How Do I Get Volunteer Experience?
Volunteering is a great way to build your resume and expand your professional network. You can also use volunteer experience to test the waters in a new field. To get started, start by researching the organizations you want to work with and finding out what they need. Then call or email them to see if they have any openings for volunteers.
Networking
If you are considering a career change, volunteering offers opportunities to learn and gain experience in the field you are considering. It can also help you meet people in the field and build your network. You can find volunteer positions online through a company’s website, either with its list of open job opportunities or in a special section specifically for volunteering. Search for the volunteer position best suited to your skills and goals.
Another way to get volunteer experience is to find a local charity or organization that has a need that matches your skill set. For example, if you have tech skills in network security, look for a local animal shelter with network issues, an assisted living facility with computers needing repair, or a community theatre needing help troubleshooting its IT system.
Once you have a few opportunities, it’s time to put your volunteer experience on your resume. You can do this on LinkedIn by creating a profile and making sure that the volunteer experience is detailed.
References
Volunteer experience can be an excellent way to build your professional network. However, it can also be tricky to add to your resume. Luckily, you can show off your volunteer work in several ways on your resume. One way is to add it to your experience section – especially if it’s directly related to the job you’re applying for.
Another option is to add it to your skills section – particularly if it’s rare or higher-level skills that could help you stand out from other candidates. Lastly, you can ask someone you’ve worked with for a long time to be a reference. This can be especially helpful if you’ve been close to your internship director or adviser in college.
Certificates
Volunteer certificates and awards are an excellent way to thank your volunteers for their invaluable contributions. It’s a great way to show appreciation and encourage them to continue volunteering for future projects.
It also shows your staff that you appreciate the time they put into their job duties, which is a positive trait for any organization. The certificates are based on the number of hours or years of service the volunteer has given to your organization.
One of the most important aspects of a successful international volunteer abroad experience has high-quality pre-departure training. This is where IVHQ has partnered with Global Travel Academy (GTA) to offer their participants exclusive access to online training courses.
Experience
Volunteering can help you get the needed experience to achieve your career goals. It can also help you open doors to new sectors, organizations, roles and responsibilities.
Getting experience as a volunteer can be a rewarding and fulfilling way to spend your time, but it does require a commitment. It can also be challenging, particularly working with people in an unfamiliar culture.
The first step is to identify what you want to gain from volunteering. What kind of experience must you develop to move into the position or industry you want?
For example, if you are interested in technology, volunteering may be the perfect opportunity to gain the skills you need. Find an organization local to you that needs to set up a network, professional volunteer who can provide expert insights into the field you are interested in.