When we were in highschool, Volunteering was almost a must for us all. This was because it was important for us to engage in acts of kindness by giving back to the less fortunate but also supporting our peers in the various aspects of life.
Now, you might not know this, but doing voluntary work can take you into offices, boardrooms, and places you never thought you would reach.
The beauty about volunteering is the fact that it’s a great way to give back to your community and reward yourself. Some people also use this for networking, or getting to learn new skills.
With volunteering, these are some of the benefits you often get when you decide to open your mind to supporting others, plus this is very important for your career development. These benefits include;
- Adding new skills and valuable work experience.
Whether you’re studying, starting a career, looking for work or trying to improve your promotion prospects, volunteering can be a great way to learn and develop the skills you need, both practically and personally. Even when a change of career is not in your mind, volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice important skills used in the workplace, such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, project planning, task management, and organization.
Sometimes life changes leave us a little isolated. Maybe you’ve recently moved to a new area. Perhaps you’ve lost a partner. Or you might just have lost touch with people and circumstances change. One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area.
- Better physical and mental health and wellbeing.
This is a little self explanatory. Keeping active, mentally as well as physically, has a powerful influence over our health and wellbeing. Volunteering helps counteract the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety among other mental disturbances that might arise from being alone.
- Helps you show that you are committed and focused.
By volunteering your free time, you can show potential employers that you are truly motivated by the cause you are passionate about. Volunteering shows the commitment and initiative that is very attractive for those hiring.
Just because volunteer work is often unpaid does not mean that the skills you learn are basic. Many volunteering opportunities provide extensive training. Your volunteer work might also expose you to professional organizations or internships that could benefit your career. So, it’s very important to start thinking of doing some volunteer work if you have any hopes of pursuing a fulfilling career.
With many of us leading busy lives, the idea of volunteering – giving your time and energy to a cause without financial reward – may seem an impossible task, but today I tell you, it’s actually not only interesting, but also fulfilling – Try it.