If you’re looking to boost your career prospects, volunteering could be the answer. Not only does it allow you to give back to your community, but it can also help you gain valuable job skills, expand your network, and enhance your resume. In fact, according to a study by the Corporation for National and Community Service, volunteering can increase your odds of finding employment by 27%.
In 2021/22, approximately 55 percent of people in England advised that they had volunteered at least once in the previous year, with 34 percent volunteering at least once a month.
And Deloitte found that 81% of hiring managers believe that skilled volunteerism should be considered in a hiring decision. Let’s look at how volunteering can advance your career.
Volunteering can benefit your career in numerous ways. For one, it allows you to gain experience in a particular field or industry, which can help you stand out to potential employers. It can also help you develop new skills and build upon existing ones, such as leadership, teamwork, and communication. Additionally, volunteering can provide you with opportunities to network with professionals in your desired field, potentially opening doors to job opportunities down the line.
Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking to make a change, volunteering can be a valuable tool in achieving your goals. Not only can it help you gain experience and skills, but it can also provide a sense of fulfilment and purpose as you work towards making a positive impact in your community. So why not consider volunteering as a way to give back and boost your career at the same time?
Benefits of Volunteering for Your Career
Volunteering can benefit your career in many ways. In this section, we will explore the various benefits of volunteering for your career.
Improved Skills
Volunteering can help you develop and improve various skills that are valuable in the workplace. Depending on the type of volunteer work you do, you can gain skills in areas such as project management, public speaking, training, leadership, and accounting. These skills can be added to your CV and can make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
Expanded Experience
Volunteering can provide you with valuable experience that can help you in your career. It can expose you to new fields and activities that you may not have had the opportunity to experience otherwise. This can help you discover new interests and passions that can guide your career path.
Increased Confidence and Communication Skills
Volunteering can help you develop your confidence and communication skills. As you interact with different people and work on various projects, you will become more comfortable with public speaking, networking, and working in teams. These skills can be valuable in the workplace and can help you achieve your career goals.
Networking Opportunities
Volunteering can provide you with networking opportunities that can help you in your career. You can meet new people who share your interests and can introduce you to potential employers or colleagues. Additionally, volunteering can help you build connections with people in your community and can help you become more involved in local politics or advocacy work. Read here for more information about professional networking.
Overall, volunteering can be a great way to boost your career. By developing new skills, gaining valuable experience, and building connections, you can increase your chances of employment and find greater happiness in your work.
Finding the Right Volunteer Opportunity
If you want to volunteer, it’s important to find the right opportunity that fits your interests, skills, and schedule. Here are some steps to help you find the right volunteer opportunity:
Identifying Your Interests and Passions
Start by identifying your interests and passions. What causes or issues are you passionate about? What skills do you have that you can contribute? Think about what you enjoy doing and what you would like to learn or improve.
For example, if you are interested in environmental issues, you might want to volunteer for an organisation that focuses on sustainability or conservation. If you enjoy working with children, you might want to volunteer for a youth mentoring program.
Researching Organisations and Opportunities
Once you have identified your interests and passions, research organisations and opportunities that align with them. Look for organisations that have a mission that resonates with you and that have a good reputation in the community.
You can start your search online by using volunteer search engines or by visiting the websites of organisations that interest you. You can also reach out to your local community centre or council for suggestions.
Assessing Your Qualifications and Background
Before you apply to volunteer, assess your qualifications and background. Consider your skills, experience, and availability. Make sure you have the necessary qualifications and experience for the volunteer role you are interested in.
For example, if you want to volunteer as a tutor, you should have experience in teaching or tutoring. If you want to volunteer as a mentor, you should have good interpersonal skills and be able to provide guidance and support.
It’s also important to consider any background checks or clearances that may be required for certain volunteer roles, such as working with children or vulnerable adults.
By following these steps, you can find the right volunteer opportunity that aligns with your interests, skills, and schedule. Volunteering can be a great way to gain new skills, make connections, and enhance your CV.
Types of Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering can provide a wide range of opportunities to help others and gain valuable experience that can benefit your career. Here are some types of volunteer opportunities to consider:
Senior Centres and Care Facilities
Volunteering at senior centres and care facilities can provide opportunities to connect with and assist elderly individuals. You can help with activities, provide companionship, or offer your skills and expertise to enhance the lives of those in care.
Animal Shelters and Wildlife Conservation
If you have a passion for animals and the environment, volunteering at animal shelters or wildlife conservation organisations can be a rewarding experience. You can help care for animals, assist with adoptions, or participate in conservation efforts to protect endangered species.
