top of page
Writer's pictureThomas Heneker

Get Out There and Give Back: How Volunteering Can Enhance Career Advancement

1. Introduction: The Importance of Volunteering in the Workplace

For many people, volunteering is something to do on the weekend. For others, it's a form of self-care. However, whatever your reason for wanting to volunteer, there are several reasons why it can be beneficial to your career. And more importantly, it will be an opportunity to give back to society and make it a better place.


As well as the spiritual and community benefit, volunteering gives you an opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience in areas that may not have been covered during your studies or training. It also allows you to develop relationships with other professionals who share similar interests as yourself. This will help build up networks within your industry which could lead to future opportunities. Finally, volunteering provides you with valuable work experience which can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs later down the line.


There are many great reasons to volunteer. To find out how volunteering can enhance career advancement read on...



2. Why Volunteer?

It can be difficult to find time to volunteer for a cause that matters to you. However, as the world becomes more competitive, many people are realising that giving back can be a valuable way to forge connections with those who may have opportunities for your career in the future. Volunteering is not just about good karma - it's also a great way to build a strong résumé and increase knowledge in a certain field. And it gives you something positive to do when you need time away from work.


So if you've been thinking of doing more volunteer work but haven't found anything yet, here are five reasons why you should start today:


1. You'll feel good about yourself and your community. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the world around us while also making new friends who share similar interests, as well as helping others in need. Whether it's helping out on an event committee, working as a greeter at a festival, or organising a fundraiser, volunteers get satisfaction from seeing their efforts come to fruition.


2. It's fun! There's nothing like getting out of the house, meeting people from all walks of life, and doing something that makes an impact on our communities. You'll make memories that will last forever.


3. Your skills will be put to use. It could be making food for those less fortunate or teaching children English, volunteering can help hone your skills and expand your knowledge base.


4. You'll have more time with family and friends. When was the last time you had quality face-to-face time with someone? Volunteering is a perfect way to spend some extra time together without having to worry about money or schedules.


5. You'll meet new people. If you're looking for love, friendship, or just a good conversation partner, there are plenty of opportunities at volunteer events.



3. Ways to Volunteer: Where to Start, What to Do

Volunteering is a great way to contribute to the community and make a difference. There are many ways to volunteer but there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some tips for getting started with volunteering


1. Know yourself. What motivates you? Do you like being around people? Are you good at giving directions? Can you work well under pressure?


Think about your skills and experiences before starting any type of volunteering. Don't try something that's too far out of your comfort zone if it doesn't fit into your strengths.


2. Find something you're passionate about.

Volunteering can be as simple as helping out in your local animal shelter, but it could also mean working on an international development project or teaching English abroad. Whatever you choose, find something that interests you so you’ll want to keep coming back!


3. Think of how you could use skills from your job in another area.

For example: If you are a graphic designer at a marketing firm, think about ways you could help design brochures for a non-profit organisation. Or maybe you have experience with public speaking; consider applying this skill set towards the board of directors of a non-profit. The possibilities are endless and they all require some kind of volunteer work experience.


4. Consider joining an organisation where you already have connections.

This will give you more opportunities than volunteering at an unknown organisation. You'll also get to network with people who can be potential employers or contacts for future jobs.


5. Investigate local organisations that are actively looking for volunteers. Many times, these groups need help in areas like fundraising, marketing, event planning, etc.


6. Check out online resources such as VolunteerMatch.org and Idealist.org.

These sites list hundreds of thousands of different types of non-profits around the world. They're a great place to start your search!



4. Conclusion: Why this Matters

Giving back by volunteering can have a positive impact on one's career. It can help to build skills, make connections, and demonstrate commitment. Volunteering is a great way to get out there and expand your network. It can also lead to new opportunities and career advancement. So, if you're looking to advance your career, consider giving back by volunteering. It may just be what you need to take your career to the next level.


10 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page