Benefits of Volunteering: How Volunteer Work Can Lead to a Job
Why Would Volunteering Help you as a College Student?
Discover the awesome perks of volunteering! Whether you're passionate about a cause, chasing some community service hours for school, or just craving a fresh perspective, volunteering is a great place to start. Plus, volunteering is not just about giving back; you can also score big benefits. By volunteering you will have the opportunity to gain valuable skills, explore your interests, and expand your network – all of which can boost your resume and help you secure your dream job after college!
According to a federal study by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the organization responsible for overseeing AmeriCorps, volunteering can be a great way to gain skills that will enhance one's prospects in the job market. The findings of this study highlighted these compelling statistics:
- Individuals who volunteer have a 27% higher chance of finding a job compared to their non-volunteering counterparts.
- For those in rural areas, volunteering increases their likelihood of finding employment by 55%Volunteers living in rural areas have a 55% higher likelihood of finding employment.
There are many benefits to volunteering that can translate into getting a job. Here are just a few:
Develop New Skills
Volunteering is a great way to learn new things. Depending on what you do, you can pick up skills like managing projects, working with a team, and organizing volunteers. Be sure to take time to reflect on not only the activities you are doing but also the skills you’re learning and write them down for your resume!
Add Experience to Your Resume
Did you know that volunteering counts as work experience? When you're making your resume, include the organization you volunteered with and the dates you helped out. This shows you're proactive, eager to learn, and care about your community – qualities any employer would love to see in a new team member!
Expand Your Network
Sometimes getting a job comes down to just knowing the right people. When you volunteer, you meet new people you might not have met otherwise. Say hi, ask them about what they do when they're not volunteering, and try to build a connection. Developing your network can definitely open up some great opportunities!
Build Self-Esteem and Confidence
When you volunteer, you're part of something bigger than just yourself, and it's a great way to feel good about who you are. Helping others boosts your self-image and makes you more confident. Carry that confidence into your job applications and interviews.
Originally written on the Get Schooled website.