The role of professional associations depends on the occupation: some, like teachers and medical professionals, require membership and certification in order to work in those fields; others are unions that organize and negotiate labour for its members. Some exist to provide credentials for their members, but participation is not mandatory for employment.

You should check to see if membership in a professional association is necessary for your chosen occupation; regardless, it’s generally a useful place to start if you are researching your career, educational plans and options for employment.

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