experienced peers to bounce ideas with and field your questions provides a boost in knowledge. More female mentors are needed, so if you are an experienced ICT professional, consider sharing your knowledge with someone new to the industry. GOAL: TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO BICSI STAFF ON RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION Increasing our activity in the Women in BICSI LinkedIn Group and other social media platforms will assist WiB with retention, engagement, and membership. However, as we ramp up our social connections, we also need more active female BICSI volunteers. This is not just for the Women in BICSI Workgroup, but in all areas of BICSI. Consider applying for committee positions, writing content for BICSI magazines, or preparing a BICSI presentation. Starting small and volunteering for a committee will allow you to form meaningful career connections with others, and those relationships will expand the network of people you can reach out to when you need information or career- planning guidance. In addition, share what those committees are doing with WiB to further communication, education, and interest across volunteer groups. Overall, I expect that WiB will continue to pave the way for women in the ICT field and provide opportunities for networking and mentorship as we work to achieve these and other goals in 2024. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact WiB@BICSI.org or click here to apply!
sending them to career-boosting classes, such as those offered by BICSI. Please reach out to the women in your network who work in the field pulling and terminating cable and/or splicing fiber and let them know about BICSI’s education and certification offerings in installation. Educate them on how the BICSI Technician® (TECH) certification will provide them the knowledge and opportunities to learn and earn more, and make sure they prepare and apply for the CSC. When women are made aware of these kinds of opportunities and encouraged to participate, it can be the career boost they need to succeed. GOAL: TO COLLABORATE WITH THE BICSI MENTORSHIP WORKGROUP BY IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL MENTORS AND MENTEES FROM WIB ACTIVITIES Year after year, women are provided the opportunity to pair with other women as mentors. It is very exciting to see women in ICT giving back to the industry. The experience and knowledge a mentor can provide a mentee, such as career advice or how to navigate the field, is invaluable. Heather Randolph, chair for the BICSI Mentorship Workgroup, has been a mentee herself and is now giving back as a BICSI volunteer. It is important to remember that mentorship is not just for “older” mentors and “younger” mentees, but also for people changing careers. Everyone benefits from the mentorship experience. Having
BICSI Brief, Volume 2, Issue 2 Page 27 | Community Corner
Page 27 | Contents
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs