Nothing made this clearer to me than this past December, when I was laid off due to financial instability.  I spent the first two days researching opportunities on the Internet.  Then, on the third day, I sent out an e-mail to my professional contacts letting them know about my situation. And, lo and behold, within five minutes of sending out this e-mail to people I got to know through my volunteering, I received a response from an IMA member informing me of a temporary assignment five minutes from my home.  Within a week, I accepted the offer for the six-month temporary assignment.

But the fruits of my volunteering and networking did not stop there. Before I began the temporary assignment, I was called by a recruiter regarding a permanent position in the non-profit sector, a field in which I have always been interested.  My experience as a volunteer with non-profits – via IMA, Community Accountants, and other boards – provided me important experience for such a position, and I was offered and accepted the position of Controller for United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, where I now work.

Successful networking doesn’t start when you’re out of work and looking for a job.  Networking should be a lifelong commitment.  Don’t wait until you’re in desperate straits -- start now! Real networking begins years before your life undergoes transition.  Volunteering for any organization, such as IMA, the United Way, or another charity, hospital, or organization, is the perfect way to show off your professional talents and build a network of people who appreciate your talents and as well as your commitment to helping others.

If anyone is interested in volunteering for the IMA or another organization, please forward a request to me at rmcinj@aol.com.

The following objectives are our priorities for the remainder of this year.

• Professional Networking by Chapter Development by developing and retaining members
• Development of a mentoring program for council leaders, students, and professors
• Recognition at IMA’s next Annual Conference
• Awareness of International Financial Reporting Standards

I appreciate all of your past support and look forward to your future cooperation.  Together we can continue our tradition of excellence.