Having a good understanding of the specificities of the industry you are aiming at is a crucial element of a successful job search. It will help you target the right companies, tailor your cover letter, and prepare for your job interviews. It is especially true when you move to a new country.
In this process, professional associations are a great source of critical insights and should not be overlooked in your career search. You should scroll through their list of members is an effective way to find potential employers to contact. Their websites are usually overflowing with information such as key market figures, current hot topics in the industry, and calendars of business events and conferences. It will be useful for organizing your networking strategy. Many professional associations even have their own job boards. It is making identifying and contacting local trade associations a crucial part of your job search. Additionally, they are an excellent resource to find out if you need to have a specific certification or diploma to work in their respective industry.
To help you speed up your research, we have listed below a few professional associations and not-for-profit organizations based in British Columbia.
The Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia and Yukon
CPHR BC & Yukon includes more than 6,000 members: CEOs, VPs, directors of HR, HR generalists, HR advisors, consultants, educators, students, and small-business owners in BC, and the Yukon. This professional association offers notably professional development and networking opportunities.
CPA BC
The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) is the training, governing, and regulatory body for over 36,000 CPA members and 5,000 CPA students.
Association of BC Forest Professionals
The Association of BC Forest Professionals is responsible for registering and regulating British Columbia's professional foresters and forest technologists. With more than 5,300 members. It is the largest professional forestry association in Canada.
DigiBC
DigiBC is the Interactive & Digital Media Industry Association of British Columbia. This non-profit organization represents the creative tech sector, which is made up of the video games and interactive, visual effects, animation, and digital creative and marketing industries.
Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia
This is the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of British Columbia. Individuals licensed by Engineers and Geoscientists BC are the only persons permitted by law to undertake and assume responsibility for engineering and geoscience projects in BC. This not-for-profit organization has 34,000 members.
BC Tech
The BC Tech Association represents technology companies across British Columbia, from start-ups to established businesses. It delivers programs and services, including professional development and networking to help members connect and promote their businesses.
College of Pharmacists of British Columbia
Founded in 1891, the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia licenses and regulates pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and the pharmacies where they practice.
Creative BC
Established by the provincial government, Creative BC provides professional expertise and business support to strengthen BC's motion picture, interactive digital, music, and publishing sectors.
LifeSciences BC
LifeSciences BC is a not-for-profit, non-government, industry association that supports and represents the life sciences community of British Columbia. It ranges from biopharmaceuticals and medical technology to digital health and medical devices.
The Project Management Institute
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is dedicated to promoting professionalism in the practice of project management. It provides project management education, mentorship, networking, knowledge, and support to practitioners and organizations. The Canadian West Coast Chapter PMI has over 2,100 members.
For a more exhaustive list of professional associations, you can visit the website of the BC Chamber of Commerce or British Columbia's local government information hub, CivicInfo BC.
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