Professional Knowledge and Abilities
Tammy Prescott
GEN/200
August 30, 2010
Akeisha Walker

Professional Knowledge and Abilities
Professional knowledge and abilities often determines a person’s career success. Many jobs today are requiring college degrees, even for positions that did not require it in the past. People must continue to achieve higher levels of education and skills to be competitive in the workforce. By developing personal skills and increasing professional knowledge, people are more likely to reach their professional goals. The skill and knowledge that one develops are an essential for career success. “The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) is a not-for-profit, international organization of information security professionals and practitioners. It provides educational forums, publications and peer interaction opportunities that enhance the knowledge, skill, and professional growth of its members. The primary goal of the Information Systems Security Association is to promote management practices that will guarantee the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information resources” (ISSA Information and Systems Securities Association, 2010). The Information Systems Security Association promotes the education and expands the knowledge and skills of its members. Members exchange free information on security techniques and problem-solving. All members are kept up-to-date on current events in information and security through communication provided by the Information Systems Security Association. The importance of establishing controls necessary to guarantee the secure organization and use of information processing resources is convey to management by the Information Systems Security Association. Members will have access to E-Newsletters and monthly Information Systems Security Association Journals through the ISSA website. By attending chapter meetings and Information Systems Security Association Web Conferences one will have the opportunity to earn credits for Continuing Professional Education (CPE). By volunteering to join committees offered by the Information Systems Security Association, members have access to leadership opportunities in the security industry. Members can collaborate with other members through a trusted online professional networking site to gain knowledge, skills, and gain new perspectives. Becoming a member of the Information Systems Security Association is an effective way to increase my professional knowledge and abilities. I will be able to enhance my skills through the educational forums, publications and interacting with people in the information security field. Membership in the Information Systems Security Association will allow me to exchange information on security techniques and problem-solving. This will increase my knowledge and will benefit me in the workplace. The knowledge in many fields is increasing every year and one’s personal interest and needs are changing constantly. Knowledge is power and the more knowledge that I have, the further I will be able to go whether it is in my personal or professional life.
Conclusion
One should never stop learning crucial life skills that will make one a more valuable employee and a better person. Striving to be a lifelong learner and this will allow one to achieve success with one’s growing career and personal goals. Self-awareness and understanding of one’s learning style and the strategies that suit that style best will also help one to succeed in the workforce and the in the world. Self-awareness and understanding of leaning styles along with becoming a member of a professional association will help one gain knowledge, values and ethics that one will be able to use throughout his or her professional career.

References
Carter, C., Bishop, J., & Kravits, S. L. (2007). Keys to College Studying: Becoming An Active Thinker, 2e (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
ISSA Information and Systems Securities Association. (2010). Retrieved from https://www.issa.org/