Mining Your Experience for Career Gold

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

Thank You !

Contact Info@TechCommTodd

TechCommTodd@gmail.comTechcommtodd.tumblr.com