The Benefits of
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to help out other people
in your community. The best volunteering should involve
a genuine desire to help others. But this does not mean
that the experience can’t provide some very tangible
benefits to you, as well.
Here are some reasons why you might want to volunteer:
- It allows you to explore career options. If you
aren’t completely sure that a certain occupation
is the one for you, volunteering gives you a chance
to learn more about it before you make a commitment.
Like informational interviewing or job shadowing,
volunteering provides you with a chance to research
the career alternatives open to you.
- It is a great way to develop new skills. For some
jobs, formal education or training may not be
required, but employers will want you to possess
certain skills. Volunteering is a way to develop
skills that you can transfer to the occupation of
your choice.
- It is a way to gain valuable career-related
experience. Some occupations will require you to
possess a certain certificate or degree. But employers
will also want you to have experience. So even if you
have the skills and education you need, volunteering
can offer you the chance to apply these skills in a
“real-world” environment and provide the
practical experience many employers look for.
- You can meet new people. This is good in its own
right, and it also allows you to establish some
important networking contacts you might use to find
a paying job or as references.
- Volunteer positions can often involve a large degree
of responsibility, if that is what you are looking
for. This will allow you to exercise leadership,
develop problem-solving skills and be creative.
Even if you already have the skills you need, the
experience employers are looking for, and the job you
want, volunteering can still benefit you:
- It provides the opportunity to develop new skills
and pursue new interests. You can never have too many
skills. Developing new skills and learning new things
are valuable in their own right, and not just a way
to further your career.
- Volunteering gives you a chance to share your
knowledge and expertise with others. It can be very
rewarding and fulfilling to know that all the training
and education received has more value than simply
putting food on your table (not to say that this
isn’t a valid reason for developing your skills
and knowledge base in itself!)
- Whether you are learning new skills or developing
skills you already have, volunteering provides the
opportunity for you to gain confidence and
self-esteem.
- It allows you to get involved in your community and
to make an impact on the lives of those in need.
Volunteering will give you the chance to learn more
about the community, society and environment in which
you live.
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in Canada!