Starting your career within a peak body or member association

Starting your career within a peak body or member association can be a great way to gain valuable experience and build a long term professional network. But what exactly is an association, and what roles are good for entry-level candidates?

A peak body, also known as a professional or industry association, is an association that represents the interests of a specific industry or profession at a national or state level. They are typically made up of company or individual members, and work to advocate for policies and initiatives that support their industry or profession. Peak bodies can provide a range of services to their members, including training and professional development, networking opportunities, and access to industry research and information. They can also serve as a platform for industry collaboration and innovation and will regularly host events as well as an annual conference.

There is a peak body or member association for any sector or industry you can think of, from royal colleges and professional services to housing, health and sports, there is even an association for clowns!

If you’re interested in starting your career within an association, there are a variety of entry-level roles that could be a good fit. Here are a few examples:

Membership Coordinator: As a membership coordinator, you would be responsible for managing the association’s membership program. This could include recruiting new members, processing membership applications, and responding to member inquiries. This role is a great way to gain experience in customer service, sales, and marketing.

Events Assistant: Associations often host events such as conferences, workshops, and networking events. As an events assistant, you would help with the planning and execution of these events. This role is a great way to gain experience in project management, event planning, and logistics.

Communications Coordinator: As a communications coordinator, you would be responsible for managing the association’s communications channels, such as social media, email newsletters, and the association’s website. This role is a great way to gain experience in marketing, writing, and digital media.

Research Assistant: Many associations conduct research on their industry or profession to inform their advocacy efforts or to provide resources to their members. As a research assistant, you would help with the collection and analysis of data, as well as the writing of research reports. This role is a great way to gain experience in data analysis, research methodology, and report writing.

Administrative Assistant: As an administrative assistant, you would provide general support to the association’s staff and board members. This could include tasks such as scheduling meetings, processing invoices, and maintaining records. This role is a great way to gain experience in office administration and project coordination.

These are just a few examples of entry-level roles that could be a good fit for someone starting their career within an association. It’s important to note that many associations offer opportunities for professional development and career advancement, so even if you start in an entry-level role, there may be opportunities to grow and take on more responsibility over time.

By starting your career within an association, you’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable experience, build a strong professional network, and make a meaningful impact.

If you’re interested in starting your career within an association, contact louise@reviserecruitment.com.au