Libraries and Education
Volunteering at libraries or educational organisations can provide opportunities to help others learn and grow. You can assist with tutoring, mentorship, or help with events and programs.
Mental Health and Crisis Support
Volunteering at mental health and crisis support organisations can be a meaningful way to provide support and assistance to those in need. You can offer your time and skills to help individuals in crisis, or assist with advocacy and awareness efforts.
Children and Youth
Volunteering with children and youth organisations can provide opportunities to mentor and inspire the next generation. You can help with after-school programs, sports teams, or assist with special events and activities.
National and Community Service
Volunteering with national and community service organisations can provide opportunities to make a positive impact on your community and country. You can assist with disaster relief efforts, participate in environmental conservation projects, or support veterans and military families.
Developing Skills and Experience Through Volunteering
Volunteering is an excellent way to gain experience and develop new skills that can benefit your career. In fact, many employers look for candidates with volunteer experience because it shows that they are committed to making a positive impact in their community and are willing to go above and beyond their job requirements.
Leadership and Project Management
Volunteering can provide opportunities to develop your leadership and project management skills. When you volunteer, you may be responsible for leading a team of volunteers or managing a project from start to finish. This can help you develop skills such as delegation, time management, and problem-solving.
Public Speaking and Communication
Volunteering can also help you improve your public speaking and communication skills. Depending on the volunteer role, you may be required to speak in front of groups of people, write reports, or communicate with stakeholders. This can help you develop skills such as active listening, empathy, and persuasion.
Training and Professional Development
Volunteering can also provide opportunities for training and professional development. Many organisations offer training sessions and workshops for volunteers to help them develop new skills or improve existing ones. This can be a great way to gain new knowledge and experience in your field. Click here more more resources on training and development.
Accounting and Financial Management
If you are interested in accounting or financial management, volunteering can be a great way to gain experience in this area. Many non-profit organisations need volunteers to help with bookkeeping, financial planning, and fundraising. This can help you develop skills such as budgeting, financial analysis, and grant writing.
Creativity and Technology
Volunteering can also provide opportunities to develop your creativity and technology skills. You may be asked to design marketing materials, create videos, or develop websites. This can help you develop skills such as graphic design, video editing, and web development.
Making the Most of Your Volunteer Experience
If you’re looking to boost your career prospects through volunteering, it’s important to make the most of your experience. Here are some tips to help you maximise the benefits of volunteering:
Building Connections and Networking
One of the most valuable benefits of volunteering is the opportunity to build connections and expand your professional network. Make an effort to get to know the people you’re working with and learn about their career paths. You never know when a connection might lead to a job opportunity or a valuable introduction.
Don’t be afraid to attend networking events or industry conferences related to your volunteer work. These events can be a great way to meet new people and learn about job openings or career opportunities.
Adding Volunteer Experience to Your CV and LinkedIn Profile
Volunteering can be a great way to fill gaps in your CV and demonstrate your commitment to your community. Make sure to include your volunteer experience on your resume and LinkedIn profile, highlighting the skills and experience you gained through your work.
When describing your volunteer experience, focus on the skills and accomplishments that are most relevant to your career goals. For example, if you’re looking for a job in project management, highlight the projects you managed and the results you achieved.
Continuing to Volunteer and Pursue Your Passion
Finally, don’t stop volunteering once you’ve achieved your career goals. Volunteering can be a great way to continue learning and growing, and pursuing your passion can help you stay motivated and engaged in your work.
Consider volunteering in areas outside of your career field to broaden your skills and knowledge. For example, if you work in finance, consider volunteering with an environmental organisation to learn more about sustainability and corporate responsibility.
Remember, volunteering is a two-way street. While you’re giving your time and skills to a worthy cause, you’re also gaining valuable experience and connections that can help you achieve your career goals.
Ready To Start Volunteering?
Volunteering can be a great way to benefit your career. Whether you are looking to gain new skills or expand your network, volunteering can help you achieve your goals. By volunteering, you can gain a sense of purpose and satisfaction knowing that you are making a difference in your community.
Additionally, volunteering can help you make new friends and connections. You may meet like-minded individuals who share your values and interests, which can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
If you are an idealist, volunteering can be a great way to put your beliefs into action. You can work towards a cause you care about and make a real impact in the world.
Organisations like the British Red Cross are always looking for volunteers to help with disaster relief efforts, blood drives, and other important initiatives. By volunteering with the Red Cross, you can gain valuable experience and skills that can benefit your career.
Overall, volunteering can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience that can benefit both your personal and professional life. So why not give it a try? You never know what opportunities may arise when you start giving back to your community.
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