Benefits of Volunteering

• In your community.
• At a local hospital.
• In groups, clubs, or organizations. 

If you haven't checked into ways of volunteering, please take the time to do so. It might be just what you need to succeed. Here are some of the ways volunteer work can benefit you.

Learn New Skills and Abilities

Through volunteerism, you can learn new skills and abilities, both of which can be added to your job application and resume. These new skills and abilities will also assist you in your job searches and will expand your opportunities when looking for work. After all, you don't just learn skills, but you put them into action and experience. In fact, employers highly value volunteer work because it shows your drive and dedication.

Because of this, volunteering can open you up to certain career fields. For example, if you want to work in healthcare, you could volunteer at a local hospital or clinic. This gives you hands-on experience that will prepare you for a paid job in that field.

For more info about the skills you can build through volunteering, check out our article "Volunteering Builds Skills Employers Want."

Expand Your Network

Volunteering helps in growing your network of contacts, potential references, and expands on your ability to perform job searches. Being a volunteer can be a more personal form of networking. Whereas at formal events visitors are expected to act a certain way. However, the relationships you build through volunteering will likely be closer and more organic. It's a great way to meet people who respect you both as a person and an employee, people to whom you can return that respect.

Fill Gaps in Employment (on job applications and resumes)

If you have been unemployed three months or longer or are just beginning your job search, through volunteering, you can add your volunteer work to your job application and resume to show employers that you are remaining active while searching for a job.

For more info about this, check out Volunteering and Your Resume.

Explore Career Options

If you are interested in a career pathway, volunteer for an organization, association, or company in that industry. This is the best way to get your feet wet. It may even get your foot in the door by giving you experience and introducing you to networking contacts in the industry.

You also may be able to advance in your career with volunteering. Because leadership is a big part of volunteering, it can help you build up to a leadership role within your company. For example, you may help an organization like the Red Cross or Cancer Society organize a walk or fundraising event. This is a great way to actively display your leadership skills to your company. 

Stay Focused on Your Goals

By remaining active and on a schedule, you are more likely to stay focused on your goals. For most, being idle gives people a reason to become too relaxed and unfocused on what their goals are, whether it be job searches or school. In other words, volunteering keeps your juices pumping and helps you stay motivated.

Give Back!

Above all, volunteerism is about what you can do for others, and how you can use your skills to make the world a better place. While it has plenty of benefits for you, the greatest benefit is the positive effect it has on the world and markets your abilities to a potential employer. Knowing that you're giving back to your communities and the world as a whole is something to be proud of.