Which administrative professionals’ organization is the best one to join?

Really when someone doesn’t understand then its up to other
people that they will help, so here it takes place.

I’d like to find out more? I’d care to find out more details.

You should take part in a contest for one of the most useful websites
on the internet. I am going to recommend this blog!

I have called and left messages at the American Society for Administrative professionals now 16 times. No one has answered any of the calls nor has anyone returned all the emails that was sent as well.
Now, I am trying to get my money back , the $375.00 for this certification program, which now will be a struggle as well. Find someone else.

Has anyone taken “the influential assistant” course offered by P.A. Douglas & Associates? I was impressed with their material until I began to find glaring errors such as misspelled words and misused punctuation. Not a very good selling point for those who make the accurately printed word an important part of their skill set.

I am considering joining IAAP as well and would like to know thoughts from those who have been or are a part of it today. I understand there have been many changes, so for those of you who are a part of it now how are those changes working out.

Has the IAAP undergone all of it’s transition? Have there been improvements? I am considering joining again, however, do not want to waste my money. Thank you for any feedback.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Are there any government admin associations?

I am currently enrolled in the on-line PACE certification program through ASAP. Membership was free but the certification program costs $349 however, the courses are self pace and the certification exam is on-line as well. Great organization for administrative professionals looking for great tools, webinars (some free), conferences, etc. A newsletter with professional helps and profession updates and trends.

Last year I looked into both iaap and tnaoap and came to the conclusion that tnaoap http://www.tnaoap.org was the better choice for me. I love how I was able to complete everything online. The online study guides, and practice exams were great, and taking the actual exams online rather than having to go to a testing center was much better for my schedule. I would highly recommend it as a two year member.

I have been a member of IAAP for 5 years, including 3 as a local chapter president.

Jose is 100% right – IAAP is undergoing some major changes to it’s structure, and all local and divisional chapters have been dissolved. The goal is supposed to be to improve the organization, but the changes take away the one thing that made it very different from other organizations – local chapter with low cost professional development opportunities and local networking opportunities. Almost every other organization is web based, and offers webinars and an annual conference – now IAAP has become just like the other organizations. As you read all the earlier comments about IAAP, understand that it has changed DRAMATICALLY from the organization it was just a year ago.

My membership is up for renewal, and I am not sure that I am going to renew it. I am not sure that what the new IAAP has to offer is worth the cost of my membership.

In the new IAAP, the only options for professional development are $99 webinars (1/2 off if you are a member), and regional branch meetings, which, on an administrative assistant’s budget, I cannot afford to travel to in order to obtain professional development. I am the Executive Assistant for the President and CEO of a financial institution, and our company is VERY generous with paying for professional development. However, they don’t send administrative staff out of state. So, unless the regional meeting is in my area, my company won’t allow me to participate. As an Executive Assistant, my salary is probably higher than most administrative professionals, and I know this for sure – we don’t have the money to pay to travel to conferences, pay $1000+ for registration, and pay for hotels and other travel expenses on our incomes.

I’m disappointed to say that it now seems like the main focus of IAAP is to sell to its members: webinars, registration to it’s regional and national conferences, and even it’s publication “Complete Office Companion” is now only available as an online subscription – $199 for non members and $99 for members. Also, I believe that members get a discount on taking the Certified Administrative Professional certification exam.

I feel that the only real value to me of renewing my membership, other than saying I am a member of IAAP, is that it serves as a discount card. And since I either don’t want or can’t afford the items that are being discounted, it would be a waste of money.

Best of luck in finding a suitable professional organization. If you are looking for online training, you might consider ASAP http://www.asaporg.com/. Their membership is free.

I have been a member of IAAP for four years. I have enjoyed it. As Rick mentioned IAAP is currently undergoing some changes to the structure of the organization. Not all of the membership support the changes. The local chapters and state chapters are being abolished and there will no longer be monthly chapter meetings. At chapter meeting we have networked, had events where we listened to speakers, taken educational seminars, etc. If that would be an issue for you keep that in mind before you join.

