Community Growth: The Career Booster That Doesn't Go on Your Resume

27 mins

CommunityNetworkingCareer Growth

What if the most powerful thing you could do for your career had nothing to do with your resume? In this episode of Her Career Unplugged, Joanne and Vimala get real about community involvement — why it matters, how it's helped them land jobs without ever applying, and why so many people are doing it wrong. They share their own journeys building the AWS User Group in Orlando from zero to a full-scale game day event, and break down exactly how to get started — whether you're an introvert, a busy parent, or someone who's just never seen the point.

Show Notes

Why community involvement is one of the most underrated career boosters out there.
How Joanne and Vimala met through the AWS User Group in Orlando — and built this podcast from that connection.
The difference between consuming a community and actually contributing to it.
How networking has led to jobs, speaking opportunities, and mentorship — without ever submitting an application.
Why engineers and women in tech often hold back from getting involved — and how to push past it.
Where to start if you've never been involved in a community, including internal employee resource groups and sites like Meetup.
The truth about introverts at networking events — and why most people in the room feel exactly the same way.
How to volunteer and grow into an organizer role over time.
Rapid fire: worst networking openers, coffee chat vs. lunch meeting, big conference vs. small meetup, and what they each do when they first walk into a networking event.