What benefits do professional associations offer new members and how are these groups adapting to today’s realities? What challenges are emerging for them? These questions were among the topics discussed at a breakfast colloquium reported in a local newspaper last Thursday. The participants represented key Alicante and province level bodies: the Alicante College of Official Physicians, led by President Herman Schwarz; the College of Economists, led by Treasurer Carmelo Riva; the Sanli Provincial Bar Association of Alicante (ICALI), represented by Dean Fernando Candela; the Alicante College of Property Managers, led by Maria del Mar Rodriguez; and the Alicante College of Nursing, headed by Montserrat Angulo.
The central purpose of professional associations is to serve the university and society at large. Associations protect the public and help regulate the profession, safeguarding standards and shielding the public from unqualified practice. As one elder statesman noted, these organizations are there to protect society by keeping professional standards intact.
During the gathering, a significant issue highlighted was how to educate new university graduates about the value of professional affiliation and why joining matters. The discussion underscored a shared belief: engagement with the profession begins during studies and continues after graduation, as associations aim to guide newcomers with clarity about what membership provides.
In addressing the question of member benefits, moderator Carmen Lizán, head of the INFORMATION Extras section, asked what is offered to new members. The dialogue revealed a spectrum: compulsory membership in some professions and voluntary participation in others. Yet across the board, there was a clear consensus on how important it is to connect recent graduates with the opportunities and advantages of belonging.
“This is one of the major challenges for professional associations. We actively support young people in the Alicante Economists Association because that early guidance matters. We safeguard standards, but the number of universities is changing. We dedicate one meeting each year to youth association ideas and maintain an open door program with universities. We must work hard to promote non compulsory membership as well.”
Representatives also agreed that it is crucial for students to understand how their school works before finishing their studies. A pre-university figure from the last academic year illustrates how the bar association serves its members. The school’s role is to educate and defend the profession so that practitioners are well prepared, Candela explained.
Montserrat Angulo, president of the Alicante School of Nursing, noted that four years ago pre-university exposure allowed greater participation in activities, conferences, and training programs, enriching the early career path for nursing students and future professionals.
Rodriguez stressed that professional associations must adapt to evolving social needs. The growing complexity of society makes membership essential, and the organization provides guidance, information, and training to curb misinformation about the property management field. She highlighted a typical age profile and the importance of guiding new entrants toward a clear vocational path.
What new realities are they facing?
The digital transformation is a central reality across all professions. The health crisis accelerated this shift, and its effects are evident in every sector. Colloquium participants noted that legal work now relies more on digital processes, with meetings and proceedings increasingly held online. Digital adoption is here to stay and is reshaping daily practice.
Throughout the day, the panel explored challenges within each group. In health care, the shortage of staff remains acute. There is no current map listing the number, location, age, retirement schedule, or specialty of doctors across the country. As retirements loom, the system risks losing experienced professionals without adequate replacement planning. The need to bolster primary care and ensure adequate staffing was emphasized by the College of Physicians in Alicante.
In nursing, a structural shortage of nurses in the province was highlighted. Alicante ranks poorly among the Valencian Community provinces for nurse per capita. With retirements on the horizon, there is a risk of a job drain if public administrations do not guarantee a steady pipeline of professionals and proper compensation. The goal is to secure staffing that ensures patient safety and quality care rather than letting the system slip into under-resourcing.
Rodriguez drew attention to energy efficiency in buildings and the impact of European funds on property owners’ communities amid inflation and budget constraints. European funds can support building energy upgrades, and associations encourage these improvements while addressing accessibility issues. The emphasis is on guiding communities through the process and ensuring that properties meet modern standards while remaining financially viable.
Connected with society
During another segment, the colloquium touched on the economic situation and provincial budgeting. The Alicante Professional Association is being invited to participate in demonstrations against budget misuse and to increase visibility so that skilled professionals can contribute to solving public issues. The aim is to ensure that professional leaders work for the public good and that their expertise reaches the communities that need it most.
Candela highlighted ongoing dialogues with the community about the current economic climate. The association aims to provide clear financial education to citizens, explaining inflation and the dynamics of the market. The group recognizes that post-pandemic demand and price fluctuations have created new financial pressures for households and businesses and that professional guidance matters more than ever.