Tristan discusses 3 reasons why you should join your company’s employee resource groups. While ERGs do require work outside of your standard duties and responsibilities, they can also significantly impact your career trajectory. And don’t forget, you can join more than one to maximize some of these benefits!
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TRANSCRIPT
Tristan: What’s going on, Living Corporate? It’s Tristan, and I want to thank you for tapping back in with me as I provide some tips and advice for professionals. Today, let’s discuss 3 reasons why you should join your company’s employee resource groups.
For those of you who aren’t aware of what Employee Resource Groups or ERGs are, they are voluntary, employee-led groups made up of individuals who join together based on shared interests, backgrounds, or demographic factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, or sexuality. They can also go by the names Business Resource Groups, Diversity Networks, Colleague Resource Groups, and Team Member Networks. So why should you join them?
First, it’s an excellent opportunity to gain leadership experience. Typically, these groups have a leadership team, committees, and opportunities to lead the planning and execution of certain events and projects. If you’re looking for a way to show you can lead teams and create results, ERGs can provide that opportunity without you having to wait for a position or promotion to do so.
ERGs also provide you with greater visibility in the organization. Most ERGs have an executive sponsor and other organizational leaders who are involved, so if you lead an ERG project or committee, you often get to work with senior leaders, which provides you with the exposure you probably wouldn’t get in your day-to-day role. You also don’t have to worry about feeling like you’re going over your boss’s head to develop relationships with these leaders.
This leads to my final point; ERGs are a great way to build your network within your company outside of your immediate area. ERGs bring employees from different levels and functions across the whole organization together. This provides opportunities to identify and develop relationships, especially with people who could be potential mentors or sponsors. Remember, 75 – 80% of jobs are filled through networking and referrals. Networking at your current job can help you get that promotion, transfer into that department you want to work in, or secure a referral when your new connection lands that role at the company you want to work at.
While ERGs do require work outside of your standard duties and responsibilities, they can also significantly impact your career trajectory. And don’t forget, you can join more than one to maximize some of these benefits.
Thanks for tapping in with me today! Don’t forget; I’m now taking submissions from you all on career questions, issues, concerns, or advice you think may help others! So make sure to submit yours at bit.ly/tapintristan.
This tip is brought to you by Tristan of Layfield Resume Consulting. Check us out on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @layfieldresume or connect with me, Tristan Layfield, on LinkedIn.
