As I mentioned in my last entry, there are those people who clock in at 9 a.m., clock out at 5 p.m., and look at their job as little more than a way to make money. I understand that not everybody can or will follow their calling. Some will end up with employment that doesn’t touch their soul, but it doesn’t mean they can’t put in a little extra effort that might propel them forward. Going beyond what they’re required to do just might lead them to the career of their dreams.

We tell our high school children that extra-curricular activities beyond their grades are important when trying to get into college because the workplace is just like high school. Those who stand out are likely to be doing more than just the task at hand. Think back to your high school years. Beyond your immediate circle of friends, who stood out? Was it the popular football player? The beautiful cheerleader? The helpful teacher? Odds are you remember these people because they went above and beyond, which is the exact thing that makes an employee or manager memorable at the office. If you’re looking for a promotion or more recognition, it’s going to come down to what you do beyond your job description. When you do more than what the job requires, you will certainly stick out of the crowd when it’s time for advancement.

Here are a few ways you can go beyond the call of duty:

1. Join a Workplace Committee 

In most offices or larger companies, various committees focus on an important aspect of work culture, but not one crucial to the job task. For instance, most organizations have safety committees that address issues about a safe work environment. They bring concerns up to management and educated fellow employees, which is a great way to learn more about the business and meet people from other departments.

2. Attend Networking Events 

In larger cities and towns, many organizations hold networking mixers to let people of different companies and different industries meet. Becoming part of a larger professional community gets your name out there. A great place to start is by asking your immediate supervisor or manager if your organization is a member of the local Chamber of Commerce. They not only hold many networking events; they can suggest other opportunities for you that may be industry-specific.

3. Pursue Team Volunteer Opportunities 

Whether it’s a day to beautify a neighborhood or participating in a walkathon for a worthy charity, taking part in an outside-of-work activity lets you bond with and experience your fellow workers, and managers, in a way that you otherwise wouldn’t. I think these kinds of bonding experiences are far healthier than attending ”happy hour.”

4. Mentor a New Hire

There’s not much scarier than the first few days at a new office. If the new person is coming from a different city, it’s even more compounded. When you learn somebody new is coming on board, offer to show things work. A great way to build loyalty is by introducing somebody to the workplace cultures, all of the players, and some of the finer points of the job (perhaps in a way somebody didn’t do it for you).

5. Join Outside Boards 

Every charity and non-profit organization has a board of directors, from a giant like United Way down to the 10-year-old recreation basketball league. Very often, joining these boards is done in conjunction with your company name, and it allows you to represent your company to the public and create good word-of-mouth recommendations.

The point is to use these ideas or others that may appeal to you more to move beyond the basics and evolve into the best, most helpful person you can be. If you give more than work, your success will soar to heights you may never have imagined.