8 Ways VOLUNTEERING Can Benefit Your Career
Volunteering matters – a lot. Beyond the inherent good that comes from helping others, volunteering can be a powerful tool for boosting your career prospects. It not only allows you to give back to your community, but it can also equip you with valuable skills and experiences that set you apart in a competitive job market.
Here are just a few ways volunteering can benefit your career:
1. Grow your network: Building a strong network is crucial for career success: Through volunteering, you can connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including potential mentors, colleagues, and employers. These connections can lead to valuable informational interviews, job referrals, and even employment opportunities.
2. Develop essential transferable skills: Leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and time management are just a few of the valuable skills that can be honed through volunteer experiences. These skills are applicable across various industries and can significantly enhance one's professional profile.
3. Gain hands-on experience in a desired field: Individuals can volunteer in areas aligned with their career aspirations, allowing them to test their skills, develop expertise, and build a portfolio of practical accomplishments. This exposure can be particularly valuable for career changers or those seeking to transition into a new industry.
4. Explore new career paths: If you are not sure what you want to do with your career, volunteering can help you explore different interests and fields.
5. Boost your confidence: Stepping out of your comfort zone and tackling new challenges through volunteering builds confidence and resilience, allowing you to approach future professional endeavors with a positive attitude and a greater sense of self-efficacy.
6. Reduce stress and boost your mental health: Volunteering has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health.
7. Demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility: Employers are increasingly looking for employees who are committed to social responsibility. Volunteering shows that you are passionate about making a difference in the world.
8. Enhance your resume and LinkedIn profile: Including volunteer experience on your resume and LinkedIn showcases your commitment to community involvement and initiative to learn and grow beyond your formal education or paid work experience. This can help you stand out to potential employers searching for candidates who are passionate and socially conscious.
Volunteering, therefore, is not merely a charitable endeavor; it is a strategic investment in one's career. By dedicating time and energy to a cause one cares about, individuals can gain valuable experience, develop essential skills, and expand their professional networks, among many other things, all of which contribute to career advancement and long-term success.
So, if you have the time and energy, take the leap, find a cause you care about, and start volunteering today! You’ll strengthen your community, and in the process, help yourself.
[This article was originally published on LinkedIn on 11/28/23: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/8-ways-volunteering-can-benefit-your-career-bill-leonard-mhrm-uahye%3FtrackingId=niHOHbqyQSeJZODJeh19VA%253D%253D/?trackingId=niHOHbqyQSeJZODJeh19VA%3D%3D]