Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering Can Offer Many Benefits and Advantages
Volunteering can offer many benefits. Consider the advantages of volunteering to attain professional goals and give back to the community.
Build a Network of Professional Contacts
Volunteering can expose you to other people within the same industry or in new industries. Build your contact and reference list by exposing yourself to a new circle of people.
Test out a New Industry
If you are considering a move into a new industry, volunteer for an industry event. Get an insiders look and determine if it is a good fit with your career values. For example, if you’ve worked as an accounting in the manufacturing industry and you want to become a production accountant in the film industry, volunteer to help a student create a budget for a short film or prepare a funding application.
Test out a New Job Role
If you are considering a more radical career change by moving into a new career, test out the new job role by volunteering in a related role. For example, if you are considering becoming a marketing coordinator, volunteer to create a marketing plan for a start-up company or fundraising event.
Keep on Top of Trends and Advances in Your Industry
By volunteering for trade shows or other industry related events you can be exposed to new developments in your industry. Join a professional association in your field and watch for training events, networking events or trade shows that require volunteers for various roles.
Find a New Job
One strategy for finding a job in the hidden job market is to network. Volunteering can introduce you to hiring managers and recruiters looking for new talent. Also, often organizations will hire volunteers when a job opening or opportunity for funding arises.
Giving Back
The most common reason people volunteer is to give back to society. Sharing your skills and talent can provide non profit organizations with talent they would not normally be able to afford to hire. Not only could you reap the benefits from making new contacts but you’ll feel good contributing.
Learn New Skills
Volunteering for a job that is completely different than your day job can allow you to gain a new skill set. Often it is the volunteer work that is the opposite of your paid work that can open your eyes to new worlds and ideas.
Increase Your Career Motivation
If you’ve become disengaged with your career or burned out, volunteering can supercharge your career drive. Good ideas and strategies to emulate can come from exposure to how others have solved problems.
If you have comments or suggestions on this article, please start a discussion.
Copyright © 2008 Joni Rose and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright.
