No, I have not lost my mind. It is the classic catch-22 - you can't get the job you want until you have experience and you can't get the experience because they won't hire you. It is the same for new college graduates, mid-career transitions, and moving up the corporate ladder. So how do you get that coveted "experience" to land you your dream job? I have always believed that volunteering offers you a chance to give back to your community and try out new things without making a major career change. If you have an opportunity to serve on a committee that is in the area you think you want to go in, I say jump on it. Not only do you get an insider's view of the position and some coveted "experience" but you will likely find some top notch mentors along the way. I also think that taking on volunteer or collateral duties at work is a great way to challenge yourself, network with others, and try something out on a temporary basis. If you learn b...
Life and leadership are not about which path you take, they are about the choices you make when the roads diverge. The are not achieved in a one-day or one-month. They are compiled through a lifetime of education, experience, and reflection.