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Niche Networking for Financial Services Professionals
During a job search you want to be sure to explore all potential networking avenues and reach out to all affinity groups based on relationships you have formed through companies, schools, community, and hobbies. One of the most powerful affinity groups is a professional association for your industry and/or job function.
Most associations provide a variety of educational and networking opportunities and even job listings. By becoming a member of the community and consistently participating in meetings and events and volunteering for leadership roles, you can increase your visibility within these communities, create credibility for your professional brand, and build trust with other members of the organization.
Here are a few professional organizations for finance professionals to consider:
The FENG
www.thefeng.org is a senior-level networking group with chapters across the U.S. and in Canada, China, and London. Members have typically been Chief Financial Officers, Controllers, and Treasurers with 20+ years of experience, so be sure to check the site for specific membership requirements.Financial Executives International (FEI)
www.financialexecutives.org is a professional association for corporate finance executives. FEI enhances member professional development through peer networking, career planning services, conferences, publications, and special reports and research. Members participate in the activities of 86 chapters, 75 of which are in the U.S. and 11 in Canada.Association for Finance Professionals (AFP)
www.afponline.org is comprised of 1,600 treasury and finance professionals. They provide members with breaking news, economic research and data on the evolving world of treasury and finance, a treasury certification program, networking events, financial analytical tools, training, and public policy representation to legislators and regulators.CFA Institute
www.cfainstitute.org confers the Chartered Financial Analyst and the Certificate in Investment Performance Management designations and is a voice on global issues on fairness, market efficiency, and investor protection. The Institute is comprised of 90,000+ members and 136 societies worldwide.American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
www.aicpa.org holds educational conferences and offers a portal of resources to CPAs and people considering pursuing a CPA.Women’s Association of Venture and Equity (WAVE)
www.women-wave.org supports women who are affiliated with the private equity and venture capital industry. The organization provides a network of contacts in the private equity and venture capital industry and promotes personal and professional development of its members through events, programs, and resources.Financial Planning Association (FPA)
www.fpanet.org supports a diverse group of finance professionals including financial planners, accountants, bankers, stockbrokers, and money managers with education, conferences, and networking opportunities.Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors
www.amaaonline.com (AMAA) offers education, conferences, and resources to middle market M&A professionals.For a more comprehensive list of professional associations for finance professionals, check out Job-Hunt’s listing at http://www.job-hunt.org/associations/financialassociations.shtml.
© Copyright Barbara Safani, 2009. Used with permission.
---------------------------------------------About This Author:
Barbara Safani, owner of Career Solvers, has over twelve years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. Ms. Safani partners with both Fortune 100 companies and individuals to deliver targeted programs focusing on résumé development, job search strategies, networking, interviewing, salary negotiation skills, and online identity. Barbara is also the author of Happy About My Resume: 50 Tips for Building a Better Document to Secure a Brighter Future.