Career HW Help

Benefits of Volunteering Volunteering can off er many benefits. Consider the advantages of volunteering to attain professional goals and give back to the community. By Joni Rose , Suite101 Build a Network of Professional Contacts Volunteering can expose you t o other people within the same industry or in new industries. Build your contact and reference list by exposing yourself to a new circle of people. Test out a New Industry If you are considering a move into a new industry, volunteer for an industry event. Get an insiders look and determine if it is a good fit with your career values . For example, if you’ve worked as an accounting in the manufacturing industr y and you want to become a production accountant in the film industry, volunteer to help a student create a budget for a short film or prepare a funding application. Test out a New Job Role If you are considering a more radical career change by moving into a new career, test out the new job role by volunteering in a related role. For example, if you are considering becoming a marketing coordinator, volunteer to create a marketing plan for a start -up company or fundraising event. Keep on Top of Trends and Ad vances in Your Industry By volunteering for trade shows or other industry related events you can be exposed to new developments in your industry. Join a professional association in your field and watch for training events, networking events or trade shows that require volunteers for various roles. Find a New Job One strategy for finding a job in the hidden job market is to network.

Volunteering can introduce you to hiring managers and recruiters looking for new talent. Also, often organizations will hire vo lunteers when a job opening or opportunity for funding arises. Giving Back The most common reason people volunteer is to give back to society. Sharing your skills and talent can provide non profit organizations with talent they would not normally be able t o afford to hire. Not only could you reap the benefits from making new contacts but you’ll feel good contributing. Learn New Skills Volunteering for a job that is completely different than your day job can allow you to gain a new skill set. Often it is the volunteer work that is the opposite of your paid work that can open your eyes to new worlds and ideas. Increase Your Career Motivation If you’ve become disengaged with your career or burned out, volunteering can supercharge your career drive. Good ideas a nd strategies to emulate can come from exposure to how others have solved problems. If you have comments or suggestions on this article, please start a discussion. Copyright © 2008 Joni Rose and Suite 101. Joni Rose Over 22 years of experience in training as a college and continuing education instructor, training program manager and training consultant.