Assignment:
Describe how networking skills can improve project success.
Demonstrate integrity through the application of relevant codes of conduct and social responsibility within one profession.
Directions:
Write a 4-page essay that addresses all the below questions fully. The pages need to be fully completed with APA formatted text from margin to margin with the absolute minimum of white space. Each response must be referenced with your research.
Networking is very important for professionals in the IT industry as a way of developing one's career and in maintaining professional skills. However, not all networking opportunities are without cost. There are some very popular free professional networking sites, but there are many people who visit and use them to network. A good alternative is professional organizations and associations of industry professionals who are focused on some aspect of IT. These organizations have benefits and a clearly focused mission, but they do have membership fees. This activity looks at the trade-offs between free networking group opportunities and those that have a clearer professional focus but charge membership fees.
Many students are familiar with several business networking sites. There are also general networking sites that will allow you to network at little or no cost. On these websites you can find some assistance with networking, but they are more general in their focus.
Other social networking options involve professional groups and associations that are more focused, but also charge a membership fee in order to participate in many of the networking opportunities that may provide a better job.
Here is a potential list of organizations to research on the Internet:
· Association of Information Technology Professionals
· Association for Computing Machinery
· Network Professional Association
· TechAmericaTM
Review the membership fees and benefits associated with joining these or other professional associations related to the IT field. After reviewing both types of social network websites above, discuss the following:
1. Would the cost of becoming a member in one of the professional associations above, or that you found, provide more benefits than joining one of the free networking sites, such as LinkedIn or Monster?
2. What are the benefits of becoming a member? Fully describe those benefits.
3. Is the cost of joining any of the professional associations worth it, based on what you can see from the information on the websites you researched, when it comes to making professional contacts that can benefit your career?
4. Regarding the question immediately above - Why or why not?
5. What role can professional associations play in improving skills and project success?