Job Search Benefits of Service and Volunteerism
Giving back to the community through service and volunteerism not only benefits those around you but can also help you along in your job search and overall career development. There are plenty of opportunities out there that will allow you to further develop as an individual and put your skills to action. Whether it is coordinating food bank operations, building homes for a nonprofit organization, or spending time caring for your favorite furry companions at a shelter, there is no shortage of ways to get to work! Consider the advantages below for how service and volunteerism can impact your career.
Expand your Technical Skills
There are many organizations and nonprofits who need individuals with the skills that you have! If you plan on volunteering this summer, offer up any specialized knowledge or skill set that might be beneficial to the organization and ask how you can be of service. For example, computer science students working with a small nonprofit might be able to help build and maintain the organization’s website. You could even expand on your skills or learn something new by using them in this setting. Never be afraid to ask where work needs to be done—and possibly even provide creative suggestions! This can serve as a great example to discuss in a resume, cover letter, or any other application material.
Develop your Soft Skills
Employers are always on the lookout for candidates with strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. Even if the opportunity isn’t directly related to your area of study, there are still plenty of ways that we can use the experience to demonstrate transferable skills that employers seek. Check out the ECS Career Readiness page to review the career keys that contribute to your success on the job and reflect on how the volunteer opportunity allowed you to demonstrate these skills.
Networking Opportunities
You never know who you could meet when you volunteer! Getting involved with opportunities offered by nonprofits or causes that you are passionate about can help you make connections with others. These individuals can help you in your career development or in identifying job opportunities. Get to know the people that you are working with and learn from them! Don’t forget your professionalism and etiquette, since they can serve as reference, a source of career advice, or assist you in making additional connections.
A Demonstration of your Commitment
As a job candidate, it will benefit you to have experiences that demonstrate your dedication, work ethic, and initiative. Volunteering and service opportunities are perfect to do so! Active involvement with an organization or nonprofit can serve as beneficial examples to discuss in your application materials and in future interviews. For example, consider practicing for that next big interview by reflecting on what answers you can give in STAR format required of behavioral interviews.
Looking for a volunteer opportunity? Here are a few places you can start: Do Something, Besa, and Volunteer Match.
Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good. – Minor Myers Jr.
