Capital IDEA: A Great New Volunteer Opportunity

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The AHRMA Workforce Readiness' subcommittee, Transition2Position,  
is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with Capital IDEA.
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by Ron Modesty
Sr. Employer Coordinator, Capital IDEA

Capital IDEA, one of Central Texas’ most effective workforce development nonprofits, invests approximately $3 million a year in the education and skills development of low-income adults wanting to join the local workforce. Many of the adults we serve were working minimum-wage, dead-end jobs prior to starting Capital IDEA, and most are the first in their family to graduate from college. They are a group of inspiring, diverse, and highly motivated adults that employers highly value. For many, their career search will be the first time they create a professional resume and have a formal interview – both of which are critical to obtaining the “right” job. In order to build their confidence and help their chances in securing a great job, your expertise and time would be extremely beneficial.

The two primary ways in which AHRMA members can put their expertise to work in helping our graduates to be more successful in their job searches:

• Review and critique resumes
• Conduct mock interviews

Perhaps the best thing about these opportunities is the flexibility involved. You can make a big impact on your computer, in your office, whenever you want. Whether you have one hour a week, month, or quarter, Capital IDEA can work with you to design an engagement opportunity that is both feasible and satisfying.

These graduates will be completing their Associate’s Degrees in various Healthcare and High Tech careers. Based on my August and December graduates, I would really appreciate assistance from HR staff that hire in the following career areas: Healthcare, Automotive, Network Administration, Computer Aided Drafting, Video Game Programming and Renewable Energy. 

If you are interested in volunteering your time to assist our graduates, you can follow the link below to our website to register your preferences for helping out.

https://secure.capitalidea.org/np/clients/capitalidea/survey.jsp?surveyId=4&

If your company is interested in getting involved in a more significant way, perhaps as part of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, Capital IDEA has a successful history of establishing mutually beneficial and long-term Employer Partnerships.

Ron Modesty 

Sr. Employer Coordinator 

Capital IDEA

Office: 512.485.9345 

Round Rock Office: 512.238.6992

Fax: 512.828.6111 

Rmodesty@capitalidea.org

www.capitalidea.org

Seeking A Handful Of HR Experts

by Angela Loëb, 2012 AHRMA VP Career Development

If you've mastered any particular area in the field of HR, we want to know about it! That's because the AHRMA mentoring program is currently seeking a handful of HR experts to pair up with less experienced HR practitioners.

Here's your chance to give back to the HR profession and make a big difference in someone's life. Share your knowledge and expertise with someone who will appreciate what you offer.  

Feeling the tug to say yes, but still not sure if it's right for you to become a mentor? That means you probably still have some questions, such as...

Do I have sufficient expertise?
Chances are if you've been in HR for a while, you've gained some sort of special expertise. Some unique area where you really shine. Maybe you're really good at employee relations, talent management or employee engagement. Maybe you're a rock star in the area of performance management. Or maybe you love the strategic side of HR, having a firm understanding of how to do business needs analyses and how to read a financial report.

You don't have to have a complete mastery of the HR profession to be a great mentor for someone who is eager to know what you have learned so far.  

Ask anyone who's been a mentor, and they'll tell you how rewarding and affirming it is to be able to share expertise. To be able to say, "Here's what I wish I had known when I was just starting out." Then there's the sense of pride when you see your mentee thriving as they grow and move forward on the path.

Do I have the time to do this?
Actually, that’s entirely up to you. You set the parameters on how much time you and your mentee will spend working together. You both will agree on how frequently you get together, and it's up to you to determine how you will meet. Naturally, you can schedule in-person meetings if you'd like, but with today's technology tools, you don't even have to meet in person to make a great connection with each other. You can schedule phone conversations at mutually-convenient times and use free video conferencing tools like Skype and Google + Hangout to make it more face-to-face. Such tools can definitely save you from spending time driving and dealing with traffic.

AHRMA has developed helpful guidelines that will help you create a structure that works best for your time and level of commitment. You can rely on these guidelines to create and maintain healthy boundaries in your mentoring relationship.

What do I gain by being someone's mentor?
Besides the good feelings you get from being appreciated, giving back to the HR profession and making a big difference in someone's life, you will:
- Gain valuable contacts with other HR professionals that enhance your own career.
- Gain friendships that continue well beyond program completion.
- Demonstrate and/or develop your leadership abilities.
- Learn something during the process... about the HR profession... and about yourself.

The bottom line is that you make a small investment in time and energy, yet you receive big rewards emotionally, socially and professionally.

Are you still hesitant... do you still have further questions? If so, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Mentoring Committee leader, Ingrid Ross. She is happy to talk with you personally about the program and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

However, if you’re reading this, and it is resonating with you… and if you’re ready to step up your own career to the next level… don't delay! 

Get in touch with Ingrid today to let her know your interest in becoming a mentor. Your expertise is needed, and we look forward to seeing what great things you will do in 2013!

Please contact Ingrid Ross at mentor@austinhumanresource.org.