Third down and goal?

In football or in your career, you must constantly sharpen your competitive edge; continuing your professional development is vital.

By -- Modern Materials Handling, 12/1/2000

You're a materials handling professional. You have put in time and have climbed the ladder of success. And then...WHAP! You get tackled just short of your goal! Many emotions arise as you wonder how the other guy could have stopped the play that was certain to work. Why? How? Was it because the other guy was faster? More experienced? More educated?

As with anything in life, whether it is in sports or in your personal career development, you must continue to sharpen your competitive edge and not let your guard down. With ever-growing technological advances changing how we live and work, continuing your professional development is vital in helping you to level the playing field.

Most parents today are finding that their children are better educated and informed than they are as they reach adulthood. This actuality alone gives credence to the now popular slogan, "Education is the currency of the future." These children may be the very ones that tackle you just as you see your goal approaching.

There are countless excuses for not continuing your education. The most common one is that you are already pressed for time. How can you possibly fit in more time for study and learning new technologies?

The answer is through the only society for the materials handling professional. The Materials Handling & Management Society (MHMS) offers educational opportunities that can be customized to fit your schedule. MHMS members have access to self-study educational programs, which allow you to study at every opportunity, even when you are on the road. Through the Toronto Chapter you can enroll in four different correspondence courses for which you receive a certificate of achievement.

More importantly, taking advantage of these educational resources will make it possible for you to obtain professional credentials, which will underscore your credibility in the business world. Obtaining certification provides a definitive measurement for recognizing the professional who has mastered a significant body of knowledge and experience. Often, the applicant with the credentials gets the nod for the job. Or, to return to our football scenario, is the one who scores the touchdown.

MHMS offers a two-tier certification program to its members. Certification is available as a Certified Associate in Materials Handling (CAMH) and as a Professional Certified in Materials Handling (PCMH).

Take charge of your career now or you may be looking at a bumpy ride ahead professionally. Make that third down conversion! Don't settle for a field goal when you can score a touchdown!

For more information on MHMS and its educational opportunities, local chapters, networking and social events, please visit our web site at www.mhia.org/mhms , call our headquarters at 704-676-1183.