People choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. Some want to give back to their community or support a cause they’re passionate about. Others see it as a way to develop a new skill or build real-world experience. Volunteering is an excellent way to boost your career prospects. But for many, it’s because someone asked them.

Don’t believe me? I’ll offer you proof. According to PTO Today, the number one reason people say they don’t volunteer is because no one asked them. It’s worth noting the asking part requires a personal approach. I am the example. My participation on the CFA Society Minnesota (CFAMN) Membership Committee began with an email from your Society Vice President, Chris May, CFA.

Hey Craig,

I hope that you are doing well. I wanted to follow up on something that we talked about a while back – CFAMN participation. Would you still be open to being a little more involved if it could work with your schedule? I lead the Membership Committee which is responsible for a few things, but in reality our main function is to ‘add value to CFAMN members.’ We have plenty of freedom to execute that……..

We lost a committee member due to relocation, but were lucky enough to gain a new member quickly. However, I would like to have one or two more individuals and I thought of you……

In the past, I made false promises to myself about getting involved. First it was “After I pass Level III.” Then “I have to finish grad school.” I easily could have said no to Chris with a valid excuse—given that I live 100 miles west of Minneapolis. You can surmise that I said yes.

The experience has been fulfilling. Witnessing engagement ideas develop is one of the highlights for me. Do you like seeing the Membership Milestones on the monthly email from CFAMN? That was a Membership Committee idea. Personally, I suggested an individual who participated in the Industry Roundtable event held last fall. I was proud to make a contribution to that great event.

Being an outstate volunteer isn’t as difficult as I thought it would be. The committee meets four to six times per year. I have attended half the meetings in-person and the other half via teleconference. When I attend in-person, I typically spend the day in the metro area conducting client meetings or catching up with colleagues. The committee also tries to schedule our meetings to coincide with other society events such as the Society Social or luncheons.

I’ve learned that involvement is a great way to meet people, and I’ve been able to develop relationships with other committee members. Attending society events is also more enjoyable—predominately because I know more people. Have you ever attended a Society Social and felt awkward that you didn’t know anyone? These events are littered with Society volunteers.

Volunteering is good for you—for your health, your career, your self-esteem and enhances your Curriculum Vitae. I’ll simply conclude by following the lead of Chris May and ask you to get involved with CFAMN. Many of your society committees are looking for help. If that’s not for you, CFAMN is always looking for volunteers to help with things such as the mentoring program, CFA Institute Research Challenge, or simply to have coffee with someone who wants to learn more about the CFA Program.

Bio/Disclosures

Craig Popp, CFA is a Financial Advisor with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC located at 115 Litchfield Ave SE, Willmar, MN. Craig Popp can be contacted at 320-235-1416 or craig.popp@raymondjames.com. Any opinions are those of Craig Popp and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Expressions of opinion areas of this date and are subject to change without notice. Investment Advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Raymond James is not affiliated with CFA Society Minnesota.