Four Way Volunteering Can Advance Your Career
Whether you’re helping hand out meals at the Salvation Army or assisting with administrative tasks at a local non-profit, there is always a good feeling associated with giving back to the community. Beyond the benefits of feeling good about your time and how you’ve impacted the lives of others, volunteering is also great for your career! Not to mention volunteering can help you land a job if you are currently in the job market. There are many areas of your career that can be improved with volunteering, but a few benefits stand out more than others:
It helps build your confidence
Volunteering is a great way to boost your confidence. By taking the time out of your busy schedule and helping others, you receive a natural sense of accomplishment and pride, which creates a positive view of your life. The more positive you feel about your life, the greater the likelihood that that positive feeling will spill over into other aspects of your life like your career.
It helps you develop new skills
It’s great to feel confident and secure at your job, but that doesn’t mean you’re done trying and learning new things. By volunteering, you have the opportunity to learn additional skills and be presented with challenges, without threatening your reputation or performance at your current job. If you’re interested in exploring another career area, look at joining committees at local organizations. Many organizations have committees in a variety of different areas including finance, investments, marketing, event planning, etc. Not to mention your teamwork skills will improve regardless of what volunteer work you do.
It gives you the opportunity to network and meet new people
Networking and meeting new people doesn’t always have to take place at formal mixers or on LinkedIn. It also doesn’t have to be forced or uncomfortable which is why volunteering is great place for networking. It’s very easy and a natural way to meet new people in your area who are passionate about something that you are too. It’s also a lot easier to make a meaningful connection volunteering rather than at an awkward networking event.
It looks great on your resume
Last but not least, volunteering looks great on your resume. When you’re willing to volunteer your time and skills to a charitable cause when there’s nothing in it for you, it shows that you are not only qualified, but also helpful. After all, when was the last time someone complained about someone being too helpful?
Volunteering is very powerful. Not only does it get you out of bed and away from Netflix, but it gives you a strong feeling of accomplishment and a boost to your career. It also gives you a wellness credit if you’re a TeamSoft employee! Keep these points in mind the next time a volunteer opportunity points itself in your direction. You won’t be sorry.
