ADVANCING YOUR CAREER THROUGH VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering means that you don’t work to get a monetary benefit, but you have to work wholeheartedly as a contribution for the society. However, volunteering turns out to have abundant benefits for those of you who are finding a job or who are working. Here are some of the benefits of volunteering for your career.

Explore a new career field

Volunteering gives you the opportunity to try a new field without making a long-term commitment. That way, you will gain experience in a new field for some time. Volunteering can also introduce you to internships or organizations that can be very beneficial for your future career. This is because you are seen as an individual who is able to get along with other people, committed, and skilled at a field.

Improve your skills

Volunteering can build on the skills you already have and use them to benefit the larger community. Sometimes, there will be extensive training, seminars, and other events that can help you develop your soft skills and hard skills. For example, you might be able to develop public speaking skills, learn how to operate a new computer program, etc.

Expand your network

By volunteering, you have the opportunity to meet new people and expand your network with other staff, board members, and many more. By getting to know many people, these people are likely to introduce you to their friends that are maybe more professional or expert in the career that you want, so that your connection becomes wider. In addition, you can also find mentors who can guide you in your career more easily.

Build your confidence

Volunteer work can increase your self-confidence. Volunteering can help its volunteers to feel more active and productive, especially for those of you who have never worked or have been unemployed for some time. Volunteering will provide a solid foundation for the next phase of your career. The skills you’ve used, the tasks you’ve completed, and the results you’ve achieved in volunteer work will bring you closer to your career goals.

So, volunteering is not a trivial thing. There are so many valuable things you can get and learn from it. Hence, after reading this article, are you interested in being a volunteer?

References:

Alberta Alis. (2016, January 17). 11 Ways Volunteering Can Help You Find a Job. Alis. https://alis.alberta.ca/look-for-work/work-options/11-ways-volunteering-can-help-you-find-a-job/

Robinson, L. (2021, April 19). Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits. HelpGuide.Org. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm#