During career transitions, many professional women focus solely on job applications and traditional networking events. While these are important, community engagement offers a unique opportunity to build meaningful relationships while making a real difference.
The Power of Purpose-Driven Connection
According to LinkedIn's 2023 Volunteer Study, 85% of hiring managers value volunteer experience, particularly noting the authentic relationships that develop through shared purpose.¹ This makes sense. When we come together to serve others, we naturally connect with like-minded professionals who share our values.
As a career coach, I often recommend that clients volunteer in their local communities while navigating career transitions. Beyond professional connections, volunteering provides structure and purpose during the (often stressful) job search process. And, it offers the deeply satisfying feeling of contributing to causes we care about.
Creating Meaningful Connections Through Service
The Stanford Social Innovation Review found that professionals who choose service experiences that align with their interests are three times more likely to develop valuable relationships.² Here's how to maximize these opportunities:
Start with Purpose
What causes matter to you? Whether it's mentoring children, caring for seniors, or raising money for an animal shelter, your genuine passion will attract others who share your values and create authentic connections. Visit VolunteerMatch.org to find opportunities that align with your interests and schedule.
Contribute Consistently
The Corporation for National Community Service reports that regular engagement, even just a few hours per month, leads to stronger professional relationships than occasional participation.³ This consistency helps you develop deeper connections while maintaining momentum in your career journey.
Leverage Your Expertise
Offer your professional skills and talents to organizations that need them. What are you really good at - and enjoy doing? Your awesome ability to organize, raise money, prepare meals, analyze data, research, and more, are super valuable - and much-needed! Donating your strengths to worthy causes can build and sharpen your abilities while connecting with others in meaningful ways.
Let's Keep Growing!
Community engagement provides a powerful way to expand your professional network while making real impact. Through genuine connection, you can maintain career momentum while creating positive change for others.
Ready to transform community connections into meaningful professional relationships?
Claim your complimentary Professional Connection Guide at https://www.inspiretoexcel.com/careertool until Feb 28, 2025. Discover how to leverage your authentic style to build valuable relationships through purposeful engagement!
About the Author
Dr. Erica Walls empowers women at mid-career crossroads to achieve authentic success. As owner and CEO of Inspire to Excel, she combines proven career development strategies with heart-centered guidance to help women clarify and pursue meaningful work.
¹ LinkedIn's 2023 Volunteer Study found that volunteer experience particularly impresses hiring managers when candidates can articulate the relationships and skills developed through service.
² Stanford Social Innovation Review: "The Professional Impact of Community Service" (2024) revealed that alignment between personal interests and volunteer work creates stronger, more lasting professional connections.
³ Corporation for National Community Service: "Volunteer Engagement Patterns" (2024) demonstrates that consistent engagement creates more meaningful professional relationships than sporadic participation.
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