mining your experience for career gold
TRANSCRIPT
Mining Your Experience for Career Gold
Todd DeLuca@TechCommTodd
About the Speaker
• Master’s Degree in Tech Comm • Technical Communicator for 15
Years (Software Development)• Manage team of Tech Writers• Active STC Volunteer
- Presenter & Speaker - Past Chapter President (Philadelphia Metro)
What is Volunteering ?
• Helping out or stepping forward to assist.
• A promise that is a commitment when initiated.
• Completed promise fulfills commitment and builds trust.
Result is contribution to a greater good, which is recognized by others and leaves a positive impression.
Where Can You Climb?Volunteer Opportunities• Charitable groups• Professional society• Church• School• Sports• Clubs• Work
What Can You Offer ?• Time = Stand in for others
(temporary fill in)• Effort = Extra pair of hands
(more horsepower)• Information = Share
knowledge (document info)• Expertise = Skills and
experience (mentor or train)
What are Some Steps ?Sample Volunteer Activities• Fund raising• Proposal writing• Event promotion• Leadership• Community outreach• Social committees• Email marketing• Blogging and Website Help• Client engagement
What can you learn ? Sample Volunteer Skills• Leadership• Project Management• Event Management • Marketing and Promotion
Learn in a ‘safe’ environment while others assist, provide guidance, and share their own experiences.
Rewards & Benefits• Meet new people = relationships
and friendships• Greater exposure = recognition at
work or in community• Skills and experience = career
options and advancement• Satisfaction = it feels good to help,
learn, or grow
RisksThings to Consider• Unfamiliarity
(Others will help you)• Losing focus
(Prioritize your day job)• Not having experience
(You’ll learn on the job)• Meeting expectations
(People are glad to have you)• Overcommitting
(Sign up for what you can handle)
How Do You Start ?Steps to Begin• Raise your hand• Step forward• Ask ‘Can I Help?• Say ‘Yes’• Look for opportunities• Just do it!
Note: The percentage of people who actively participate is low, so just by volunteering you’ve already set yourself apart.
Tips and SuggestionsRecord Your Activities• Add ‘Volunteering’ to resume• Update LinkedIn Profile• Add Projects• Add Summaries • Add ‘Volunteer and Causes’ section
Share Your Accomplishments - Let others know you’re involved - Spread word on social media to help the
groups and causes you care about and support
ExamplesSTC or Club Activities• Chapter work
(as contributor, co-chair or leader)• Speaking work• Committee involvement• Promotion work• Event help• Social media or website support
Charitable Activities or Hobbies - Fund raising - Photography - Website design
