As a career coach I often get asked by clients and friends “Should I include my volunteer work in my CV?”. When I ask “why do ask” they often say, “Well it is volunteer work, it is not real work. I’m not paid for it?”. Below are 5 ways that “doing good” can help your career.
1. Skill Development:
Volunteering provides opportunities to develop and enhance various skills that are valuable in the workplace. By taking on responsibilities and challenges in a volunteer role, you can gain practical experience and refine your abilities. According to Jill Tipograph, co-founder of Early Stage Careers, “Volunteering can provide a rich environment for acquiring and honing critical skills such as leadership, project management, communication, and problem-solving.”
Volunteer work often allows you to take on roles and tasks that you may not have the opportunity to do in your regular job. This can provide a platform for learning and skill development. Whether it’s leading a team of volunteers, managing projects, or improving your communication skills through interactions with diverse individuals, volunteering can help you build a versatile skill set that is attractive to employers.
2. Expanded Network:
Engaging in volunteer work allows you to connect with people from diverse backgrounds who share similar interests and passions. Building a strong network is crucial for career advancement, as it can open doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and professional advice. As Nellie Akalp, CEO of CorpNet.com, explains, “Volunteering can lead to relationships with people you may not otherwise meet, including those in influential positions in your industry.”
Through volunteering, you can interact with professionals, community leaders, and like-minded individuals who can become valuable contacts in your network. These connections can provide insights into your industry, offer guidance and support, and potentially lead to job referrals or collaborations in the future. Building a broad and diverse network through volunteering can expand your career opportunities and provide a support system for your professional growth.
3. Enhanced Resume/CV:
Volunteer experience can significantly enhance your resume or curriculum vitae. It demonstrates your commitment to making a positive impact beyond your professional pursuits and showcases your dedication to community involvement. According to Amanda Augustine, Career Expert at TopResume, “Including volunteer work on your resume can help you stand out as a candidate, especially if you’re competing against other candidates with similar qualifications.”
By including your volunteer work on your resume, you can highlight your diverse experiences and demonstrate valuable qualities such as empathy, social responsibility, and proactivity. Additionally, volunteer experience can serve as evidence of your skills and accomplishments. As Tanya Prive, co-founder of Forbes Impact, suggests, “List your volunteer work as you would a job, and include specific accomplishments and achievements.” By quantifying your impact and showcasing the results you achieved through volunteering, you can provide tangible evidence of your abilities and make a compelling case to potential employers.
4. Personal Growth and Self-Discovery:
Volunteering offers opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. It allows you to step outside your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and develop new perspectives. Through volunteer work, you can gain a deeper understanding of social issues, cultural diversity, and community needs. This expanded worldview can enhance your empathy, problem-solving skills, and ability to work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds.
As John Coleman, co-author of “Passion & Purpose: Stories from the Best and Brightest Young Business Leaders,” explains, “Volunteering can help you learn more about yourself and discover how you can make a meaningful difference in the world.” By engaging in volunteer work that aligns with your interests and values, you can gain clarity about your passions and purpose, which can guide your career decisions and lead to a more fulfilling professional life.
5. Exposure to Different Industries:
Volunteering can expose you to various industries and fields that you may not have considered before. This exposure can help you gain insight into different career paths and enable you to explore new interests. As Mark Horoszowski, co-founder of MovingWorlds, suggests, “Volunteering can help people discover passions and strengths that they never knew existed.” By engaging in volunteer work in different sectors, you can gain firsthand experience and knowledge, allowing you to make informed decisions about your career direction.
In conclusion, volunteering can have a multitude of positive effects on your career. It can help you develop and refine valuable skills, expand your network, enhance your resume, expose you to new industries, and contribute to personal growth and development. As you consider ways to advance your career, consider the benefits of volunteering and the impact it can have on your professional and personal life.
