Career Exploration: Volunteering Counts
Consider Volunteer Opportunities to Gain Job Experience
When we think of volunteering, many of us think about working with disadvantaged or underserved population groups, caring for animals, or engaging in physical labor service projects, but that’s not all there is to volunteer work. Nonprofits and community organizations have many other needs as well, and often limited budgets to hire the right personnel. If you reach out to an organization’s leadership within your area of expertise, you may find opportunities beyond what’s listed on the website.
Volunteering, whether on the frontlines of an organization’s mission, or in a more administrative or research role, provides valuable work experience that may help you develop your career goals and interests. Keep in mind that depending on your level of experience and past connection with the organization, you may need to start out as a general volunteer and work your way into a position that provides more specific experience.
When looking for a volunteer opportunity, step outside your comfort zone to explore nonprofits that may not seem interesting at first. By working within your existing hobbies and interests, you might risk burnout or enjoy those hobbies less once there’s work involved. When you try something completely new, you may discover a new interest, round out your experience, or simply learn more about what kind of work you don’t want to pursue.
People Who Volunteer Are Natural Networkers
Many people who volunteer tend to be mission-driven in other aspects of their lives beyond their service projects. Mission-driven people are almost always on the lookout for new connections and relationships. Volunteering brings you into contact with a ready-made networking group that is intentional about advancing each other’s prospects. By participating in events and group activities hosted by your organization, you’ll begin building relationships with professionals, business owners, and social butterflies.
Make sure to be authentic in these circles. Professionals who spend a lot of time networking are more likely to get to know people they regard as genuine. They know how to spot an agenda, and they will distance themselves from individuals who are trying to leverage connections superficially. If you find that the members of the organization’s board of trustees or board of directors are not as accessible as you’d hoped, try reaching out to them directly by phone or email to schedule a chat. You can use this time to ask why they are involved in the organization, learn more about what they do professionally, and ask if you may connect on LinkedIn.
What are the Benefits of Volunteering?
Beyond the satisfaction of serving for no reason other than contributing to the greater good, there are many benefits to volunteering while you are a young adult:
Volunteering keeps you busy - Even if you are working summers during college, or you have your first full-time job out of college, you might have downtime to fill throughout your week. Volunteering gives you a productive way to spend your time without spending money.
Volunteering is great for your résumé - Potential employers will be delighted to see your commitment to service and community. Seeing that you are involved with a local organization may signal to them that you have put down roots and could be a long-term employee.
Volunteering builds character - Pouring time and effort into something other than your own wants and needs is an important way to grow that can’t ever be taught in a classroom. This real world experience will prepare you to respond to life’s challenges with integrity and thoughtfulness.
Volunteering hones skills and talents - When you exercise your natural abilities in service of others, it helps you develop new ways of thinking about how you can apply those same skills and talents in other areas of your life.
Volunteering gives you perspective - Most nonprofit organizations are serving a cause that they could never begin to completely resolve, but they pursue that goal knowing they are making a difference. When you work within this perspective, you’ll grow an appreciation for the advantages you enjoy, and you’ll develop empathy and compassion for the world around you.
If you feel as though you’re ready to add to your experience to develop skills, or simply to expand your own horizons, volunteering is a worthy endeavor. Try exploring the organizations in your community to learn more about opportunities and what might be a great fit. If you’d like some brainstorming support, contact me to schedule a strategy session.