"There is some great information being presented by others on the larger Catalyst post. A discussion board such as this is so valuable in helping others with information and making decisions, raising the excellence of our EHS profession and IH professions who valiantly serve and contribute!
Catalyst is a great forum to share, and all should be encouraged to use it. And hats off to those who are actively engaged and prolific contributors.
"R.A. (Bob) Nocco, DABT, CIH, RRPT, CSP, CFPS
Catalyst is AIHA’s exclusive online community where you can network, talk to experts, join a conversation with people who share your interests, and find what you need throughout your journey with AIHA. Learn, share ideas, and be heard on Catalyst now!
5 Reasons Why You Should Join Catalyst
1. Networking opportunities
Catalyst is a 24/7 networking opportunity. You can join a forum, start interacting with people and, voila…you are networking! Being active in discussions helps you get your name out there. If you reply to conversation threads, those involved in the dialogue will remember you and will be more accessible when you approach them for something. Also, if people find your ideas or solutions helpful, they will try to reach you out…see, networking!
2. Source of inspiration
Do you need a new idea about how to approach a tough issue? Do you have an idea but first you want to test its viability? Catalyst is the place to be. It allows you to measure the pulse of what's happening in your field of work. And you know, the more people participate in the forum discussions, the higher the chances for you to gain new ideas.
3. Expand your knowledge
School, courses, and webinars aren't the only places where you can become more knowledgeable. Because AIHA members who are active on Catalyst come from different walks of life, the forums are like a mine of information. Peeking through the various conversations, you will see that some people have the same questions as you, but there are also people who have answers or solutions to those questions. BAM! Something that would have taken you weeks (and a few failed attempts) to figure out became a very easy lesson learned on Catalyst.
4. Mentorship
You are someone new in the field of industrial hygiene, and you would like to have a mentor. Someone who can provide an answer to the difficult issues that you are facing on the job, about your career pathway, etc. Someone who can guide you in avoiding some mistakes (only some of them, because errors are often a good way to learn) and help you become successful. That's what you will find with Catalyst. With over 8000 members (did we mention from all walks of life?) you are bound to find peers who have been in your shoes before and are always willing to take under their wings the new generation of industrial hygienists. And if you are someone with more than a few years of experience in IH, Catalyst provides you with an opportunity to mentor the new generation of IHs. Win-win.
5. Building strong relationships
Catalyst is a great way to form new relationships. It is a vibrant community, with health and safety specialists, occupational nurses, students, university professors, and so forth. Here you might find your next hire, the lead to your dream job or an excellent recommendation for that company you have been eyeing. Anything is possible… all you have to do is build good relationships with your peers. And the great news is that relationship building is pretty easy: 1) become an active participant in the discussions; 2) network and engage with the other members; 3) be helpful to a peer in need and you will be well on your way to building a strong relationship (or a friendship…or both!).
Ready for all that Catalyst has to offer?
First you have to be an AIHA member. Join now and begin creating connections and networking today! If you already are a member continue your conversations on Catalyst here.