Benefits of IAAP Membership

Benefits to an individual:

• Local chapter benefits – Division and chapter newsletters; chapter program schedule, team of local experts on a variety of subjects; community service; local merchant relationships; mentoring opportunities, and more.
• Exposure to other professionals outside your company to help expand your interpersonal skills and comfort levels -- you can call upon a network of professionals to determine the best way to accomplish a task or receive advice -- so you don't have to keep reinventing the wheel.
• Leadership opportunities through participation in chapter activities (can be everything from public speaking, to project management, to strategic planning, to event planning -- skills you might not learn on the job or through training provided to admins by employers).
• Local and international network of colleagues, trainers, experts and managers gives members essential information and insights on office trends and best business practices.
• Included in membership is a subscription to Office Pro Magazine and IAAP Connections.
• Conferences – IAAP Districts, Divisions, and Chapters hold events and activities at various times of the year.
• Personal and professional development resources are available online to members, which include training webinars, podcasts and numerous other documents posted by other members.
• Professional certification – IAAP is the internationally recognized standard of excellence. IAAP offers the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) rating and Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) programs. Topic areas for IAAP certification programs include office systems and technology, office administration, communications, business finance, legal issues, management, and advanced organizational management.
• Members can access support at the Chapter, Division and International levels.
• Access to information on the latest trends and best practices.
• Awareness that it isn't "just a job" -- it is a career and you're in control of it and responsible for it.

What's in it for Employers?

• IAAP members receive tools and knowledge necessary to become more effective contributors to their employers.
• Save time and money – When seeking ideas and know-how for a specific project, IAAP members can call on the support of their peers and/or headquarters for advice and for direction on available resources.
• Members receive leadership training and experience that builds their confidence and teamwork skills.
• IAAP members are better-prepared, front-line “ambassadors” for their employers. Having knowledgeable professionals on staff reflects well on your business or service.
• Workers experience professionalism first-hand and aspire to greater professional heights.
• Helps in recruiting new admins and retaining current workers.
• Offers numerous resources for Professional Development.
• Raises admins to a professional level that serves all corporate team members well.
• Self-worth and competence empower admins to tackle more (and more difficult) challenges. It helps managers get more done with the confidence it is being done right.