Building Your Resume and Your Community: The Value of Volunteering
SaveYour high school and college years are the perfect time to use your unique skills and talents to make a positive impact on your local community.
By Ian Whitmore
Your high school and college years offer seemingly endless opportunities for exploration, personal growth, and learning. However, this time is also a crucial period for laying the foundation of your future career. While academic achievements are certainly important, many employers today also look for candidates with a well-rounded professional skill set and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. Volunteering during college can not only benefit others, but it can also enhance your resume and personal development. In this article, we will explore the value of volunteering during college and how it can help you build a stronger resume and foster a sense of community.
Benefits of Volunteering
Improve the Lives of People in Your Community
First and foremost, volunteering is very beneficial to your local community. A wide variety of organizations, such as parks, homeless shelters, food banks, non-profit thrift stores, and youth sports leagues, rely on volunteers to help provide their services. As a volunteer, you can make a direct impact in the lives of those around you. You can also give back to organizations and groups that you may have benefitted from in the past. For example, if you attended a particular summer camp or played in a youth sports league as a child, it could be especially meaningful, both for you and for the organization, to volunteer your time and energy in giving back.
Gain Professional Skills and Experience
Many volunteer roles can offer you the opportunity to develop specific skills and experience that can be used in later paid jobs or careers. To work on building your skills, begin by considering the strengths you already have, as well as the qualities you want to develop. Then, try to find a way to benefit some aspect of your community while simultaneously learning and growing your own skills. Some examples of volunteer opportunities that can help you develop professional skills include teaching underprivileged children, organizing events for a non-profit organization, or volunteering at a local hospital. Through opportunities such as these, you can gain valuable skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills are applicable in various industries and can give you a competitive edge when entering the job market. In some cases, you may be able to find volunteer opportunities that are directly relevant to your degree. For example, a marketing or communications major could volunteer to run the social media pages for a local food bank or soup kitchen.
Meet New People and Discover New Hobbies
Volunteer work can be a great way to meet and network with people who share your interests and are passionate about similar causes. By immersing yourself in these communities and organizations, you have the chance to build connections with fellow volunteers. These connections can potentially provide valuable professional references, mentorship opportunities, and job leads. Furthermore, volunteering within your chosen field of professional interest can help you stay informed and up to date on new opportunities and industry trends.
Finding Volunteer Opportunities
There are several websites that allow you to find volunteer opportunities based on your location and interests. You can also ask your college or local library for information about local volunteer organizations and opportunities. Consider getting in touch with organizations in your community to find opportunities to make a difference in the areas that need the most local support. For example, while it might sound great to travel to a different city or even country to help after a natural disaster, there are almost certainly plenty of opportunities for you to make a significant difference in the lives of people in your own community that you may not have previously considered. If you have a particular cause or organization in mind that you're interested in supporting, try reaching out to them directly to express your interest in volunteering and inquire about opportunities available.
Utilize Your Existing Skills...Or Try Something New!
No matter your interests or skills, there is a volunteer opportunity out there that is perfect for you. If you're an animal lover, you might enjoy helping out at a local shelter. If sports are your thing, you could volunteer as an official or coach for a local youth league. However, keep in mind that volunteering can also be a great way to discover new passions or unlock hidden talents. Volunteer work can expose you to a wide variety of causes and organizations and can help you to find your passion and purpose. Engaging in volunteer work helps you gain insight into various social issues and communities and offers you the opportunity to identify causes and missions that interest you. Discovering your passion through volunteering can guide your later career choices, and help ensure that you pursue work that aligns with your values and personal goals.
Consider Your Goals
When searching for volunteer opportunities, consider your specific goals. Are you looking to make connections in a particular career path or industry? Are you focused on giving back to a specific organization or cause in your community? Or are you hoping to develop your character and skill set? For example, if you are volunteering with the goal of meeting new people, you probably wouldn't enjoy picking up trash in a park or green space by yourself. If you are interested in developing particular skills, make sure to look for opportunities that allow you to gain the experience you need. If you are looking to discover a new interest or passion, consider picking an opportunity that sounds unique or interesting and giving it a try.
Final thoughts
Volunteering helps you to discover new interests and passions, allows you to demonstrate commitment and initiative, and gives you the opportunity to meet new people and make personal and professional connections. Your high school and college years are the perfect time to use your unique skills and talents to make a positive impact on your local community. In addition, volunteer work will also contribute to your personal and professional growth, open doors to new interests and connections, and help you to become a well-rounded and socially conscious individual ready to make meaningful contributions to society.
Ian Whitmore
Ian Whitmore was born and raised in Austin, TX and spent his childhood and teen years immersed in the rich cultural scene of Austin and the beautiful landscapes of the surrounding Hill Country. He graduated from Wyoming Catholic College in 2020 with a B.A. in Liberal Arts.Articles & Advice
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