Committees: Why get involved?
The impact being in a comittee can have, both personally and professionally.
24 February 2022
Why represent?
I have always been willing to take on a representative role or get involved in committees throughout my career. It might just be a character trait, or it might be that I don’t like to not be involved. Whether it is my recent election to an international research committee or continuing as part of my local cricket club committee, having the opportunity to make change and have my voice and opinions heard is hugely satisfying.
Creating Change
I am, and have, been part of local, regional, national, and more recently, international committees. What I have found most satisfying, and fulfilling is working alongside colleagues that have the common goal of seeking improvement and change for the betterment of those who the committee serve. This is the fundamental role of any committee member. It may be a cliché, but if want your voice to be heard, and promote change to occur, you need to be willing to get involved. It gives you the chance to find your passion and put into action the things you care about.
Additionally, joining a committee allows you the chance to meet new people. I have gone on to develop formal research collaborations and work with past and present members of committees. Not only that, but I have made good, and in some cases, great life-long friends. Such opportunities wouldn’t have been offered had I not got involved when the opportunity arose.
The Rewards
Involvement within professional committees has been of huge importance to my career to date. Involvement has enhanced my CV. Inclusion has offered me the opportunity to develop and demonstrate leadership, time-management, and teamworking skills, all of which are important for future job roles, prospects and applications. I have no doubt involvement will continue to be significant as I move forward in my clinical academic career.
So, I may be biased, as I have years of experiences of being involved in various professional and personal committees. Yes, taking up a committee role can be demanding, challenging and at times frustrating. However, in my experiences, the rewards of engagement both personally and professionally outweigh these ten-fold.