By Mallorie Mendence

Starting your first job is a scary experience, and realizing what comes with the new position can be overwhelming for many.  One expectation that I did not have entering my new position was to join a non-profit board right after being hired.  I was not pressured into volunteering for the board; instead, I actually thought it would be beneficial to me as I continued to hone my PR skills. 

That thought turned out to be an understatement.  Joining the non-profit board gave me the opportunity to use my PR skills, meet new people and learn more about the community in which I live and work.  I recommend to any new PR professional not to think of volunteering for a non-profit board as part of your job, but rather as an opportunity to better yourself and your craft.  The experience on a board can be a nice addition to any resumé, and materials created while working on a board can be added to strengthen a portfolio.

The experience that I received as a member of a non-profit board was so valuable that I recently joined another non-profit board. After two years of service, I can say that I was able to work on tasks and projects that I would not have had an opportunity to manage at my job.  The experiences have enabled me to develop my skills, build new relationships and serve the community. I have found giving back to my community has been very rewarding for both my career and my personal life.  Any new PR professional eager to grow and develop his or her skills should consider joining a non-profit board as a good first step that will lead to many more.