Grow your career with IABC/BC today by taking advantage of our programming and event offerings. From networking and professional development events to certification, awards, and mentorship we offer lots of opportunities to build your skills, network with like-minded professionals and get recognition for your talents.
Make connections
Most of our members have stories to tell about how they landed that job or contract – or series of jobs/contracts – through IABC connections.
Another reason to build your network with IABC/BC? We are a diverse and welcoming community. Some of our members have been around for many years and many are just starting out. Just come out to one of our networking events and you’ll see we’re passionate, smart, and fun…just. like Like you!
Read IABC/BC member stories here.
Develop your skills
Professional development events
We offer informal and formal (but never stuffy!) events on topics our members tell us they want to learn about. There’s favourable member pricing and each event offers an opportunity for networking on top of nitty gritty skills and info.
Special Interest Groups (SIGS)
As well as our formal professional development events, IABC/BC’s unique Special Interest Group (SIG) meetings focus on specialized areas of communication such as digital strategy and internal comms. SIGs are an instant network of peers and a great place to swap insights into communication challenges and triumphs. Don’t see a SIG of interest to you? Work with us to set up your own!
Mentorship
Whether you need a mentor or want to be a mentor, we have formal and informal programs to suit you.
Our notable Gift of Communication program puts together teams of communicators to help selected non-profits in our local community on communication projects. Mentees learn from some of the province’s top communicators, and mentors enjoy find it refreshing to step out of the day-to-day to share their expertise with junior communicators, and contribute to the community. We think of Gift of Communication as a win/win/win.
We also offer speed mentoring opportunities throughout the year.
Volunteering – “give back” to get the most from your membership
The old saying “you get what you give” is so true when it comes to your IABC/BC membership. The more you become involved in the Chapter the more benefits you will get. Volunteers make our chapter tick… and our cadre of enthusiastic volunteers take home the prize every time – as measured by an expanded network, enhanced skills, a beefed up resume and fun experiences. We can’t offer any of our programming or hold any of our events without volunteers to help us. Whether you can only spare an hour or two of your time or can commit to a bigger role, there are always advertised (and non-advertised) opportunities available. Learn more about volunteering.
Find new job opportunities
Whether you’re looking for a new job or looking for a star performer to join your team, you’ve come to the right place. Jobline, our job posting service, connects employers with communications related jobs in Vancouver (and across BC) to the candidates who have the right skills and experience.
Get recognized for your work
Certification
The new certification program is a terrific way to show you mean business – in every sense. The new program offers four levels of professional certification for communications professionals, two of which are currently available. Becoming certified allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise, and provide evidence of your outstanding abilities. Maintaining your certification gives you a structured way to stay fresh and relevant.
Certification isn’t restricted to members. And wherever you go across the globe, the letters behind your name mean that you adhere to IABC’s Global Standard for strategic communication.
Awards & celebrations
Do you want your great work to be recognized? IABC offers a series of awards programs that celebrate achievement, from the local to the global stage.
At IABC/BC, our chapter Wave Awards recognizes the people behind the great work that happens in our chapter. Silver Leaf is Canada’s national IABC awards program, recognizing excellence in communication management, research, education and skills. Gold Quill is IABC’s annual international awards program that celebrates the best, most innovative, creative and impactful communication work throughout the world.
And the best part? As an IABC/BC chapter member, you’ll regularly rub shoulders with the best of the best – quite literally. Our members bring home the hardware every year – and winners modestly share the limelight and generously share their expertise with the rest of the community.
Be part of a global community
The benefits of an IABC/BC membership don’t stop at a local level. As a member of an international association you also have access to:
- Webinars and publications from IABC international put members in touch with industry thought leaders.
- Regional and international events bring members together to learn, discuss, debate and connect.
- Join the HUB to meet and chat to members all over the world
- Contribute, learn and lead at every level – from chapter through regional right up to international.
- The IABC Global Standard guides communicators around the world.
Won’t you join us?
Sign up for our newsletter, come on out to an event, or jump right in and join IABC. Want to connect right away? Get in touch with our member services director at members at iabc.bc.ca. We’d love to hear from you!
