"Get in, where you fit in" has been my go-to motto as I navigate large, nationwide, and global organizations like NACE and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Philip Wilkerson, and I work at George Mason University (GMU) Career Services as an Employer Engagement Consultant. I’ve been involved in higher education for more than 10 years, including seven at GMU.

Even as someone who has always considered themselves outgoing, the landscape of a national organization like NACE can feel intimidating. Questions like, “How do I get started?” “Where do I fit in?” and “Who do I connect with to start serving?” are all valid concerns. However, over time, as I became more involved at the national level, I realized that many of the strategies I implemented on the state and regional levels with organizations like the Virginia Association of Colleges and Employers (VACE) and the Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers (EACE) were just as effective at the national level.

I hope that the tips I’ve learned during this journey can be helpful to professionals who are just starting out and want to get involved with organizations like NACE to develop leadership skills and foster relationships across the country.

1. Join something.

You don’t need to jump in as a leader right away—just joining a committee can give you a window into the national organization. When NACE calls for volunteers, consider joining a committee that sparks your interest, or try stepping outside of your comfort zone by joining a committee that’s unfamiliar to you. This is a great way to get your feet wet and start building your network.

2. Find a mentor.

Entering large spaces can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t have someone you can connect with on a one-on-one level. That’s where NACE’s mentorship platform has been invaluable to me. Through this platform, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with someone across the country, and it’s helped me feel more comfortable navigating leadership spaces. I wouldn’t have been named NACE Mentor of the Year without the guidance of my mentor, Samara Reynolds, who has been instrumental in helping me navigate these spaces.

3. Create content.

One of the ways I’ve stayed engaged with NACE is by creating content. I cowrote an article with Samara on mentorship, and I’ve contributed ideas through various channels within NACE, like Member Voices or the NACE Journal. There are always opportunities to share your expertise and get your name out there, and creating content can build your visibility and adds value to the community.

4. Use the NACE Community message board to connect with your peers.

I’ve started using the NACE Community message board to ask questions and share insights with professionals nationwide. For example, my office recently launched our first-ever alumni-student mixer, and my colleague and I reached out via the Community to see if other professionals had organized similar events. Knowing that NACE’s reach spans across the country, I felt confident that someone else had done something similar and could provide helpful guidance. These boards are a great resource for connecting with others and getting practical advice.

Conclusion

As a recap, I want to leave this thought with anyone reading this, whether you're a new professional or someone in the midst of your career journey: being a little fish in a large pond can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t mean you're alone. Fish travel in groups, and so should you. Find your community and navigate these large spaces with others. By doing so, you’ll feel more comfortable and supported.

Although I’ve yet to attend a NACE conference in person, I know that the relationships I’ve cultivated over the past three years will make it easier when I do. When I finally attend these large gatherings, I’ll be able to connect one-on-one with the people I’ve built relationships with across the country. Just remember, "Get in, where you fit in," and you’ll find your place in this ocean of professionals.