What are Learned Societies and Professional Associations?

I’m really proud to say that this week I have been voted in as a Fellow of the Linnean Society. The Linnean Society is a learned society and as a fellow I am entitled to use the letters FLS after my name.

Learned societies and professional associations are like medieval guilds, in that they are non-profit organisations intended to raise standards and help their members. For some modern professions, membership even continues to be mandatory! For example, most top accountancy positions are only available to chartered accountants who have studied accountancy and are members of one of the professional associations. There are some professions where membership of a professional society is optional but starting to become compulsory now. For example, university lecturers in the UK are often expected to work towards becoming fellows of the Higher Education Academy.

The difference between learned societies and professional associations is that learned societies are subject-specific and professional associations are profession-specific. The Modern Language Association is open to anyone in any job who is involved with the study of modern languages. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is just for surveyors, but they might be interested in surveying completely different kinds of land or structure.

For most professions, it is no longer a requirement to be a member of a professional or learned society, but it can still be a great boost for your CV. For example, if you are a grounds person, being a member of the Institute of Groundsmanship can help prove that you are up-to-date with the latest news and best-practice of the industry.

The most prestigious learned societies test their applicants, or only accept applicants who have been recommended. They grant their members post-nominal letters which they can add after their name. For example, as a fellow of the Linnean Society I can now put FLS after my name. These are especially useful societies to join because having those letters after your name in emails or on business cards and leaflets is an immediate sign to those reading that you have been recognised by others in the same profession.

Whether it is worthwhile to join a learned/professional society will depend on your career. For some it is compulsory, for some it is prestigious and useful, whereas for some it is just another cost for you to pay. However, there is usually a place to list your membership on job applications and you can also include it on fliers and business cards if you are self-employed, so if you find yourself looking for work right now, it might well be worthwhile!

Most professional and learned societies will require evidence that you have undertaken or are undertaking some formal training or education in your profession. Doing a course with the Academy for Distance Learning is a fantastic way to prove that you have been trained in your profession, and we even offer courses accredited by, for example, the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and the Royal Horticultural Society.

LEAVE A REPLY

BLOG CATEGORIES

MOST POPULAR

Easter 2025 Opening Hours

Easter Opening Hours We will close on Thursday 17th April at 4.30pm and then re- open again on Tuesday 22nd April at 9am due to the Easter break. Feel free to email as normal or leave a message on live chat or on our answerphone 01227 789649 over the weekend and we will get back

Read More »

Christmas 2024 Opening Hours

Merry Christmas, here are the ADL opening hours for Christmas 2024: Monday 23rd December – 9am to 5pm Tuesday 24th December – CLOSED Christmas eve Wednesday 25th December – CLOSED Christmas DAY Thursday 26th December – CLOSED Boxing Day Friday 27th December – CLOSED Monday 30th December – 10am -4pm Tuesday 31st December – 10am

Read More »

At ADL we focus on helping you learn! You have the opportunity to interact one to one with our tutors, so you can approach learning in whatever way and speed that best suits you. This individual service not normally found at most colleges, contributes to successful learning. You decide how you wish to receive your

Read More »

Water Gardening Site Selection

Things to Consider When Selecting Your Water Garden Location Have you ever dreamed of building a Water Garden, but just didn’t know where to start?  ADL’s online certificate course in Water Gardeng provides the necessary knowledge and skills to help you get started. The first thing is to decide on the location of your water

Read More »

SIGNUP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Scroll to Top

REQUEST A CALLBACK

To speak to one of our course advisors, please enter your name and phone number below and click the "Please Call Me" button. We will call you back as soon as possible!

By submitting this form, I provide my consent to ADL to contact me via email or telephone, regarding the course I selected. All information provided is protected in conformity with our Privacy Policy.

CONTACT US

required fields are marked with *

By submitting this form, I provide my consent to ADL to contact me via email or telephone, regarding the course I selected. All information provided is protected in conformity with our Privacy Policy.