6 reasons why joining your professional association is a must for podiatry students
29 Oct 2024
As a podiatry student, you’re embarking on a fulfilling journey in a highly specialised field of allied healthcare. One essential step you can take to enhance your education and future career is to join a professional association (like the APodA!), dedicated to your chosen area of interest.
Read on for six compelling reasons why joining your professional association as a student member is a must for podiatry students.
1. Networking opportunities
Becoming a member of your professional association provides a platform to connect with established practitioners, fellow students and industry leaders. These connections can lead to mentorship opportunities, job placements, and future collaborations that can enrich your learning experience and professional development.
2. Access to dedicated resources
A benefit of membership provides access to a wealth of resources, including research journals, educational materials, and clinical guidelines. Staying updated with the latest advancements and best practices in podiatry is crucial for your future success, and these resources are invaluable in that pursuit.
3. Continuing education
CPD & events such as workshops, webinars, and conferences that focus on current trends and techniques in podiatry are constantly being released. Engaging in these educational opportunities not only enhances your skills but also demonstrates your commitment to lifelong learning—a critical aspect of any healthcare profession.
4. Advocacy and representation
Professional associations play a significant role in advocating for the interests of practitioners at local, state, and national levels. By joining, you contribute to a collective voice that can influence policy decisions, funding, and regulations affecting the practice of podiatry.
5. Career development support
From graduate job listings, practices and items for sale, professional associations provide resources specifically tailored to help students transition into the workforce. The APodA has partnered with the Australasian Council of Podiatry Deans (ACPD) to develop a Careers Toolkit to help you promote the highly rewarding and diverse career podiatry has to offer. Learn more here.
6. Building a professional identity
Being part of a professional association helps you establish a sense of belonging and identity within the podiatry community. It reinforces your commitment to the field and sets a foundation for your professional reputation.
Did you know?
Student membership with the APodA is FREE and includes an upgrade to a graduate member once you receive your Ahpra registration also free up to 30 June 2025.
Here’s what else you get as a student or graduate member:
- 10x free webinars each year plus access to our webinar library (over 150 recorded webinars) – all completely FREE.
- Graduate resources, including our Graduate Handbook which has everything you need to know to get you started in your professional career – completely FREE.
- Professional indemnity and products and public liability insurance with our insurance partners BMS – also FREE (up to 30 June 2025).
- Member discounts to events, conferences and workshops – you do not want to miss the Australian Podiatry Conference on the Gold Coast in June 2025. This is Australia’s premier event with over 1,000 delegates from across the country plus a massive trade exhibition and unforgettable networking events.
- Member exclusive resources such as guidelines, templates and promotional material.
- Professional updates that include research, publications, news updates and more.
- Join our member exclusive Facebook Groups to connect with other podiatrists across Australia.
From networking and resources to advocacy and career development, the benefits of membership are significant. Embrace this opportunity to enhance your education and future in podiatry by becoming an active member of your professional community.