Join/Renew
Serving as a volunteer for NACE and on their Board of Directors has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional journey, and it all started by taking a first step.
Years ago, I had the opportunity to join NACE through my employer, and I remember thinking how meaningful it would be to give back to the organization one day. While I didn’t have a specific timeline, I committed to fully engaging with everything NACE had to offer, from webinars and affinity groups to the annual conference—I was continually impressed by the value and impact of the association on my professional growth.
Like many of my NACE colleagues, I began my volunteer journey by serving on a committee. I first joined the Honors and Awards Committee, bringing with me a deep appreciation for our profession and the incredible work our colleagues do each day to prepare students and alumni to thrive in an ever-evolving workforce. Serving first as a member and later as co-chair, I was, and continue to be, truly inspired by the dedication and innovation of our college, university, and employer partners.
I later had the opportunity to serve on the Principles for Ethical Professional Practice Committee, commonly known as the Principles Committee, again progressing from member to co-chair. Anyone who has worked on policies and procedures knows how detailed and complex that process can be. Yet, in a world where technology, standards, and expectations are constantly evolving, this work remains as critical as ever.
What made this experience especially rewarding was the committee’s charge: to continually assess emerging issues in our profession and develop guidance that reflects best practices. Each year, the Principles Committee identifies key considerations and produces advisory and opinion pieces that help shape the profession. Through a thoughtful and structured process, members challenge assumptions, ask difficult questions, and respond to the evolving needs of our field. The result is guidance that supports career centers and employers in delivering more equitable and effective experiences for candidates, students, and alumni. It’s hard not to feel energized by that level of impact.
Following my service as co-chair for both committees, I applied for a position on the NACE Board of Directors and was honored to be selected as a Director–College. I remain deeply grateful that I took that step. Serving on the board has strengthened my ability to advocate for all NACE members, which includes college career services, early talent recruiting, and business solutions. It has also deepened my passion for the profession and for NACE’s role as a trusted bridge between higher education and the workforce for 70 years—and its continued impact for decades to come.
If you were to ask why I volunteer, my answer is easy: NACE has given me so much, both professionally and personally. Giving back my time and talent is a meaningful way to contribute to an organization that has had such a profound impact on my journey.
I will leave you with this: The next time you’re considering deepening your engagement with NACE, don’t hesitate to answer the call for volunteers, whatever that may look like for you. If your first attempt doesn’t lead to a selection, don’t be discouraged. There are many ways to get involved, whether through the NACE Community, Mentor Program, webinars, or competency initiatives.
I can say with certainty that I have never regretted making time to volunteer, and I strongly encourage you to take that step when the opportunity arises.
