By MDX Student Writer, Sophie Jet Kanzler
Student Writer Sophie provides compelling reasons why you should volunteer this summer
“Why don’t you do some volunteer/community/charity work?”
via GIPHY
Before the resounding cries of “I just don’t have time,” I’ve come up with six compelling reasons why you should reconsider your answer this summer:
- Make connections.
While volunteering, you could meet a lifelong friend or your next employer. The people you’re working with might know about other opportunities that could be beneficial to you through their own contacts – you’ll never know if you don’t ask. It’s also a good way of getting some social interaction if you’re struggling with being isolated and stuck inside, too.
- Narrow down career choices.
Volunteering can be a way of testing the waters and seeing whether you really want to pursue a career you’re on the fence about. It’s better to volunteer for a few weeks and dislike it than discover that your new, long awaited job is full of challenges that you didn’t expect! On the other hand, you could discover something you have a real passion for
- Make a difference!
Many volunteering positions will give you the chance to work with people who’ll be grateful for the time you spend with them. You could be a part of long-term change for a community or just brighten up someone’s day and make them feel listened to – whatever you feel that you can give, nothing is too small and there’s a need for it somewhere!
- It’ll look good to employers!
Being able to say that you’ve made the effort to help others and gained valuable skills looks great on a job application. Sometimes the only way to be prepared to work in a certain field is to get firsthand experience in it, or in an area requiring similar skills – so why not gain that experience early and get a competitive edge for the job role that you want?
- Learn transferable skills.
You know, the kind you can brag about on your CV? You’ll likely deal with challenging situations (and you know that’s a popular interview question), learning how to communicate with people of different needs and backgrounds, communication skills, teamwork…if you go abroad, you could even have the chance to start learning a new language.
- Personal sense of achievement!
Volunteering brings with it a sense of achievement. You’ll have done something hugely positive for yourself and others, which can be really good if you’re feeling like you need a boost in life.
Don’t risk feeling like you’ve wasted the summer!
