The Power of Association(s)

The best advantage of a career in the administrative sector is the incredibly expansive range of opportunities available to aspirants. Executive support professionals seeking to elevate their career to the next level can transfer their existing skills to any industry, building valuable experience and significant exposure along the way. If business savvy, they're also building solid networks to bring more value to their new position.

Whether you are a personal assistant aspiring for a more inclusive role or an experienced executive assistant seeking a position in senior management, networking is pivotal. Efficient networking gives you access to industry change-makers, enables you to transform your professional outlook, and accelerates your career advancement.

But are administrative professionals leveraging the Power of Associations?

The Global Assistant conducted independent global surveys in 2015, 2018 and 2022, revealing some significant facts and sentiments towards Associations in the admin industry. 

A sample of executive support professionals from more than 22 countries globally was taken for the study. Specifically, survey participants were asked, "Are you a member of an admin association?"

The number of professionals that answered "yes" was 28% in 2015, 33% in 2018 and 52% in 2022. People that answered "no" were 59% in 2015 and 61% in 2018, and 29% in 2022. The proportion of people who responded that they were unaware of such associations was 13% in 2015 and 6% in 2018, and 19% in 2022.

Despite the survey's seemingly favourable results, the open comments revealed a lack of interest in joining industry associations. The reasons vary; however if Associations are the epitome of advocates, champions and supporters for its professionals, why is there a general lack of interest by admin professionals.

Associations redefine industry standards through continuous research and guidelines on best practices. The work of the World Administrators Alliance has been key to achieving a concerted effort in promoting the interests of professionals in the administrative field through their highly commendable "Global skills Matrix". 

But associations for executive support professionals may need to consider further efforts to see their membership base grow.

In an interesting move, the Association of Professional Administrators of Ireland changed its name to become the EA Network as part of a rebrand. Its Chair, Niamh Smithers, explained that the APAI name "didn't do those members justice for their roles, as they are more than admins. We needed to get with the times and did a full rebrand with the benefit of an app."

Niamh adds, "With the option of a chat function for members, we have found more engagement of EA's reaching out for tips, advice and joining network events which are general conversations or with speakers. In our monthly newsletters, we share articles and summaries of events. EAs learn from EAs, which is the biggest benefit for our members knowing what others are doing or giving them advice."

Perhaps the key to growth for Associations is tapping into initiatives such as the one EA Network achieved through their App. It illustrates that despite the global challenges impacting business and our work, "belonging" and "connecting" remain strong motivators.

In our interconnected workplace and global workforce, it stands to reason that Associations must serve their members to connect with thought leaders, influencers and well-established and admired peers. They must open doors to the world and inspire what is possible for the profession and the professional.

Long-standing associations, such as the US-based International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), enjoy strong support from their members. Its purpose of existing to "help office and administrative professionals advance their career through advocacy and empowerment" forms the common denominator for all Associations dedicated to serving administrative professionals. 

Dr Barrett Shaw, IAAP Chair, further shares that "membership in an association such as IAAP provides us with the knowledge, skills and insights that build towards job advancement, success and recognition." He adds, "One of the greatest assets of any association is the sense of community and inclusion. We can arm ourselves with all kinds of different tools, but none are more powerful than a strong, vibrant network of like-minded individuals."

As such, professional Associations serve as bridges to build strong networks. 

Ana-Maria Valente, Director of Professional Association of Secretaries and Admin Assistants South Africa, enthusiastically agrees. She says, "An association is not only a body that embraces, motivates and represents a profession. It is also a living organism where people are valued, cared for and get to meet others and form firm, supportive relationships. Not only (do) its members grow professionally and personally, but the heads of the organization and committee members develop their leadership and interpersonal competencies. In the times we live in, more than ever, we need to feel part of a tribe."

Beyond the networks, it is critical to understand the behind-the-scenes work that Association leaders drive to bring about change for its members and the industry as a whole.

Australian Institute of Office Professionals' National President Wayde Walker explains the value of industry partners, which has seen AIOP awarded a place on the Australian Skills Council to work with PWC. Together they are building a training package that meets the needs of the industry and aligns with the trends of a changing workforce.

"I see us having input and advocacy to the Business Training Packages rolled out from the Skills Service Organisation (SSOs) – PWC, working and advocating in the Business Services space across the various governments of the country, whilst providing training, support and advocacy for our members both nationally and on a global scale."

One of the main 'pain points' of executive support professionals within the industry is the ability to stay on top of the trends. The Global Assistant Sessions has hosted hundreds of professionals in these 'conversation' forums, and the recurring theme is technology, skills and community.  

As a platform rooted in bringing global cultural understanding for professional growth, we also appreciate the cultural differences that might differentiate one Admin Association from another. Above all, there is consensus on the need to focus on future skills for growth.

Chrisy Burton, National Director-President, of the Association of Administrative Professionals (AAP) Canada, explains what she sees motivates Canadian administrators, "Our environments are more fast-paced, challenging, and we constantly need to be accepting and adaptable to technology – we need to have the right hard skills in combination with our soft skills to excel in our roles. Belonging to a professional association demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning, the desire to keep on top of emerging trends and technologies, and the willingness to share expertise with members from across Canada."

Professional associations give access to focused career information through exclusive administrative literature, mentorship from senior association members, and timely industry insights. 

As an industry contributor, The Global Assistant understands the significance of professional associations in advancing the career and lives of admin professionals. But the numbers don't lie. While we can appreciate the value that Associations offer their members, we need to consider why there is a disconnect between appreciation and support that translates into membership growth year on year. Because it's through that growth and the process of building community on shared values that will help shift the needle on the big issues. 

Let's start some healthy debate on this topic. Share your thoughts in the comments section.