Hi, Sabina:

My two cents' is somewhat similar to sungoddess.  I do not have a CPS, and although I pondered getting one, I feel my time and money would be better invested into getting an MBA.  My advice:  invest that year or more of study into getting a college degree or an advanced degree.  The payoff, in the long run, will be far greater, even though it will be a lot more work.  I make excellent money, and because (like Uncle Buck's hat) just the sight of my salary angers some people, I will not post it.  LOL  



As far as IAAP membership, though, I think Robbie is right.  If you are interested in gaining a support group, go for it.  Study out the different chapters available to you, though, and join the one best suited to your needs/interests.  If you are the outgoing type and serious about meeting other women who can help you and you can help them, it is great.  I certainly wouldn't join it mainly for the monthly "educational" opportunities, though, because my experience has been that you could find most of the advice given rather quickly by yourself and save yourself the time and energy.  You'd be better off buying a book on the topics you're most interested in.  



My only problem with IAAP is I know that the membership is aging, just like the population on the whole, and if you don't want to be an administrative professional the rest of your working life, there may be other organizations which will be better for you to join.  Plan on the average member age being about 40, from what I've observed.  Of course, this will vary from chapter to chapter, but probably not much from what I've heard from friends.  You'll just have to weigh out the pros and cons for you.  Best wishes - GE.  



P.S.  I would highly recommend the IAAP publication "Office Pro," though, for up-to-date info and helpful tips.  I think a subscription to that is about $24/year.