In this Career Development Bonus Tip, I want to tell you about the power of volunteering and what it means for enhancing your career.
The foundation of your career success comes with your skillsets, accomplishments, interests, and values.
So how does volunteering come into play? Volunteer experience can be a good way to learn even more about yourself and your potential.
When you are volunteering for a position that you care about you want to learn more and do more which will expand your knowledge base. Depending on what position you are volunteering at, you may have greater empathy and compassion than before you started because of the new viewpoints you are experiencing.
Volunteer experiences give you a chance to find out how other people view your strengths as well as your weaknesses also. Ask for feedback from the person that you report to. Find out what you are doing well, but also what you could be doing better. Then listen to the advice they give, and don’t only apply it to that particular situation. Take a little time to think about how you could adjust other areas of your life to improve things by using this advice you were given also.
Similar to what we talked about last time regarding serving on a team, volunteering is a great way to meet people from other departments that are also interested in this opportunity. You can expand your network as well as grow and expand your knowledge base about the organization.
Can you think of any ways you could volunteer at your current job? Maybe help to organize a company golf event or a dinner that a non-profit your company supports is hosting. There are many events and other ways you can volunteer to do your part to help, and I think you will be surprised at the turnaround you receive from it as well.
Volunteering is not a one-way street or a single person opportunity. Working together towards a shared goal is what you want to lean into.
A couple of side notes…
- If you are looking for a job, volunteer opportunities may open a door and will definitely grow your network.
- If you are just entering the workforce, in between jobs or re-entering the workforce, don’t forget to include volunteer experience on your resume. You have amazing skills and abilities to showcase!
If I can help in any way I am happy to. Just reach out and let’s connect. I may have some ideas for you that haven’t crossed your mind yet.
