We are pleased to bring you this new regular feature in Alumni News. Provided by the Office of Career Services (OCS), Career Corner will offer helpful advice on how to advance your professional development and job search. Remember, you can use the new CareerNet, established by OCS with MonsterTrak.com, to assist you in your job search for a nominal fee, or you can log onto VioletNet, http://violetnet.nyu.edu, and visit the career building center.

With a tightening job market, using all of the career resources available to you is extremely important. One of the best resources to increase your career contacts and job opportunities are the professional associations related to your field.

Professional associations are organizations that connect people in specific occupations; they provide a format for you to meet colleagues, learn about innovative programs and practices, and discuss issues relevant to your field. Most professional associations hold regularly scheduled programs, receptions and/or social events that are great networking opportunities. In addition, utilizing contacts through professional associations will help you to find out who is hiring and what you can do to increase your chances of obtaining a job in your field.

To find a professional association in your area, use an Internet search engine, such as Yahoo, and type in “professional association” and your field — “professional association for advertising,” for example. Several related professional associations will be listed and you will be well on your way to linking with others in your field.

Visit the NYU Office of Career Services online at www.nyu.edu/careerservices or call 212-998-4730 for more information.