During my time in Residence Life as a Hall Director, I was located exclusively in the midwest region, specifically in Minnesota and Iowa. The Upper Midwest Region – Association of College and University Housing Officers (UMR-ACUHO) was the organization that I was predominantly involved with. But, while I was a Hall Director for four and a half years, it really wasn’t until the last year that I had gotten involved with committee membership. During that time, I was able to meet some great people from the different corners of our region and make an impact on the organization by coordinating Perspectives, the organization’s publication. As a whole, it was a great learning experience and, had I remained in the world of Housing, I would have continued my involvement within the organization.
Why did I wait until my last year to jump in? Part of my rationale is that I started my professional role in Housing in Summer 2019 and a bulk of my time would take place during a global pandemic, which had an adverse effect on a vast majority of organizations across the globe. The other element is that I didn’t think it was meant for me; I assumed that UMR-ACUHO was looking for those with quite a few years of experience or the best and brightest in the field, which I felt I was neither. What is important to share is that these organizations are looking for neither senior professionals nor the exceptional; what they need are people who care and are ready to do the work.
Let’s talk about why these professional organizations matter and why you should get involved:
Access to Networking Opportunities
One of the best parts about joining a committee for UMR-ACUHO was getting to know others in the region and being able to hear about how their different campuses operated. It was an additional sounding board for ideas outside of my peers at my institution and, due to their diverse backgrounds, often were able to provide some additional perspective to refine ideas. For those who showed up and did the work on the committee, it was a great way to foster relationships.
Professional Development Growth
With my experience on the Communications Committee, I can say that I served essentially as the editor of a regional publication that often received over 100 clicks per issue. My efforts of soliciting articles achieved a successful monthly publication and my background in design helped to create brand standards that continue to be used today after my time in the organization has ended. While I had some experience, by serving on this committee I was able to grow so much farther within this skillset and help push the organization forward at the same time.
Gaining Leadership Experience
Back in the day, the Communications Committee was composed of a fairly fresh group of professionals, all just a few years into their professional career. Even though I had only an additional year of experience, I had worked at two different institutions as a full-time professional and had some additional insights I could share to help provide leadership from the middle to support our Committee Chair. During our Summer Committee Meetings, I led a workshop on Starting With Why, Simon Sinek’s fundamental concept. The goal was to help everyone find their why and implement it within their commitment to the organization.
Fostering a Sense of Belonging
There are very few people who understand the world that we work in. Family members and friends may try to understand what it’s like to be on-call and talk mental health with a student struggling with suicide ideation at 3:00am on a Wednesday, odds are that they’ve never been in a position like that. If you have a smaller staff, it may feel like you’re isolated and can’t properly process these heavy challenges within the job. Getting involved with a housing organization automatically expands the people that understand what you’re going through and the shared career journey you’re all experiencing. Whether you’re looking for people to bounce community development ideas off of or processing on-call responsibilities, other members will have your back and offer support.
The harsh reality is that, even if professional organizations across the nation were selective at one point in time, membership has dwindled and that luxury is not a current option. I’ll recognize that is a large generalization but it really doesn’t take much more than pulling up the website of an organization you’re interested in and seeing a high number of vacancies on executive teams and the extension of calls for committee members. With all of that said, it is critical that a new generation of leaders step up to take the mantle so that these organizations can continue to exist. Don’t let imposter syndrome stand in your way as an obstacle for stepping out. Whether you’re just starting your career or you’ve been able to avoid involvement throughout your years of service, consider stepping up and volunteering to assist a professional organization that you’re passionate about. They need the help and your insights and efforts can be what propels the organization into a new era of life. Even if the deadline has passed to apply to a committee or to get involved, reach out to someone on the executive team; odds are, they can find a place for you if you are looking to contribute.
Contrary to popular belief, membership in a professional organization is more than just a line on your resume—it’s an investment in your career and personal growth. From networking and professional development to advocacy and leadership opportunities, these organizations offer countless benefits that can help you thrive in the field of Housing. The connections that you make can put you on a fast track for an outstanding career and make a meaningful impact on the field as a whole. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned expert, joining a professional organization can help you stay ahead in your field and achieve your aspirations. It’s more than just a membership: it’s a commitment to your growth and success.