I chose IAAP. IAAP has been around for 73 years. Not many can lay claim to that. I have been a member since 2008. They are currently undergoing some changes to make the organization even better. They also offer certification and soon will offer online study and support for the exams. Great people, Great Organization!

I joined ASAP (American Society of Administritive Professionals). It is free to join and you get monthly newletters via e-mail; lots of helpful tips. They do offer classes for a cost if you are intrested, some webinars, and even an annual conference. They are not pushy about participation. Instead, they give you the tools and information needed; letting you take the initative to participate acording to your schedule and financial means.

Does anyone know of any administrative association that specializes in Colleges/Universities?

I am a member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals and have been for the last four years. It is a wonderful organization that allows you to opportunity to network with your administrative peers and also offers you a chance to become certified in the administrative field by taking an exam (the exam in given twice a year). Their website is iaap-hq.org and they are located worldwide.

Good luck in whatever organization that you choose to become a member of.

If you are a legal administrator or work in a law firm environment as I do, I would look into the ALA (Association of Legal Administrators). The ALA is a wonderful National organization and has Chapters all over the country.
Go to ALA.org.

Amy

I’ve been a member of IAAP for about ten years. If you do not have a local chapter, which currenty I do not, you can still be a member-at-large.

I, too, am a member of IAAP (Profile Chapter) and recommend it highly. Here’s the URL if you want to check it out! http://www.iaap-hq.org/
Chapters hold local meetings, then, in my case, GNED (Greater New England Division) holds training seminars and annual meetings which are great for networking. Highest level is International and each level has it’s own website packed with useful information. Hope you decide to join!

I agree with all the above. I have been an IAAP member for 4 years and recently received my CPS designation (Certified Professional Secretary) through this organization. This is a widely recognized and respected designation for administrative professionals. It shows your employer you are dedicated to your profession and think of it as a career and not just another job. Go to their website and browse http://www.iaap-hq.org/index.htm

I agree IAAP is a very supportive, informative, and innovative organization to become one of their members.

The IAAP professional membership is only slightly more than $100 per year. If your supervisor has suggested joining, maybe the company will pay your annual dues. It’s worth checking out. I’ve been an IAAP member for just about 5 years and have found that the networking and leadership opportunities have helped in my job. The Admin Pro Forum is also a great supplement to my IAAP membership.

I’ve checked in to a couple but they cost hundreds of dollars. I work for a non-profit agency which is currently trying to eliminate a deficit so I couldn’t possibly ask for a $600 admin membership. I’m happy with what Admin Pro provides.

I would recommend the Association of Executive and Administrative Professionals (http://www.theaeap.com/). They have a very helpful monthly newsletter, member discounts on things like rental cars, and a forum. They also offer online classes at a good rate – I took an Administrative Assistant Fundamentals course for $99.

Shannon – if you are reading this – you should look into this. IAAP is a great organization. Perhaps one of your goals could be to research the membership

You should look into the International Association of Administrative Assistants (IAAP)

I concur. The IAAP is a wonderful organization. I have been a member for four years and not only is there great networking and education, they provide lots of leadership opportunities. The headquarters website is http://www.iaap-hq.org.

If you can only afford one organization, I highly recommend the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). This organization has monthly local meetings and occasional state meetings and international meetings. Having local meetings gives members the opportunity to develop personally and professionally in a supportive environment. You have the ability to grown and learn at your own pace remembering that you only get out of it what you put into it. The more involved you are, the more you really get out of your membership. I’ve learned advanced leadership and other professional skills that I would have never learned in my day-to-day job. I would welcome additional discussion if you would like to email me at rmstrong@eastman.com. (I also belong to a couple of other professional organizations, but IAAP is the best, by far.)

I suggest IAAP (International Association of Administrative Professionals. They are a great team and learn.