Helping people without expecting monetary gain is a beautiful experience.
You’re probably wondering about this 'beautiful experience' that Jenny is speaking of by now. You may even be more savage and think "Abeg soro soke! What beauty is there in working without pay?" I know you’re wondering.
Now, before you roll your eyes and dismiss me as another cheesy do-gooder who is just trying to motivate you to get off your butt and make a difference in the world (even though, well, I really think you should), hear me out.
This is more than just your opportunity to do something great for your community—it can also have a major impact on your job search and professional reputation.
If I could read the minds of many employers, I'm almost certain I would hear them say something like
“I like to see volunteer experience on a resume, especially if the volunteer experience allowed the candidate to exhibit skills that may be lacking in other parts of the resume."
Relevant career skills are qualities employers want, whether they come from paid or unpaid experience.
I like to believe that most recent University graduates lack professional work experience (especially here in naija where HR peeps are notorious for putting up ridiculous experience expectations), and volunteer experience is the next thing that really matters to a recruiter. If employers want to see work experience on a resume, volunteering can absolutely be the peg that fits that hole.
“If we’re being completely honest, we’ll admit that one of the main benefits of volunteering is that you get work experience that often exceeds what you would get in an entry-level work position.”
When I had first started learning graphics designing and content development, I had friends who ran non-profits hit me up and ask that I volunteer to create designs and develop content for their organizations. This skill-developing experience led to work samples that I eventually included in my portfolio.
It goes without saying, that volunteering could actually help you advance your career much faster. It has the potential of putting you in touch with what remains relevant in an ever transient industry. If your work involves any level of strategy, problem solving or big picture thinking, then volunteering can be the ‘boots on the ground’ experience that gives you a closer look.
“Volunteering allows you to see around corners and spot problems in your industry sometimes before your colleagues are even aware that there is an issue”
You’ll refine valuable soft skills, even if your volunteer work seems unrelated to your career ambitions, most volunteering arrangements can help you develop an array of soft skills that are transferable to huge variety of careers. The ability to solve problems creatively with minimal guidance, structure or resources is a special thing indeed.
Without bombarding your dear brain with any more verbosity, I would like to end this piece by saying that when it comes to volunteering, passion and positivity are the only requirements.
While learning new skills can be beneficial to many, it’s not a requirement for a fulfilling volunteer experience. Bear in mind that the most valuable assets you can bring to any volunteer effort are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to pitch in wherever needed, and a positive attitude.
So champ, put on your passion boots and pay the naysayers no mind. Go out today and grab that volunteering opportunity, your career will thank you later!
With all my love,
Jenny for UPFOLIO.
