for a networking opportunity.  Once you have decided that, check with your local chamber of commerce or convention and visitors bureau.  They should have a list.



 

[execsec]

I agree with everything knnisley said above.  I too am a member of IAAP (I first joined when it was still NSA - National Secretaries Association).  It has been extremely helpful to me and my career also.  I have occasionally ventured out and visited other organizations but have found that IAAP meets my needs for maintaining my professionalism, staying abreast of new technology, keeping up with my education, and having a great network to rely on.

[eclecticone]

I've only ever really heard of IAAP, as an "official" organization for administrative professionals (more specifically for North America). Two of you mentioned "other" organizations. Can you tell me where I might find more information about these?



I've searched the internet, but generally IAAP is the only org. that I find. Can someone point me in the right direction?



Much obliged.  

[execsec]

In my area, there are organizations for Professional Women (Business & Professional Women's Club); women entreprenuers (Women's Entreprenuers Network); Desk & Derrick (for admins in the oil & gas business).  In another area I lived in I also checked out American Business Womens Association.  Currently I live in Oklahoma but I used to live in South Carolina.  I'm sure there are others in other areas of the country.

[countrigal]

I would suggest talking to some of the admins in your company, any of your friends that are admins, etc.  This does 2 things, starts you networking already and let's you know what organizations they are aware of and how they feel about them.  I personally don't belong to any, but just from reading various posts here I can tell that an organization that is great in one place might not have the dedicated people/same effect in another.  If you get a chance, Skillcraft offers some Admin courses (a day long seminar where lots of topics are covered) and are perfect ways to network with other admins from various fields.  If you go to one of these, or any other setting where you will have a chance to talk with other admins, be sure to step outside your comfort zone and talk with as many folks as you can, get a group together for lunch and breaks, and make some friends.



Good luck!

[judiann]

Thank you for the replies. One other that I found is National Association of Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants (naesaa.org). Haven't decided if or what to join yet.

[msgladiator]

I'd have to say that IAAP is still the top organization for administrative professionals.  They have a top notch monthly magazine called Office Pro and great educational opportunities from the chapter level to the international level.  Attending the international convention is the best opportunity to network with peers in many different states as well as countries!  You never know who'll you run into.  Top notch!  I also have to say that for legal professionals, NALS is top of the heap.  Leadership and self development opportunities abound.  Participation in professional associations like this has helped to take me to where I am today.  

[sungoddesslv]

Judiann,

There are been another discussion on TAA regarding membership organizations.



Go to page 18 and look for "membership organizations."  There are some 20+ responses.



My vote:  IAAP.  I've been a member for more than 10 years.  Great organization with lots of benefits.



 

[kknisley]

One of the benefits includes a retirement center for IAAP members!  I get the giggles every time I think of it - a bunch of old, gray haired secretaries sitting around "remembering when" CD burners were the thing, Internet was a Gift From God, etc.



Seriously, I've seen pictures and floorplans of the apartments at the center and they are gorgeous!  

[msmarieh]

Like most things in life you only get out of organizations what you put into them and the vast majority of members simply get used to other people doing the work. They just show up and take advantage of the results.



However, I firmly believe that any networking is better than no networking and that it is wise to try to get involved in these types of organizations. I would attend meetings at several different groups to get a feel for what they are like, how extensive the politics are, how focused they are on their objectives, and how friendly the people are.



Marie