By Kendall McKinnon
It feels good to give back to your community by getting involved with nonprofits. But getting involved comes with benefits beyond personal fulfillment; it also has potential to level up your career.
When Victoria Belton, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Trenholm State Community College, moved back to Montgomery at the start of her career, she needed an avenue to get involved in her city again and turned to volunteering. Through her service, she found not only the reconnection she was searching for, but also an abundance of other benefits.
Belton began with Emerge Montgomery, an organization connecting young professionals with the city and with one another. “Opportunities were endless — we were in rooms with CEOs and other community and business leaders. That was my foot in the door that helped propel my volunteer career,” said Belton.
Continue Your Professional Development Develop New Skills Getting Involved & Getting Ahead
Delbert Madison, Senior Vice President of Treasury Management Sales at ServisFirst Bank, is a great example of how one can found a career on having a servant heart. Madison has worked in banking for 24 years, and his volunteer service is an extension of his vast knowledge.
“What I\’m able to do is use my area of expertise to help make an impact,” said Madison.
His community contributions, beginning with his participation in Leadership Montgomery, are now mostly board leadership positions. According to Madison, to serve on a board is to “be an extension of those different organizations, representing them in the community.” That involvement opens the door to collaboration, making every meeting and interaction an opportunity for career growth.
Develop New Skills
In this space, Belton heard new perspectives and built her professional confidence by standing on what she believes in. She also developed her leadership abilities and organizational skills while building a network. It all led to her eventual appointment on various boards in leadership positions.
“It\’s having that heart for people — that\’s how it impacted me with my career goals, as well as my professional development. Leadership just kind of came from being a volunteer having the servant heart,” said Belton.
Keep Things Interesting
Anita Carter, Vice President of Residential Development and Marketing at Jim Wilson & Associates, has found variety through volunteering her time. Carter has worked for the same real estate company for 34 years and served on boards for much of that time.
“Volunteering has really helped me grow and reach out into the community,” said Carter.
Sometimes a career can cause tunnel vision, so volunteering is a great way to shake things up and get out of your comfort zone. Stepping outside of what you know offers opportunities for growth on a personal and professional level.
“Professionally, it also has helped me grow in my everyday work life — communicating, working with others, inspiring and empowering others within our office and exposing other people to the things that are happening in the community.
To The Point: Win-Win-Win
Helping community organizations fulfill their missions enhances where you live and work, it’s personally rewarding AND provides valuable professional development opportunities, including:
• Leadership experience
• Networking opportunities
• Community connections
• Improved organization skills
• Opportunities for passion projects
Step In To Step Up
Here’s how to get involved in the right way and move into leadership roles:
Find your passion: You want to find an organization whose mission and vision align with your passion. Make a list of causes you care about. Ask yourself where you find meaning and follow that impulse.
Consider your time: Ask yourself if your life is balanced. What are your priorities? How much time do you have to give? You may have room for one cause or several. Choose based on your own circumstances, and don’t overdo it — you don’t want to be a burned-out volunteer.
Make connections: Reach out to the organizations on your list for volunteer opportunities. Start serving in the ways that best suit your abilities, schedule and passion. In time, you may take an interest in leadership opportunities. With your connections and a positive track record established, you could be in a great position to step up.
