Last week the 2019 Younger Member Leadership Forum descended on ASCE's new DC office. On top of their advocacy activities, they met to discuss issues important to them. One of these issues was how to get their employers to fund professional activities.
As an experienced executive in both the public and private sectors, I have faced this decision many times. The first thing to realize is that such expenditures are a value proposition for employers. It is incumbent on employees to approach management not only with a request but to back it up with the value such expenditures will bring to the organization. A few of my examples:
1. My organizations supported paying membership dues for associations (such as ASCE) relevant to the employee's duties, but required them to be active in those associations. Membership in committee work, consistent attendance in local events and writing papers or giving presentations at local and state conferences or seminars are good examples of what was required to sustain their paid memberships. The value to the organization is employee development, bringing new ideas or technology to the organization and networking with clients and potential clients.
2. Sponsorships of activities at seminars or conferences, or payment for exhibit booths required more value based decision making. The value of public relations, branding and supporting client initiatives are good reasons for such investments. When I was a utility director, we purchased booths at The County Fair, for instance, to promote water conservation and to be visible in a positive manner to our customers.
Would anyone like to share their experience or advice on how they persuaded their organizations to pay for association activities?
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Bevin Beaudet P.E., M.ASCE
President/Owner
Bevin A. Beaudet, P.E., LLC.
West Palm Beach FL
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