By Tom Musbach, Yahoo! HotJobs

The Beatles' classic hit "A Little Help from My Friends" could be the theme song for most professional organizations and employee affinity groups at several large companies. But such groups -- organized around race, shared interests or sexual orientation -- often do more than help members "get by" : They are a key for boosting careers.

We asked several members of African American employee and professional groups to reflect on the advantages they've experienced.

Moving Up While Making Friends

Vernon Doswell, senior vice president of national accounts for Wells Fargo Financial Leasing, benefited from his company's resource group, Checkpoint, when he was transferred to a city where he didn't have a support network.

"I am now in a position where I can help other people succeed by mentoring and providing access to high-level decision makers," he says of his current involvement with the group.

Barbara L. Thomas, a past president and CEO of the National Black MBA Association, credits the group with advancing her career and personal growth.

"I've met and worked with some of the most well-respected and talented minds in the business world, across industries and disciplines," she says. "And the camaraderie of being affirmed by other African American businesspeople helps fortify and inform you for whatever work you do, whether in the corporate world or as an entrepreneur."

Rewards for All

The individuals interviewed for this article also highlighted common benefits for all group members.

• Networking: "There is a lot of power in the networking opportunities provided by employee groups," says Doswell. "This networking system can make sure that more diverse candidates see job postings and career opportunities."
   
• Support: "In preparation for interviewing for a position that might come up, these groups can provide honest feedback for team members in a way that is more inviting than the traditional supervisor/subordinate relationship," Doswell explains.
   
• Professional Development: Group members often participate in business issues outside the scope of their jobs. "Through this involvement, they develop leadership and analytical experiences that broaden their professional skill sets," says Sonja Whitemon, manager of corporate communications for American Airlines.
   
• Education and Mentorship: "The National Association of Black Accountants provides its members with scholarships that advance their education, and we provide exposure to senior-level managers for mentoring," says Gwendolyn D. Skillern, a past president and CEO of the group. 
   
• Advocacy: "These groups have helped influence government decisions affecting the workplace, including hiring practices, promotions, employee relations, work environments, diversity and inclusion," says Farrell Chiles, chairman of the board of Blacks in Government.

A Sense of Mission

Chiles adds to the mix another membership benefit that is less tangible, but perhaps the most rewarding.

"The experience itself is invaluable, both personally and professionally," he says. "Making a positive difference in the lives of others through leadership, advocacy or services -- and being part of the 'solution' -- is the greatest benefit of all."