I don’t know why it took me so long to join a professional association related to my work in Pharma. Maybe because I never truly felt like I belonged in the industry and therefore what association would I even join? (I realize now that was negative self talk because if I didn’t belong, I would not still be there after so many years) Or maybe it was because I was so overly busy juggling the expectations of others. Or never allowing myself to look up from my laptop, concerned only about completing every task on time and delivering high quality work no matter the cost to my own health.
It was my life coach who recently suggested that growing my network could help me not feel so ‘stuck’. At the time, I was already anxious and tired and really not sure how this was going to help me. After all, I had gone this long without them. I feel obligated to mention here that this ‘task focused’ strategy does not work when you get to Director level. I’m learning that success becomes much more about relationships, strategy, and building your network.
She reminded me that joining a professional association can be a great way to gain insights, find new opportunities, and establish a sense of community. Professional associations offer you a chance for connection with peers, mentors and other industry leaders. They also host workshops and training, which can provide a fresh perspective and help you build new skills.
For anyone looking to do more, they also offer volunteer and leadership roles within the organization itself which can be a great way to build influence and grow into a more strategic leader without the pressure of it being at your primary job. Or maybe you have not been given the chance to lead a team or project within your company. Accepting a leading role in a professional organization helps you gain that experience.
So far, I have attending small in-person and virtual networking events, larger in-person seminars, and even participated in a 6 month coaching cohort. I have enjoyed meeting new people, sharing stories, and learning from others.
Recently, one of the associations where I am a member hosted a keynote delivered by Jill Schulman, author of “The Bravery Effect” – A Parable of Teaching the Science Conquering Fear, Achieving More, and Living Life to the Fullest. I was drawn to this event for two reasons: 1. Jill’s history in the USMC. As the wife of a USMC combat veteran, I know that Marines are bravery experts; 2. I also know that embracing a growth mindset and embarking on a journey of personal and professional transformation in order to build the life you imagine for yourself can be very uncomfortable at times. It requires bravery to get where you want to go without quitting before you get there. This bravery does not always have to be in the big, bold moments, but most often in the day to day choices we make that help us reach our goals.
I’m grateful for Jill’s reminders to keep taking those small, brave steps which, over time, build our “bravery muscle” and ….lightbulb moment..to consider the stress it takes to reach our goal “a positive experience”. With that concept in mind, when it really gets tough, she challenged us to ’embrace the suck’ and keep going because our best life is on the other side.
If I was not a member of a professional association, I would have missed this. If you are on the fence – go for it – join, be brave, and show up as your authentic self. It just might be the career move you have been waiting for.
