First off, volunteer experience counts on a CV. Yes, it does but that’s not all about it. Volunteering is not a mere distraction as one waits for ‘real’ job opportunities. It is more than just doing ‘good’ for others in the quest of being viewed as a good person or making an impact in the world, yet even these are already good reasons! People do apply for volunteer posts and rigorous selections are undertaken to seriously choose whoever gets to be permitted inside a company. It is not a joke to be welcomed inside an organisation and shown every detail as though one were already an official employer. Employers don’t and shouldn’t regard it as a joke, and volunteers shouldn’t either. Here’s why you take up volunteering; It builds your professional reputation Whether it is evident or not, volunteering is about gaining experience in the field of one’s choice. It implies you’re already putting your skills to the test, and if your work pays off and is appreciated, it’s a confirmation that you’re competent at what you’re doing. For any employer, this is sufficient proof of your expertise. What better way to demonstrate your passion than to practice, even if it’s for free, with the sole desire to learn? Showcasing your skills to potential employers The majority of people are hired by companies where they have volunteered. The primary reason for this is that the employers have seen the person’s performance in real-time. Employers are less likely to waste time looking for future employees from afar when they already have someone in place. Networking Networking does not have to actually happen on LinkedIn or at a networking event only. Volunteering offers a more welcoming and low-pressure environment, it means that one can have genuine, meaningful interactions with others who share their interests without feeling awkward or concerned about impressing them. Volunteering is more likely to result in meaningful connections than mingling at an appetiser table at a networking event. Allows growth in the area Volunteering helps you to expand your skillset in a variety of ways. There is no limit to how many different professions one can volunteer in. While this offers you a first-hand look at how things might function in that domain, it also helps you to broaden your knowledge in your selected field for when the time is right for an income-earning job. It boosts confidence Expanding one’s network, gaining more knowledge, and improving one’s skills are the perfect combination for building confidence in oneself. They all make you appear as a more outstanding and well-rounded applicant for the job you want, and walking into an interview feeling qualified and competent puts you ahead of the competition. Plus, let’s face it; it looks great on a resume. If there’s one thing a volunteer can be counted on for, it’s to be selfless, driven, or humble. It effortlessly distinguishes one because let’s admit it, only a few people are capable of doing it without receiving any payment. It’s essential to understand the difference between volunteering and internship. Volunteering is not compensated in the same way that an internship is. An internship is also something you choose to do for yourself in order to build your skills in a certain profession, whereas volunteering can also serve this objective, but the driving factor is your desire to help others. The nicest aspect is that volunteering is sometimes interpreted as an internship, but internships are not. So, by volunteering, you are effectively shooting two birds with one stone.
