Starting a career is a significant milestone, and choosing the right company can greatly influence your professional development. At Association Management Strategies (AMS), we believe that a successful career is built on diverse opportunities, growth, and a supportive environment. Here’s why AMS is an ideal place for ambitious professionals to kickstart their careers.
Diverse Work Experience
One of AMS’s standout features is the exposure to a wide range of industries. With 25 clients spanning 17 different sectors, the work is consistently varied, offering young professionals the chance to explore multiple roles across industries. This diversity allows you to discover your passions and strengths early on, as each client presents unique challenges and learning opportunities.
For instance, in just one client project, I’ve worked on event planning teams, handled database administration, spearheaded marketing campaigns, designed websites, and more. Another client provided experience in member support, social media management, graphic design, and trade show exhibitions. This wide-ranging exposure acts as a crash course in professional development, equipping me with a broad skill set I never would have imagined when I started nearly 2 years ago.
My experience as a young professional at AMS is not unique. Glenn McDonell, who has been with AMS since 2023, shares a similar sentiment: “I have certainly benefited from the wide scope of professional opportunities that have become available to me while serving on client teams at AMS. The range of different ways the industry associations I work with leverage their partnership with AMS challenges me to develop new skill sets and guarantees I’ll encounter new work experiences as their needs continue to evolve.”
Career Flexibility
AMS offers exceptional career flexibility, allowing you to explore various roles and responsibilities as your skills and interests evolve. You aren’t confined to a single role or client; instead, you can pivot to new positions within the organization without the stress of job hunting or job security concerns. This flexibility ensures that your work remains engaging and aligned with your professional goals.
Additionally, AMS values work-life balance, offering flexible hours and remote work options. This adaptability makes it easier to balance personal commitments with professional ambitions, creating a work environment that supports both personal and career growth.
Investment in Employee Growth
AMS is deeply committed to employee development. In 2023, AMS employees logged nearly 900 hours of professional development, with the company actively seeking out valuable resources to enhance employee growth. One such resource is LinkedIn Learning, provided to every employee to encourage continuous skill enhancement. Another resource is AMS’s membership to The Center for Association Leadership (ASAE), the premier source of learning for the association profession. AMS staff have the benefit of the many resources ASAE offers.
AMS also runs a Mentorship Program that pairs senior employees with junior staff, offering invaluable guidance and learning opportunities. This program has been a crucial part of my development, allowing me to learn from some of the most experienced professionals in the field. AMS’s investment in employee growth reflects its dedication to helping staff thrive in their careers.
Company Culture
Despite having a geographically dispersed workforce, AMS has excelled in fostering a strong, inclusive company culture. The company uses group chats, annual in-person events, and active committees to create a sense of community and engagement among employees.
The AMS Watercooler Chat replaces in-person socializing, while groups like Pets of AMS, DEI Digest, and AMS Gamers facilitate bonding over shared interests. Additionally, AMS encourages the creation of new group chats based on affinity groups, promoting relationship building and networking.
These events provide opportunities to connect with colleagues face-to-face, learn from each other, and build lasting professional relationships. AMS’s commitment to a strong company culture, even in a remote environment, makes it a unique and supportive place to work.
Conclusion
Choosing the right company to start your career is crucial for long-term success and fulfillment. At AMS, we offer a dynamic environment where you can explore diverse roles, develop new skills, and grow both personally and professionally. Our commitment to employee development, flexible work opportunities, and a vibrant company culture makes AMS the perfect place for ambitious professionals to begin their careers.
By: Shawn Thompson
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