The community field is expanding in exciting ways, with an increasing diversity of roles and career routes available. Where once there was ambiguity and limitations on professional growth, there are now too many possibilities to map out. The map below is just a sample of the avenues that could be taken by a community professional.
If you aspire to senior leadership, community is an excellent way to build your leadership capabilities. If you are interested in moving from moderation to more of a strategic position, there are steps you can take to stand out from the crowd. Whether you are just starting your community career or have a few years of community experience under your belt, there are a variety of options and taking the time to understand them will help you decide the best path so you can be strategic in your career planning.
Recommendations for Community Professionals
1. Assess your skills and experience – Identify strengths, weakness, and gaps using the Community Skills Framework
2. Proactively fill gaps – Select one skill to improve and seek project work and support for training. Ensure skills, accomplishments, or certificates are added to your resume
3. Treat the hiring process as a collaboration – You likely know more about communities than a hiring manager. Use interviews as an opportunity to reframe needs and expectations.
Learn more in our Community Careers and Compensation report – now available for free download.
