Mech./Elec. Engineering Related Volunteer Ideas?

[Nietzsche_Keen]

Seeking some ideas for volunteer opportunities (with which to boost my resume and experience level).

One idea I've had is to pick an issue then design and build a mechanical/electrical solution. I obviously won't be presenting at any symposiums, but maybe I could build a beginner's portfolio.

Do you guys have any advice or suggestions?

 

[Stephen Tashi]

It would be useful to have a power adapter for cordless tools that have detachable batteries. For example, an 120 V AC to 18 V DC power adapter that would fit onto an 18 V drill like its 18 V battery does. The drill could then be used "in an emergency" when the worker didn't have a charged battery handy.

I suspect this is mainly a mechanical engineering challenge - packaging a standard power adapter in a battery shaped pack. A product that fit a variety of different brands of tools would be useful. Perhaps that could be made with a basic enclosure and various shaped connectors that hooked onto it.

 

[Nietzsche_Keen]

Lol, well I was looking for volunteer ideas more so than project ideas, but that is an interesting one that seems to be right at my pay grade. I can't tell you the number of times I've THOUGHT a battery was charging when it wasn't. As they get old, the don't hold a charge very well or they won't recharge at all. I bet I could take one of these old battery casing and work on it. Thank you for your reply and your idea!

 

[Stephen Tashi]

You could volunteer "to the world". Make a YouTube video of how you do the project. Prospective employers might look at it even it the link isn't on your resume - if routine background checks nowadays include looking applicants up on the web.

 

[Nietzsche_Keen]

Cool idea! I'll make my own youtube symposium, lol.

 

[tygerdawg]

Many places would take your talents & skills. A friend once told me he volunteered at his area's United Way organization to help them with their computer systems, setup, maintenance...generally an IT Support Guy for free. Since corporations like to "encourage" certain manager-track employees to be volunteer leaders for UW, he met & impressed all the future movers and shakers. The experience served him well.

But there are plenty of altruistic opportunities out there: soup kitchens, hospitals, religious charity organizations, Red Cross, etc. Use your imagination.