Last week I introduced a process designed to help you
improve your presentation. To briefly summarize; “it’s important that we, as
individuals assess, evaluate, and improve our skill sets…we must stretch our
minds and challenge ourselves…this process keeps us moving forward, it keeps us
energized and gives us purpose; referred to as knowledge, skill sets,
abilities, and other factors, I will refer to as your ‘presentation’…what
others perceive”.
The goal of your presentation is to show a pattern of life behavior.
This pattern will improve your opportunity for landing the career of your
dreams. This week our topic of discussion is ‘Getting Involved’. For many of us
getting involved has a different meaning. For the purpose of this discussion we
will define getting involved as putting forth an ongoing effort that will
contribute to the benefit of others.
One of the biggest impacts in my life wasn’t something that
affected me directly, it was something that affected others directly. A few
years ago I was introduced to the founder of The Space Station museum. We
shared a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM),
space exploration, and statistics. As our friendship developed, he invited me
to see a project that he was developing; The Space Station museum. I was immediately
able to see the connection and identify in what ways I could contribute to the
museums mission and vision. I have been a volunteer and board member ever
since.
Getting involved gets you out into your community. It helps projects
develop in areas that might not ever develop. More importantly, it has a
positive impact to those that use the service or program. In the case of The
Space Station museum, its purpose is to support the education of K-12, college,
elderly, and the community at large. It also attracts tourism and builds community
connections. The impact of The Space Station museum goes beyond measure. For
example, I personally met and provided a tour of the artifacts in the museum to
several groups from local schools. I could see the light in children’s eyes as
they filled up with amazement and inspiration. I could almost see them
imagining what it would be like to walk in space or on the moon. The
possibility that one of those children could be inspired to develop the next technology
and improve our lives in ways that we never imagined is fantastic!
When you decide to take action and get involved, do it with
something that you love and enjoy. For example, if you’re passionate about
developing, maintaining and reinventing websites then I recommend that you get
involved by asking a local technology teacher if you could be their assistant.
The key here is to volunteer. Do not accept any payment for your time as it
would defeat the purpose of getting involved. Instead, offer to work two hours
every Tuesday, and watch how your support begins to benefit others in ways that
you might not ever realize.
The next step is to incorporate your volunteer work into
your resume. By including your volunteer efforts in your resume you will convey
a message to potential employers that you’re not only passionate about
developing websites, but you’re equally passionate about getting involved with
your community. This sends a message to recruiters and hiring managers that you
care about others and that you enjoy what you do so much that you’re willing to
donate your time. This act of selflessness is part of your presentation.
Next week we will discuss how to contribute to others who
share the same passion.
Author: Dr. Eduardo Diaz, helping you exceed expectations.
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