Professional Knowledge and Abilities
To have a successful professional career, one must earn it through years of hard work, determination, and commitment. Sustaining a successful career involves the same amount of hard work. Individuals, who constantly seek out ways to expand his or her knowledge and increase their skills, will most likely have a long, rewarding, and fruitful career. Many professional organizations are devoted to the advancement of their specific field; providing a wide range of subject matter, which allows the professional to gain the knowledge and skills required for career success. The American Psychological Association (APA) is such an organization.
American Psychological Association
Brief Overview
The American Psychological Association (APA) is based in the nation’s capital and encompasses more than 150,000 members in the United States, making it the largest association of psychologists in existence today. The mission of APA is to discovery innovative ways to improve and apply new knowledge, methods, and procedures in the ever-changing field of psychology, while helping the lives of individuals and society in general. The APA works persistently to be the center of innovation, deliberation, education, defenders of policy change, and activists of daily life. The APA is the number one source for students, consultants, doctors, and experts to advance their knowledge and skills (American Psychological Association, 2009).
Increased Knowledge and Abilities
One of the central commitments of the APA is the scientific and professional development of psychology and psychologists. They offer countless resources for attaining knowledge and refining skills to its members, no matter their specific field. According to career resources from the American Psychological Association (2009), “APA is dedicated to supporting the individual career aspirations of its members, and offers a full range of publications,...