Volunteering during job transition – Scottsdale Job Network
When I was laid off I started attending network meetings, one place in particular I found through a site called meetup.com was Scottsdale Job Network.
For anyone local to the Phoenix Arizona metro area that is currently in transition it is a group I highly recommend connecting with and attending the bi-monthly meetings.
I simply searched meetup.com for “Networking” and found several local groups including BNI chapters, ASBA Arizona Small Business Association, and a few other groups.
When I looked at the calendar for the group posting the meetings for Scottsdale Job Network there was an event entitled “Creating Your Vision and Personal Marketing Plan” which caught my attention. I started attending the bi-monthly meetings for Scottsdale Job Network.
I had made the acquaintance of Chris Vicari who is the founder and executive director of Scottsdale Job Network from an initial email to find out more about the group.
Some of the things that Scottsdale Job Network offers those in transition are:
- personal connections
- moral support
- job transition training through various events and a job search curriculum
- networking opportunities
- resume reviews at meetings
- access to online resources to assist those in job transition
Over the next couple of months I continued to attend the meetings and expand my network, finding out about other network meetings through out the valley from others who were in attendance. I continued to make personal connections, and with the technical advice of Bill Austin who is also a supporter of Scottsdale Job Network, I began this blog.
I had come to realize that I have a passion to help the people I was connecting with, and started volunteering for Scottsdale Job Network in a capacity related to my IT experience, Chris Vicari had asked me to monitor the LinkedIn group, and re-post information about jobs posted there to the Yahoo group they also have, which members join after attending a meeting and registering.
There is a variety of other resources available on the Scottsdale Job Network website as well some of which include:
I continued to build my network, and began attending other network meetings in the valley that I found out about through other members of Scottsdale Job Network.
In February I decided that I wanted to do more for the group so I approached Chris Vicari and asked her how I could help, she introduced me to Michael Prahl, a board member of Scottsdale Job Network, who was forming an ambassador program. I felt it was a great fit for me for many reasons, one of them being my passion and desire to help others.
The ambassador program has since begun, and I am attending local networking events representing Scottsdale Job Network, helping get the word out to the community, and letting people know of the resources available for those in transition through this great group of volunteers.
I will continue to volunteer and give back to this group once I’ve landed my next position as I want to continue to help others in finding their next great career opportunity.
Happy reading!
-Martin
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