ADVANTAGES
Professional organizations allow for a congregation of intelligent, like-minded professionals that are immersed in the inner workings of the industry to gather and provide participants with access to a variety of opinions and ideas. Ideas will likely be exchanged for prospecting, managing funds, tax planning, estate planning and a wealth of other topics that are seldom discussed in detail in trade magazines. Another advantage of the group meeting format is the possibility that you might link up with advisors that offer different types of services. This will allow you to both pick their collective brains, and perhaps set up some sort of a mutual referral system and the potential for both parties to expand their respective commission bases. (For related reading, see Targeting Ideal Customers and Alternatives to the Cold Call.).
Another, often overlooked, advantage of joining an organization is that in some cases it will help you emerge as a community leader. For example, as a representative of a local advisors' organization, you may have the opportunity to speak about estate planning at a local nursing home. Or, you may volunteer to speak at your local community college to discuss working in the securities industry. Both opportunities will enable you to educate people, as well as develop relationships with potential clients that could mature at some point down the road. In any case, this type of publicity and willingness to educate and interact with the public could help you familiarize the community with your name.
Simply being a card-carrying member of an organization doesn't necessarily mean that you are a productive member. In order to develop your knowledge base, establish new friendships and hone your salesmanship skills, you must attend meetings regularly.
In addition, you should mingle with as many members as possible. Introducing yourself to members will enable you to learn about new aspects of the business, such as (sales) closing techniques, and new products or services that may be available. Incidentally, you'll also get a better feel for what other firms are charging for particular services, which may give you a competitive advantage in your home territory.
Lastly, consider writing articles in the organization's newsletter, or write on behalf of the organization in some other venue such as a local newspaper and/or on a well-visited website. The advantage here is not only to educate potential clients, but also to get your name in front of as many people/prospects as possible.
http://www.investopedia.com/articles/financialcareers/06/professionalorganization.asp
DISADVANTAGES
Some disadvantages of it were the financial cost that flows In and out. Because joining this kind of organization need an amount to pursue with their plan and ambitions. There organization that failed to get their aim because lack of money and other officials may use the money for their own good.
For example,in IT Business World passive loss limitations may apply that restrict the amount nonactive shareholders can deduct for tax purposes in the event of business losses. In the case of a partnership, all partners are able to deduct their share of business losses from their personal taxable income. Since most professional corporations have only active shareholders and do not experience losses, however, this tax liability is not usually an issue. The flat corporate tax rate that applies to professional corporations may be another source of disadvantage. Retaining earnings within the business will rarely make sense due to the higher tax bracket, and this may reduce the firm's flexibility in distributing income to shareholder/employees. In contrast, most regular corporations can "split income"—or adjust the amount paid out to shareholder/employees—so that both the company and the individual can gain the most favorable tax bracket possible.
http://www.answers.com/topic/professional-corporation
2. Should an IT Professional either be licensed or certified? Why or why not?
It should be licence of course, because that's the best thing that will measure if how qualified and competent he/she is...But unfortunately, nowaday's certification to IT are not obliged. Maybe there's still no established basis for body of knowledge that is usually fixed unlike other disciplines. Technology is chaging from time to time...
3. As an IT graduating students of the College, what Certification or Licensing you are aiming for? Why?
If given a chance, I would insist to aim in passing the Microsoft's A+ Certification. Why? It's the most highly and commonly dreamed certification by almost all IT enthusiasts.
