Service before tenure?

You should avoid university service pre-tenure, right? Probably not. It's common for established faculty to insulate junior faculty from extensive service obligations. But depending on the size of your department and institution, your participation in service activities may be necessary, and ultimately in your best interest. Nevertheless, you should choose your obligations wisely, keeping in mind how each commitment contributes to your development as a scholar and a professional, and helps you move along the tenure track.