Many people sometimes downplay the value of volunteerism.
Usually, it might be perceived as an activity for retirees, activists or persons who are looking to do something productive with their extra time.
For many, volunteering for a cause might seem more like a hobby as opposed to a career strategy.
However, volunteerism does carry a significant number of benefits. Volunteering can be a worthwhile career strategy towards getting a foothold within employment.
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Why volunteer?
Volunteering is an immensely valuable use of your time. Not only are you contributing towards an initiative you’re passionate about, but you’re making a positive impact in the lives of people and communities. For many people, being of valuable service to others brings an internal sense of fulfilment and self-worth.
Volunteering also strengthens a solid work ethic. Whether it’s devoting your time, building accommodations, clean-up activities, working on political campaigns or community projects, it is a productive use of time. For a university graduate with little work experience, this productive use of time can be a substantial substitute for work experience.
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What qualities do volunteers need?
Most, if not all volunteer work carries no financial compensation. Therefore, to work as a volunteer, certain traits are necessary:
- Servant attitude – You must have a willingness to serve and a genuine desire to help people without immediate rewards.
- Empathy – having compassion for people and doing your best to alleviate their struggles
- Commitment -Due to lack of financial rewards, you must be fully committed to your cause and willing to contribute your time as necessary
- Passionate – Whatever you’re volunteering to do, you must have a sincere passion for it.
- Teamwork – You most likely will be working in groups. Having a team spirit will help you thrive in this environment.
- Flexibility – Volunteer work may call for unconventional hours. As a volunteer, you may be asked to donate your time on a weekend, public holiday or after-work hours.
- Patience – It takes time to work on a project and to achieve the final end result.
- Proactive – You must have a go-getter attitude and a willingness to get the job done.
Benefits of volunteering
The following benefits of volunteer work include the lessons you learn, people you encounter, experiences you have and the development that you achieve.
Volunteering gives you experience
Volunteering for projects and campaigns involves working with multiple personalities, problem solving, budgeting, managing people, time and other resources as well as performing chronological tasks. These are essentially similar to the tasks you may perform if you were working in a compensated role within a firm.
What skills do I learn from volunteering?
The skills and competencies that volunteering provide comes from practical application towards real world problems. These skills should be highlighted on your CV.
- Project management
- Leadership
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Decision-making
- Budgeting & Resource Management
- Strategic planning
- Creativity
- Customer service
- Grit & perseverance
- Time management
Volunteering expands your network
Volunteerism does more for your job hunting prospects than listing work experience and practical skills. As a volunteer, you will be exposed to a range of associates whom you may collaborate with on projects. Given they have first-hand witness to your work ethic and ability, they can possibly recommend you to potential employers within their circle. They can also act as valuable sources for references and recommendations.
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Volunteers also work collectively with both public and private companies to secure funding, sponsorships, publicity and donations. Forming relationships with these contact persons within these companies can help you get through the door. Let them know you’re actively job hunting and if they come across possible job openings. If you share a good rapport with them, job openings, it may be brought to your attention.
Volunteering teaches you apply and interview for a job
When interviewers pose behavioural questions to you, you can explain how through volunteer work, you were able to handle tight deadlines, conflicting personalities, project setbacks, lack of team support or irate individuals.
Volunteer work is not for everyone. Not everyone has the drive to work odd hours, handle grueling tasks that many people would refuse to do and put other people’s needs ahead of their own, without financial compensation. Let your potential employers understand this and the value you bring.
Volunteering helps you find a mentor
If you’re a young professional seeking a mentor, volunteer work can be the rightful place to do so. Given that you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals who are working towards a common goal, it is very likely that you can find an experienced mentor, with a great work ethic and who can guide, challenge and inspire you to your highest potential.
Why being a volunteer helps your CV?
In terms of volunteer work, your CV can reflect the many initiatives, campaigns and projects you contributed to. You could also explain how volunteer work has opened you to a range of experiences, including how organisations and communities operate.
Finally, volunteer work on your CV portrays you as being a committed, proactive individual. Working without financial rewards demonstrates to potential employers your purpose, drive, self-motivation and commitment when performing tasks. These are qualities you can definitely present to your interviewer, that is needed in their organisation.
How to find the right volunteer opportunity?
Choosing the right type of volunteer work is critical, because as a volunteer, it is your passion and drive that is going to fuel your performance.
What are your passions?
Volunteers operate across many capacities in environmental clean-up campaigns, working with the elderly or disabled patients, in homeless or children shelters, political campaigns, animal rescue and community fund-raisers. Decide where your interest and skill set lies in order to identify which cause you will enjoy and be able to fully contribute to.
How much time can you allocate?
If you are working part-time or a full time student, you may have to schedule your volunteer work around your daily routine. Similarly, you may have less flexible time to devote to volunteerism if you have dependents, spouses, mobility limitations and health issues.
