Experiential Learning Through Volunteering

Are you caught in that catch-22 situation where you can’t get the job without the experience, but you can’t get the experience without the job? You’re not alone in that situation, but there is something you can do about it.

Volunteering provides you with more than that “feel good” feeling—it’s a great opportunity to gain the necessary experience you need in order to qualify for a job by donating your time to an organization for a couple of hours a week—or whatever suits your schedule.

Volunteering can help you achieve your career goals in so many ways, but here’s just a few to consider:

Putting your academics into practice. Imagine you are studying accounting and volunteer for an organization that hands you their accounting receipts in a shoe box. You could design and implement a standardized accounting system and train the staff on how to use it. This could go a long way in demonstrating to prospective employers you are responsible, innovative, and you are a team player.    

Explore your career options and expand your horizons. This is your chance to try out different industries or career paths, or simply try something you never thought of before! Volunteering opens up the doors to experience a career path before you dive into an expensive degree or certification program.

Develop your skills or hone the ones you already have. By volunteering you can apply your theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. You might be able to put programming skills to use and build your portfolio to show potential employers, or use your position to get a chance to practice your second or third language.

Build your network. Volunteers come from a variety of age groups, lifestyles and career paths. You have the opportunity to learn about other careers and career paths while making contacts in those fields. It can also be a great opportunity to be linked to someone who knows someone who’s hiring. Even if the volunteering work is not related to your dream career, you might be surprised by the people you’ll meet. Developing a wide network that can attest to your skills and commitment is always a good thing.

Insider sneak peek of the organization. Learn a company’s culture, the workload, expectations, the challenges and develop your contacts in the organization or the field. You could get a sense of what it is like to work in that type of organization. For example, the work culture in an NGO setting can be different from the corporate culture. This will help you decide if you want to work for this organization in the future and how to target your application.

Opportunity for personal growth. Don’t underestimate the sense of giving. The personal fulfillment and sense of achievement can help you define your values and perhaps even direct you along unexpected path.

When you volunteer you are helping yourself and the organization. Go ahead take a risk! Be adventurous and do something that you have never done before! Your future self will thank you.for more info, check out avant career