Why Volunteering for a Professional Association is the Career Power Move You Didn’t Know You Needed
Every career path has defining moments—some are marked by big promotions or impressive wins, others by quiet decisions that spark profound change. Volunteering for a professional association often falls into the latter category: a small step that becomes a career-defining move.
Volunteering: More Than Just Good Karma
Professional volunteering isn’t a resume filler—it’s a catalyst. Whether you're guiding a peer through the Mentorship Program, leading a community call, or supporting an industry event, volunteering provides career capital that money simply can’t buy.
The experience accelerates your personal and professional development, sharpens your leadership skills, and connects you with others who share your passion for payments, fraud prevention, and risk management.
And let’s be clear: in a rapidly evolving industry where innovation, trust, and credibility matter, being seen as someone who gives back to the community signals more than generosity. It shows leadership.
Volunteerism = Career Growth
At MRC, we’ve seen firsthand how volunteerism propels careers. And not just in theory. Real professionals, just like you, are transforming their careers through giving back.
“I get to be the person I wish I had when I was younger.” Angie Chapin
Angie Chapin, an MRC mentor, openly shared how she once doubted her ability to help others. Despite years of experience climbing the corporate ladder, she struggled with imposter syndrome. But volunteering through the MRC Mentorship Program changed everything.
“I get to help individuals overcome their roadblocks, provide feedback and suggestions, and show them they can succeed by being their true selves,” Angie said. “Not only does the mentorship program help me become a better mentor, but a better people leader to my team as well.”
Angie’s story illustrates how mentoring builds two careers at once. For mentors, it’s a masterclass in leadership, empathy, and communication. For mentees, it’s a lifeline to encouragement, insight, and opportunity. In the process, both grow.
"There’s a renewed vigor in my own career every time I see others grow.” Jonathon Masteller
For Jonathon Masteller, Product Manager at Mastercard, the impact of volunteering is deeply personal—and strategic.
“Giving back through volunteerism really has a dual benefit,” he shared. “Not only does the recipient benefit, but I also feel a sense of personal growth and purpose.”
From mentoring new speakers to giving educational talks at local schools, Jonathan uses his fraud prevention expertise to empower others while reenergizing his own career. Volunteering isn’t just about giving—it’s about learning, connecting, and evolving.
“When I help mentor a first-time MRC speaker and see the joy they experience, it’s worth every minute,” he said. “It helps us pour into the new generation of fraud fighters—building their confidence, growing their network, and enhancing their skills.”
What You Gain When You Give
MRC’s volunteer community spans every level—from emerging professionals to seasoned executives. No matter where you are in your journey, here’s what you stand to gain:
- Expanded Professional Network
Volunteering introduces you to peers across companies, continents, and disciplines. These aren’t transactional LinkedIn connections—these are real relationships built on shared values and goals. Whether you’re moderating a virtual panel or collaborating on a community call, you’re building a trusted network. - Leadership Experience in Action
Not everyone gets leadership opportunities in their day job. Volunteering offers a safe but powerful space to flex your leadership muscle—guiding discussions, mentoring others, managing initiatives, or presenting to an audience. These are the exact experiences that recruiters and executives look for when promoting talent. - Increased Visibility
Volunteering raises your profile inside and outside your organization. When you contribute to industry conversations or help drive MRC initiatives, your name becomes associated with leadership, innovation, and service. For those seeking to move into executive roles, this visibility is invaluable. - Access to New Ideas and Perspectives
Professional communities bring together voices from across the ecosystem—merchants, vendors, solution providers, academics, and more. Volunteering puts you at the center of those conversations, exposing you to new approaches, global trends, and challenges that broaden your expertise. - A Renewed Sense of Purpose
Sometimes, the most meaningful part of volunteering isn’t the skill-building—it’s the feeling. Helping others, sharing your knowledge, and seeing someone thrive because of your support is incredibly fulfilling. In a world full of KPIs and quarterly results, volunteerism reminds you why your work matters.
Don’t Wait for “Enough Experience” — You Already Qualify
Many professionals hesitate to volunteer because they don’t feel “ready.” They worry they’re not senior enough, experienced enough, or confident enough to contribute. But that’s a myth. In fact, volunteering is one of the best ways to grow into the professional you aspire to be.
If you’ve ever:
- Navigated a complex fraud case
- Implemented a new payment solution
- Led a team or project
- Experienced a career setback and bounced back
- Had a mentor who helped you grow
…then you have valuable experience to share. And the MRC community wants to learn from you.
Ways to Get Involved with MRC
Not sure where to start? MRC offers several volunteer opportunities tailored to your strengths, interests, and availability:
- MRC Mentorship Program
Whether you’re looking to become a mentor or mentee, this six-month program creates meaningful one-on-one connections focused on career development, skill-building, and goal setting. Mentors meet monthly with their mentees and receive ongoing support and guidance from MRC staff. - Community Calls
Lead or join a community call that speaks to your expertise—from machine learning in fraud detection to global compliance trends. These virtual gatherings are a great way to build visibility and connect with like-minded peers. - Committees
Play a hands-on role in shaping MRC’s direction by joining one of our member-led committees. From shaping educational programming to community initiatives, committees are a great way to build influence, grow your network, and contribute strategically to the industry. - Event Support and Speaking Engagements
Step into the spotlight by volunteering to speak at an MRC event or help organize a session. New speakers are welcomed and supported with resources, coaching, and guidance. - Thought Leadership and Content Contributions
Have a unique insight or perspective? Write for MRC’s blog, contribute to a whitepaper, or share your story in a Career Compass feature. Volunteering through content creation allows you to showcase your expertise while helping others grow. - Education Support and Certification Development
Shape the future of industry learning! Volunteer to review MRC education courses, provide feedback, or serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for CPFPP certification exam development and review tasks. Your expertise directly supports professional growth across the community.
From Contributor to Change-Maker
Neil Hawkey, Global Head of Corporate Governance and Compliance at Epoch.com, puts it simply: “Volunteering allows you to contribute to the growth of others while simultaneously expanding your own career capacity.”
This dual benefit—of giving and receiving—is the power of professional volunteerism. You’re not just participating. You’re leading. You’re influencing the future of industry. And you're cultivating a career filled with meaning, connection, and momentum.
The Power Move You Didn’t See Coming
In a world where career advancement often seems tied to performance reviews, promotions, or LinkedIn updates, volunteering is the move that cuts through the noise. It shows initiative. It builds reputation. It creates opportunity.
So, if you’ve ever felt stuck in your role, unsure how to reach the next level, or just looking for something more—volunteering may be the career accelerator you didn’t know you needed.
This National Volunteer Month, challenge yourself to get involved. Not someday. Today.
Visit MRC Professional Development to explore current volunteer opportunities or reach out to the MRC team directly at programs@merchantriskcouncil.org.
Because the most powerful career moves often start with giving back.
