Getting Involved in Your Campus Community as an Employee (August 15, 2025)

Later today, I am going to be speaking to the students in a sports communication class at Spartanburg Methodist College. This past weekend, I was a part of the campus community that helped incoming freshman move in. Being part of a college or university isn’t just about the job description—it’s about contributing to the life and spirit of the campus. Getting involved can enrich your work experience, strengthen relationships, and create a sense of belonging.

Ways to get involved:

• Join campus committees or task forces — Share your expertise in shaping policies, programs, and campus culture.

• Support campus events — Attend athletic games, theatre productions, lectures, and student showcases to show school spirit.

• Volunteer with student organizations — Serve as an advisor, mentor, or resource for clubs and student initiatives.

• Participate in professional development — Take advantage of workshops, trainings, and conferences offered through the institution.

• Engage in community service — Join campus-led outreach projects that connect the institution with the local community.

• Be visible and approachable — Take time to connect with students and colleagues outside of your immediate role.

When employees engage in the campus community, they help create a more vibrant, supportive, and connected environment—making the institution a better place for everyone.

Networking within your organization (August 8, 2025)

As I mentioned yesterday, I talked about how important it is to network outside your industry. At my employer, it’s pretty well known that my connection goes all the way back to my college days. I actually met a co-worker on my very first day of college, who also happened to be the best man at my wedding! Over the course of my nine jobs in college athletics, I’ve worked with lots of athletic administrators, staff, support people, and coaches—many of whom have moved on to other opportunities. Being intentional about networking has really helped me, both personally and professionally.

Networking within your organization means building relationships with colleagues across different teams, levels, and departments to boost collaboration, increase your visibility, and support your career growth. Today, I want to dive into why networking within your own employer matters so much.

Here’s how you can do it effectively:

1. Start with your immediate team: Build strong connections with those you work with daily to establish trust and a solid reputation.

2. Attend internal events: Join company meetings, social gatherings, training sessions, or cross-departmental projects to meet people outside your team.

3. Seek out mentors and sponsors: Identify leaders or experienced colleagues who can offer guidance and advocate for you.

4. Volunteer for committees or special projects: This exposes you to diverse groups and demonstrates initiative.

5. Schedule one-on-one coffee chats: Reach out to colleagues in other departments to learn about their roles and share your own.

6. Use internal communication platforms: Engage in company chats, forums, or social networks to contribute ideas and stay visible.

7. Offer help and share knowledge: Being a resource to others builds goodwill and encourages reciprocity.

Effective internal networking helps you understand the bigger picture, discover opportunities, and build allies for your career growth.