THE INSTITUTE The new IEEE Volunteering platform enables members to search for opportunities across the organization, be it short or long term, local or remote. Those who are looking for helpers can post the positions they need to fill. The portal was developed by the IEEE Young Professionals group.
By using the platform, IEEE leaders, volunteers, and members can connect with each other according to their schedule, talent, and interest. Whether it’s student branches, technical societies, programs or initiatives, the platform can meet the needs of just about every IEEE organizational unit.
FEATURES
Through the Web-based application users can:
- Share information about themselves and their expertise.
- Find geographical and preference-based volunteering recommendations.
- Search for projects that could use their skills.
- Look for projects that cover a specific period of time.
- Automatically generate a résumé or CV that lists their contributions.
- Get feedback and endorsements from the team leader.
- Post volunteering opportunities available within IEEE, including short-term micro-volunteering assignments.
- Nominate colleagues for positions that fit their skill set.
The platform is set to fully launch early next year, but groups from across IEEE are already trying it out during its soft launch. Groups are collaborating and building teams to advance their humanitarian and technical projects with the help of volunteers from the global community.
Natalie Apadula, product marketing specialist for IEEE Collabratec, says the platform is a useful tool in her program’s efforts to recruit ambassadors with a regional focus. Ambassadors are members who educate others on Collabratec’s benefits.
“The platform is straightforward and user-friendly and allows me to tailor each opportunity to target a specific geographic region and message applicants—all in one place,” Apadula says. “I envision this platform becoming an important asset for the Collabratec program going forward.”
FILLING A NEED
The IEEE Volunteering platform is the culmination of the micro-volunteering program started in 2017 by the IEEE Young Professionals team. The main goals were to remove barriers to first-time engagements, enable flexible volunteering that fits busy schedules, facilitate skills-based recruitment, and enhance volunteer recognition.
During the 2016 IEEE Membership Segmentation Study, it became apparent that although young members wanted to be active in IEEE, they found it difficult to identify volunteering opportunities.
The program and new platform have been led by the IEEE Young Professionals team, but the platform is meant to help all IEEE groups increase the volunteer pipeline. Its goal is to also make it easier for new volunteers to get involved and recognize the time people dedicate to the organization.
Visit the platform to explore available opportunities and start building your volunteering CV.
For questions or to comment, contact the team: volunteering@ieee.org.
Flavia Dinca and Noor E Karishma Shaik are IEEE Young Professionals members.
IEEE membership offers a wide range of benefits and opportunities for those who share a common interest in technology. If you are not already a member, consider joining IEEE and becoming part of a worldwide network of more than 400,000 students and professionals.
