Corporate Service - Don’t Just Do Your Job

Recently, I’ve written about “playing chess” and making lateral movements in your career to strengthen your competitiveness.  Another strategy is corporate service – participating in internal groups or initiatives.

Many think of volunteering with nonprofits or participating in donation drives.  This type of service – especially when aligned with both your values and your employers – can be part of corporate service.  But it’s a much broader concept.

Employee resource groups (ERGs) are common options for corporate service, not only delivering value to the organization but providing an avenue for building your professional network, gaining skills and insights, and finding personal fulfillment.  The more strategic approach, however, is holding a leadership role or chairing an event or program committee within the ERG.  This leveling up adds visibility with leaders.

Another option is a task force or working group focused on an internal or industry initiative.  These groups offer the chance to learn more about a topic, gain cross-functional experience and enterprise-wide insight, and build a professional network.  They are inherently visible, providing the opportunity to demonstrate talent and potential.

The caveat is being mindful of balancing your extra responsibilities while continuing to perform in your position.  Determine from the start how you will manage both, and speak with your manager to clarify expectations and share how you will continue to deliver results.

This will be more difficult for those who find themselves assigned new tasks regularly.  Corporate service on top of heavy workloads can lead to burnout, so setting boundaries and preparing ways to say “no” ahead of time are essential.

What are some ways you’ve used corporate service for professional development and increasing your competitiveness? 

If you’re navigating a new corporate culture and determining what corporate services are right for you, reach out at discuss a Pivot Intensive focused on creating a strategy aligned with your goals.