Membership in a professional organisation will matter more than ever in 2025

George Asamani, MD, Sub-Saharan Africa, Project Management Institute

It may be a cliché, but it’s true: the world of work is changing at an unprecedented pace.

As the future unfolds in real-time, evolving workplace demands mean even the most experienced professionals must keep learning. According to sources cited in PMI’s Global Megatrends 2024, nearly half of today’s workforce skills could become outdated within two years due to advancements like generative AI. This rapid evolution underscores the critical need for continuous upskilling as job requirements shift.

In this environment, upskilling and reskilling will feel like “running in place” as technologies like AI reshape industries. Professionals must continuously develop their skill sets to stay relevant. Professional organisations play a pivotal role here, equipping members with essential tools, training, and certifications to navigate ongoing changes. These organisations ensure that members can keep pace with demands, making relevance and adaptability achievable in an era of accelerating innovation.

Professional organisations are rooted in shared knowledge, mentorship, and collaboration. They allow members to develop crucial interpersonal skills, such as communication, empathy, emotional intelligence, and teamwork, through authentic connections. Through networking events, webinars, and peer learning, organisations like the Project Management Institute (PMI) foster environments where these skills are naturally honed. This structure empowers members to thrive in collaborative, fast-evolving workplaces.

The Boston Consulting Group identified human-to-human, team, and community-focused skills as the essential “skill set of the future,” spotlighting interpersonal and collaborative abilities needed in modern workplaces.

Alongside skill-building, membership-based organisations provide structured opportunities to gain industry-recognised certifications. PMI, for example, offers a range of resources like certification programs, conferences, and free online courses for students and professionals. The Project Management Professional certification, widely recognised as a gold standard, goes beyond enhancing résumés; it signals a dedication to mastering critical skills like project planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement, reinforcing a commitment to continuous learning.

Moreover, membership in a professional organisation enables powerful peer-to-peer learning. Local chapters provide spaces for members to connect, collaborate, and exchange insights on real-world challenges. This culture of shared knowledge allows professionals to learn from diverse experiences and continuously adapt and grow in an evolving job market.

Professional organisations also serve as thought leaders, offering members curated insights into global trends, emerging challenges, and the future of their industries. Through academic research, industry reports, and expert-led sessions, members gain invaluable context to stay informed on the latest trends and best practices. Access to high-quality, reliable knowledge is a distinct advantage in an era when information is plentiful but often unfiltered. With trends like AI, data analytics, and agile frameworks reshaping many sectors, they provide proactive resources and workshops, keeping members prepared and ahead of the curve.

Networking remains a valuable aspect of any career, and membership can open doors to connections with industry leaders, mentors, and peers. Professional organisations build networks beyond the surface, enabling members to share best practices, discuss industry challenges, and explore career opportunities within a trusted circle of professionals.

Events like PMI’s Global Summit Series Africa offer platforms for exchanging ideas, gaining mentorship, and building supportive networks that provide invaluable career guidance.

Membership can also boost credibility. It demonstrates a commitment to high standards and adds weight to one’s professional profile. Globally recognised certifications, such as those offered by PMI, are respected across industries and regions, giving members an edge in the competitive job market. As companies grow and expand their global footprint, certifications allow professionals to access opportunities beyond their immediate geography.

Beyond the individual benefits, professional organisations offer a sense of belonging. PMI, for instance, has a global project management community of over a million that regularly connects to share experiences, celebrate successes, and tackle industry challenges together. This shared identity is crucial for specialised roles like project management, providing motivation and satisfaction that can be hard to find in isolated or remote roles.

As a member, you are also uniquely positioned to contribute to the industry. Through volunteering, advocacy, and mentoring, members help shape the standards and practices that guide their profession. These contributions benefit the field as a whole and deepen one’s connection to their career, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

As work continues to evolve, so does the value of a professional community that supports continuous learning and growth. In 2025, if you want to stand out and advance in your career, joining a professional organisation is a powerful way to adapt and stay relevant.