What Is Volunteering?

Volunteer means a person who is volunteering for an organisation.

In the corporate world, volunteering is defined as; an unpaid activity; where an individual offers his time to help a non-profit organisation (NGO). A volunteer can work for a  not-for-profit organisation or even someone who does not belong to their association.

Why volunteer?

For instances, where finding a job is hard due to the lack of professional experience, volunteering is certainly, the best way to boost your chances of getting an employment opportunity. As a result, this will build on your work experience.

Volunteering does not have to be a full-time job.

Dedicating a few hours a week into volunteering is enough to increase the chances of getting employed the next time.

Becoming A Volunteer?

You can start by volunteering for an organisation that offers a flexible volunteering service.

When it comes to volunteering, it is important to:

• consider long term career goals. i.e. will you and your future career benefit from this experience?

Hence, it is important to discover the precise area of interests before you proceed to work for that organisation.

With this purpose in mind, it is easier to;

• Volunteer when you pair your interest and goals
• Think of why you want to volunteer and what you will benefit from it
• Also, think about the type of job you will enjoy doing.

This way, your volunteering experience is more fulfilling and fun because it matches your aims.

Guidelines to consider before you volunteer

• How much time are you willing to dedicate?
• What foundation is important to you and why do you want the job?
• What valuable skills can you bring to a volunteering job?
• How much responsibility can you take on?
• Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?

Reasons to become a Volunteer?

• Grows your social skills

Volunteering gives an opportunity to improve and practice socially acquired skills. In fact, for shy individuals who are not naturally outspoken, volunteering makes it easier to build a relationship through volunteering. As a result, they meet different people who share a common interest, make more friends, and build contacts.

• Expand Contacts and Friends

Volunteering helps strengthen the relationship you share with the people you volunteer with. You meet new people and make new friends from your daily charitable activities. This develops and broadens your network whilst improving your connections in society by exposing you to people who share the same interest and rewarding activities

• Increase your network

Volunteering is a great way to increase your network of connections. Volunteer for an organisation relating to your desired area of expertise. This is a way to make new contacts which can potentially help you with job hunting. The more people you meet, know, the better your chances are in employment.

• Bring the Society Together

Volunteering has a societal impact. Accordingly, the volunteers keep the community together through a rendering of free assistance to the people in need. Through this, the volunteers connect society together and make it a better place.

It is important that you enjoy and benefit from your volunteering experience as you are dedicating your time. Thus, ensure you;

• Understand your demand; when commencing a role as a volunteer, familiarise yourself with the organisation you are with.

Therefore, ensure you know your roles and responsibilities, and determine the time you can dedicate.

• Do not over commit yourself. Be flexible with yourself if you need a break to re-focus
• Make a change; if you can i.e. do not be afraid to speak up if your experience is not what you expected.
• Do not try to fit into the wrong type of organisation.
• Ensure you volunteer for organisations with different options i.e. flexible work opportunities.
• When in doubt, ask questions
• Enjoy your experience
• Volunteer for work experience.

It is discouraging when you do not have the vital essential experience. Volunteering experience will help you stand out,  increase your chances of getting shortlisted, and land your dream job.

Being a volunteer is a great way to develop your work experience. It is important to always think of a skill you will like to develop that will be relevant to your dream job.

To make the best of volunteering, it is vital to consider volunteering work as an experience that will help you improve your skills. In other words, to get more insights into the legal department you should volunteer to be a part of a legal non-profit organisation.

if you will like to know more about patient care,  consider volunteering in a hospital.