I am attempting to channel Guy Kawasaki by creating my own “The Art of post…”. If there is one thing I have learned in my professional career is that giving back is as big a part of your professional life as networking and career development. For the past two semesters I have had a change to speak to the MISSO (Management Information System Students Organization) at UH. Aside from being a UH alum and former MISSO officer I was really enjoy doing this because it gives me a change to share my lessons learned with people who will hopefully be where I am (or better) several years from now. I know it sounds cliche but a lot of working professionals (myself included) have been extremely fortunate in their careers and I think one of the most appropriate ways to say “thanks” to help those who may be following the same path that you took.

Here are some of the things I would recommend:

• Share Your Knowledge. Don’t be stingy with the things you have learned, share it with other people. Knowledge is perhaps the greatest gift you can give.
• Follow Your Passion. A long time ago someone told me, don’t focus on salary. Find a career that makes you happy and go for it. The same can be said of “giving back”. You don’t have to have a 29.1 billion dollar philanthropy fund like Bill and Melinda Gates to make an impact. Take some time to consider the things you are really passionate about. If you are passionate about something, you can have a huge impactby helping out in that area.
• Be a mentor. There are few things more rewarding that being a mentor. Not only do you get to help someone as they are forging their own path in the world, but you stand to learn as much from your mentee as they learn from you.
• Money is Easy….Time is better. Giving back is a contact sport. Don’t always take the easy route and donate money. You might think you don’t have the time or talent, but you do. You can’t always “give backâ€? with a check. Get out and do something!