Service Can Build Career Skills
Service initiatives are a smart investment of time that can yield big rewards. Highly regarded by employers and graduate schools, service provides opportunities for skill development, leadership, networking and community engagement.
They can add to the well-roundedness of a resume by showcasing an individual's talents, skills and interests. In addition, service demonstrates a person's commitment to helping in the community.
How Does Volunteerism Build Career Skills?
Like any real-world experience, service includes challenges and successes. These opportunities can help a student gain skills in leadership, problem-solving, project planning and execution, fundraising and budgeting, and teamwork. Other benefits include:
- Meeting potential employers – Learning the day-to-day workings of an organization, building relationships and demonstrating competencies can be advantageous for employment opportunities
- Networking with professionals
- Sampling a career field without making a long-term commitment
- Turning passion into productivity by channeling personal interests into meaningful volunteer work.
Getting Started
Off-campus volunteer opportunities can be humanitarian, political, civic, environmental or something else. To get started, a student should ask:
- What are my interests and hobbies?
- What causes are important to me?
- How much time can I commit?
- What goals would I like to accomplish?
- What talents and skills can I bring to a volunteer position?
- Do I prefer a visible or behind-the-scene role?
Consider Options
The BW Career Center and the Brain Center for Community Engagement can be wonderful resources for learning about volunteer opportunities. Likewise, faculty advisors can be helpful. Students should thoroughly investigate each organization to find the right fit for them personally and professionally.
Be Proactive
Before making a final decision, a student should contact the volunteer coordinator as well as the person to whom they would be directly reporting to learn about time commitment, responsibilities, guidelines for dress and conduct, and other important factors. In addition, they might also ask about training, safety and health-related conditions, as well as opportunities to expand their role with the organization.
Have Fun
Meeting new people, applying skills and contributing to an important cause are a few of the many rewards of volunteerism. It is a powerful way of turning one's beliefs into action and making an impact. Along the way, it facilitates valuable career preparation, networking and potential job opportunities.