Luke Buchanan: Joining a Professional Organization

Luke Buchanan says joining a professional organization is a great way to advance your career. A Washington, D.C.-based real estate agent, Luke Buchanan is associated with a group of luxury real estate firms.

Luke Buchanan received his Washington, D.C. Real Estate Salesperson License in 2013, two years after graduating from Tulane University. But this accomplished young man also has a background in marketing. Luke Buchanan has been a member of the American Marketing Association since 2011. This organization has opened many doors for Luke Buchanan, providing him with a competitive edge in the marketing industry.

One reason Luke Buchanan recommends joining a professional organization is that it is a great way to network. When you attend organization meetings you are able to interact with a wide range of peers and colleagues at varying points in their careers and are working with a variety of countries. In today’s economy, jobs often open up only to those who already have connections. Luke Buchanan sees professional organization meetings as precisely the place where career advancement begins.

Another reason Luke Buchanan believes in joining professional organizations is that they offer opportunities for continuing his education. To truly hone your skills as a professional, Luke Buchanan believes you should attend as many continuing education programs as possible. Every class offers some new insight into the workings of your industry that can help you get ahead of your competitor. Having new and up-to-date credentials can also help you to advance within your industry.

Luke Buchanan also sees joining a professional organization as a way to make friends with people whom you have something in common with. Being able to talk about work is a great icebreaker, Luke Buchanan finds. From there, it can be easy to build meaningful friendships that extend beyond the professional realm. Professional societies often offer social events for just this reason.