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Advance Your Career with Professional Associations

Professional associations are excellent opportunities for administrative and executive assistants to network and build skillsets. They help develop professional growth through in-person events, continuing education, and job discussion boards. However, there are several associations to choose from. We have compiled a list, along with information to help you decide which to pursue.

Quill ASAP

American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP)

Who They Are

ASAP’s mission is to provide education, training, and resources for administrative professionals and executive assistants worldwide to help them navigate and succeed in the ever-changing business world. One of the association’s core values is the belief in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). ASAP believes that with DEI, their communities are richer, stronger, and more dynamic. To demonstrate their commitment to DEI, the ASAP website has links to a knowledge base devoted to the concept.

What They Do

ASAP provides training resource for such skills as communication, efficiency, leadership, technology, as well as other professional development sources. They also provide 1-hour webinars on such topics as “Strategic Thinking for Results—Skills for Competent Critical Thinking,” “Resilient Leadership for Today’s Assistant,” and “The Global Skills Matrix.”

In addition to training resources and webinars, the ASAP provides a Professional Administrative Certificate of Excellence (PACE) course, which expands on the in-demand skills needed by today’s admins.

Membership Benefits

ASAP provides a free membership, as well as a paid all-access membership. Both provide access to reference materials, articles, and a job board, as well as discounts on webinars, conferences, technology, company travel, and education. The paid membership provides full access to the association’s extensive library of webinars and educational bundles.

Quill AEAP

The Association of Executive and Administrative Professionals

Who They Are

AEAP members include administrative assistants, executive secretaries, executive assistants, legal assistants, office managers, and other administrative professionals. The association’s goals are to promote the professional development of members as well as increase and improve benefits available to those members.

What They Do

AEAP offers an extensive catalog of continuing education certificates and courses, including such career-building topics as “Data Analytics,” “LEED Green Building,” “Six Sigma and Lean,” and “Sustainable Management,” as well as courses designed to promote personal enrichment.

Membership Benefits

There are two primary levels of membership, basic and premium. Both provide full access to the AEAP website, plus education resources, a networking forum, subscription to a newsletter, and a job board. The premium membership also offers a roadside assistance plan, prescription drug discount, as well as savings on travel.

Quill Executive Assistants Organization

Executive Assistants Organization (EAO)

Who They Are

EAO Global is an international association that exists specifically for executive assistants. While this role is important to the development of businesses, entrepreneurs, and executives, there is no college curriculum path for these individuals. EAO’s goal, therefore, is to help every executive assistant reach their potential through continued education, exclusive events, peer networking, mentors, and lessons in leadership.

What They Do

EAO offers continuing education webinars, podcasts, and in-person events to keep executive assistants current on in-demand technologies and skills. The EAO can also create customized training seminars, focus groups, or one-on-one teachings for entire organizations. Peer networking and mentoring is available to support and educate through local chapters and events, as well as through online services. The organization also sponsors retreats for members to socialize and network with like-minded individuals.

Membership Benefits

Monthly and annual memberships are available. Membership includes full access to the EAO website, educational resources, online conference footage, community forums, mentorship, conferences, retreats, as well as a job board.

Quill IAAP

International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)

Who They Are

The IAAP combines its core values such as authenticity, passion, and relevance with its aspirational values such as advocacy, inclusion and diversity, and transparency, to create an environment conducive to assisting administrative professionals in advancing their careers. The association also promotes a strong community of individuals with shared goals, responsibilities, challenges, opportunities, and strengths.

What They Do

IAAP offers a wide range of continuing education resources, as well as certified administrative professional (CAP) certification. In addition, it offers in-depth courses in areas such as organizational management, business writing, project management, and event planning. Additional learning opportunities are available through leadership training and an annual conference.

Membership Benefits

IAAP offers a professional membership as well as a student membership for those enrolled in a degree-granting program. A free 30-day trial membership is also available, which gives full access to the website. All memberships include online learning opportunities, networking conferences and events, as well as a job board.

Quill NAPAHE

National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education (NAPAHE)

Who They Are

NAPAHE is an international organization for presidential assistants (PAs) and other professionals who support leaders in higher education. It offers educational programs and information resources for like-minded individuals, organizations, and institutions. By sharing professional experiences and ideas, the association fosters growth in its members and their communities.

What They Do

The NAPAHE website provides useful tools for PAs, such as information about links to national and federal associations, federal and legislative issues affecting education, and much more. There are also networking opportunities, discussion boards and webinars, as well as an annual conference.

Membership Benefits

Various membership levels are available based on organization size. Individual memberships are also available. Members have full access to all resources on the NAPAHE website, as well as education opportunities to expand knowledge in areas such as higher education issues, speech writing, fundraising, event management, and more.

Quill NAPR

National Association of Professional Receptionists (NAPR)

Who They Are

The NAPR provides representation, education, and accreditation for receptionists, switchboard operators, information clerks, greeters, administrative professionals, and customer service representatives. The association’s goal is to promote the value in these necessary support positions, set standards for professionalism, and give its members a voice with management.

What They Do

The association provides career guidance to members who wish to receive their Certified Professional Receptionist (CPR) certificate. The NAPR also offers training and personal development seminars, a discussion board, networking events and conferences, and an informative newsletter.

Membership Benefits

Individual membership is available, as well as corporate memberships. Members get full access to the NAPR website, leadership opportunities, educational opportunities, and job placement and career change assistance.

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