The C.V. in Volunteering [GOLD]

Abstract

ranslated from Latin, the curriculum vitae (C.V.) is the “course of life.” Practically, the C.V. is a brief document highlighting who you are and what you can bring to the company/university looking to hire its next round of bright engineers/ researchers. There are numerous Web sites, books, and guidelines dedicated to C.V. creation, use, and tips (try starting with your alma mater’s careers office for advice). In conclusion, however, there is no “right way” to fashion a C.V.—the document is as unique as you are. In general, a C.V. is one to two full pages of text including the following information: personal details, education and qualifications, work experience, employment history, positions of responsibility, interests/activities, other skills/achievements, references. The most relevant and significant information should never be relegated to the end of the document (reverse chronological order of events may prove helpful). To set yourself apart from the competition, why not enhance your C.V. through voluntary work for the EMBS, GOLD, or IEEE? Volunteering your time can be a gratifying and memorable experience—the benefits are considerable and the time commitment is what you make of it (even spending one hour of your personal time each month counts as volunteering!). Through volunteer work, you will build professional networks, enhance your management and leadership skills, develop new interests, expand your knowledge of the EMBS/GOLD/IEEE, make new friends, join the ranks of leaders in a global organization, and enrich the IEEE. One does not have to lead activities to get involved— perhaps your local chapter/affinity group/branch are already active? The EMBS and GOLD are always in need of capable and knowledgeable members willing to volunteer their time and share their expertise (see “For Further Inspiration” for Web sites from which contact can be made to initiate your volunteering efforts). Examples of possible activities to lead or help out with are indeed limitless, with a brief sample provided here: ➤ regularly attend, participate in, and plan chapter/group/branch meetings ➤ chair a committee within the EMBS/GOLD/IEEE ➤ work with chapter/group/branch finances ➤ arrange industry, university, or research center tours for your colleagues ➤ host a lecture or seminar for your department ➤ mentor students, speak at a career fair, participate in outreach activities such as judging projects at local school science fairs or presenting the fundamentals of science and engineering to school children ➤ develop, create, or maintain a newsletter and/or Web site ➤ help promote events, such as the annual EMBS conference, within your institution, section, or region. Take pride in the skills that you have and use them to their full potential within the realm of IEEE volunteering today!