If you come to a fork in the road, take it!' as Yogi Berra said

Here's how the Yankee player/coach's one-liner applies to professionals and their careers; see how MHMS can help you with the challenges ahead.

By -- Modern Materials Handling, 5/1/2000

As the 2000 baseball season gets underway, I am reminded of this one-liner by the famous Yankee baseball player and coach, Yogi Berra. He probably never expected his comment to be quoted in a column on professional development in the materials handling field. But it certainly fits!

In rereading the quote it makes me realize that we should take it as more than a quote. It is actually a call to action. And since we are at the beginning of a new millennium, we should heed its challenge and take the "fork" that can lead to continued career development. That's where MHMS and the Material Handling Institute can help.

Self-directed learning is a driving motor of change. And, as we all know, learning is an essential and on-going part of any profession. Research shows that 70% of workplace learning takes place informally.

Traditional learning environments are based upon classroom or passive media (paper, audio visual, video broadcasts and the like). Technology and the Internet are bringing about advanced, electronic learning media, however. This combination makes it easier for the individual to continue his or her career development, and at one's leisure.

MHMS offers multiple, self-study programs, correspondence courses, and interactive CD-ROMs that prepare the materials handling practitioner for professional certification.

The two-tier certification offered by MHMS includes the (CAMH) Certified Associate in Materials Handling and (PCMH) Professional Certified in Materials Handling. Internationally recognized, the MHMS certification program is becoming a valuable tool in the continued career development of materials handling practitioners.

Equally important is the interaction with and among individuals in your profession provided by MHMS chapters. They are located throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Chapters provide local networking opportunities, plant tours, and social activities.

Membership in an MHMS chapter is based on geographical location of the members.

The MHMS Board of Directors recently approved a new structure for MHMS membership which provides for specially focused Councils, such as the new ASRS/AGVS User Council. Membership in an MHMS council is not governed by geographical boundaries, as is the case with local chapters. Council membership provides a focused organization for materials handling specialties that do not have a society of their own. Councils hold annual, national events and conferences with nationwide attendance.

Have you come to your own professional fork in the road and don't know what to do? Take the fork! Join MHMS today and prepare yourself for the challenges that lie ahead.

Curtis, MHMS Executive Director Professional Activities is the official publication of the Materials Handling & Management Society. For membership, access the Society's home page on the World Wide Web at www.mhia.org/mhms or contact Bobbie Curtis, Executive Director of MHMS, by calling 704-676-1183. The address is 8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite #321, Charlotte, NC 28217-3935.

The Society's goals and you

The Materials Handling & Management Society (MHMS) exists to enhance the proficiency of the materials handling professional; to promote efficiency in the dissemination of knowledge concerning the field of materials handling; and to provide innovative, quality educational programs and forums for its members.