5 Professional Benefits You Can Gain From Volunteering
An Underrated Strategy
Looking to improve your career prospects? In a world where professional growth and development are increasingly competitive, individuals tend to pursue internships and further education such as online courses in order to upskill themselves.
However, there is one avenue that is frequently overlooked: volunteering.
Why Volunteer?
There are a myriad of benefits to volunteering. The most obvious of these is the feeling of satisfaction and fulfilment that comes from helping others and giving back to the community. Another is being able to meet new people and form long-lasting friendships.
In the professional sphere, volunteering can also serve as a means for career advancement. By dedicating a few hours of your time each week or month, you will be able to gain valuable experience and skills. Check with your workplace to see if they have any programs that support employee volunteering; alternatively, you can research local organisations that align with your interests and professional goals.
Remember, while volunteering can be beneficial for your career, it should not be primarily viewed as a tool for advancement – the main focus should always be on the difference you can make in the lives of others.
Reap What You Sow
The more you engage in volunteer work, the more you will reap the following five benefits:
1. Skills Development
When you engage in volunteer work, you hone existing soft and hard skills, plus you learn new ones.
For example, you can improve your communication abilities by working with other volunteers; enhance your project management and problem-solving skills by leading initiatives and finding solutions to challenges that may arise; or increase your sense of empathy as you work with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
By building on these skills, you can apply them in your professional life, making you a more versatile and valuable employee.
2. Exposure to Different Career Fields
Volunteering provides a unique opportunity to explore various roles and industries that you might not encounter in your day-to-day job. Engaging with different organisations allows you to gain insight into how different sectors operate; as such, you may discover unexpected interests or talents along the way.
For example, if you volunteer for a non-profit organisation focused on environmental issues, you might develop a passion for sustainability that could lead you to pursue a career in that field, such as environmental science or conservation management.
By the same token, if you volunteer for an organisation dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty, you might hone an interest in animal welfare and advocacy. In turn, you could pursue a career in veterinary medicine or animal rights law.
3. Networking
As previously mentioned, one of the most significant benefits of volunteering is the chance to meet like-minded individuals who share your values and interests. Beyond forming friendships, building relationships within your volunteer community can also lead to valuable professional contacts, mentorships and even job opportunities.
For example, if you volunteer at a local soup kitchen, you might encounter professionals from various sectors including social work, public health or community organising. They could provide valuable insights into potential career paths, industry trends or job openings that you might not have come across otherwise.
In short, the relationships you build through shared experiences can create career opportunities, as people tend to value the dedication and passion demonstrated through volunteering.
4. CV Enhancement
If you want to make your CV more attractive to prospective employers, adding volunteer experience can be an effective way to enhance it. After all, volunteering is demonstrative of your commitment to community service and social responsibility – a trait which many employers find appealing.
It not only shows that you are willing to invest your time and effort in a good cause, but it also highlights a range of skills and competencies – leadership capabilities, teamwork, problem-solving, etc – that are highly sought after in the workplace.
Plus, if you’re a recent graduate or transitioning to a new career, volunteering can fill in the gaps in your experience, showcasing your proactive approach, and a willingness to learn and grow.
5. Boosting Self-Confidence
Volunteering helps build self-confidence and nurtures leadership skills in various ways. By stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking on new responsibilities, you have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally.
For example, if you take on a leadership role in a volunteer project, such as organising a community event, you may encounter challenges that require problem-solving and decision-making skills. Successfully navigating these challenges can significantly boost your self-confidence, as you realise your ability to take initiative and lead others.
Give Back and Get Ahead!
If you’re willing to make an investment in your future, then you’d do well to give back to the community through volunteering. It’s a powerful, fulfilling way to enrich your life – and the lives of others! – while also nurturing your professional development.
Good luck!