Throughout the month of September, the International Society of Automation (ISA) is shining a light on the wide range of volunteer opportunities available to ISA members. This global call for volunteers aims to showcase unique chances for members to grow their professional networks, enhance their resumes, build leadership skills and give back to the automation community — in addition to making the most out of their ISA membership.
ISA’s global call for volunteers helps match members with dozens of opportunities based on their areas of expertise and their schedules. ISA members can build their volunteer profile in ISA Connect and get matched with ways to contribute that best suit their knowledge and skill set. Members can also opt in to receive notifications of new opportunities as they open up throughout the year, and a toggle on their volunteer profile allows them to opt out at any time.
Opportunities to Volunteer
Member can access a complete list of opportunities through ISA Connect. They can filter selections by time commitment or preferred areas to support. (The more information that members supply, the easier it will be to sort for ideal opportunities that match their interests and qualifications.) Only ISA members may apply, but roles are accessible to all members who express interest, and new openings arise on a regular basis. Hundreds of volunteers help manage projects, sit on committees, get involved in leadership roles, share their knowledge and much more.
Ongoing Needs
Beyond the consistently updated list available in ISA Connect, here are a few more ways that ISA members can contribute to their field. The suggestions below can be great opportunities to build and solidify a reputation as a thought leader in automation.
- Write a blog post. ISA Interchange and the ISA Global Cybersecurity Alliance (ISAGCA) blog are always accepting submissions. Review the article guidelines for ISA Interchange here and the ISAGCA blog here.
- Become an instructor. ISA training instructors are tech-savvy, well-established automation professionals who provide the expertise for ISA's industry-leading training and certifications. Learn more about opportunities for content development and teaching here.
- Volunteer as a mentor. ISA mentors offer career advice and professional guidance to young professionals in addition to discussing technical project scenarios and requirements. Explore the ISA mentor program here and apply to be a mentor or mentee.
Benefits of Volunteering with ISA
ISA's mission is to empower the global automation community through standards and knowledge sharing — but none of its work would be possible without the support and dedication of its members.
ISA members at any stage of their career can raise their hand to volunteer. Opportunities exist across a variety of skill sets and topics, and volunteering can open up many doors — even if a busy schedule allows just a few hours per month. The global call for volunteers this September is about connecting members with the right opportunities they need to advance their careers, build their professional networks throughout the world and make an impact on the future of automation.
