Why Volunteer?

Volunteer work gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to those in need. Volunteering also allows you to observe and try out various professions. Although volunteer work is not paid, it's important to keep your commitment, to call in advance when you are unable to meet your commitment, and, while on the job, to take your volunteer work as seriously as a paid job. Acting professionally and demonstrating your dedication will lead others to think highly of you, and will allow you to leave the position on good terms.

Volunteering Is Admirable

Volunteer work is different from an internship, in which it is understood that you are working either for free or for a small wage to learn about a particular career for an entry-level position after graduation.

Volunteer workers are viewed as people who want to make a difference and are generous, committed, and confident. After all, you are acting on a belief that you have something to give.

What You Can Learn

Volunteer service allows you to express varied and undiscovered aspects of yourself. You interact with different types of people, in different settings from those you're accustomed to, and you are given the opportunity to hone skills that you have and possibly learn new skills. You get to observe and participate in different types of work and see if you are interested in pursuing a career in one of these types of work without the pressure and obligation of a paying job. If your work performance is good, you will leave with a strong recommendation and a good letter of reference, both of which are very useful assets in your job hunt.

Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to network, including more than just the people for and with whom you volunteer. Volunteer work, in and out of a work field of interest, adds a huge plus to your resume. Your experience may provide a conversation starter and it may help you assess a future employer.

Finding Volunteer Work That Is Right for You

Ask yourself the following questions:

• What do I care about?
• What problems have I seen that cause me to say, "Somebody should do something?"
• What touches my heart?
• What skills and talents do I possess?
• What skills do I want to gain or improve upon?

Everyone can find a way to be of service. Something as basic as the fact that you read and write means that you can teach other people to read and write, or that you can read aloud to the impaired or at a children's story hour. You can be of service by serving food or sorting clothes in a homeless shelter. Virtually any organization can use you to answer phones and help with mailings. Any special talents such as playing an instrument or computer skills can be put to good use. The important thing is to extend yourself.

Volunteering Resources

• Online
  www.americaspromise.org
  www.volunteermatch.org
  www.idealist.org
  
  
• Contacts
  Depending on where you live, you can contact the places listed below as starting points. Tell someone there what you want to do and they will provide you with names and numbers of organizations that will help you find a good match.
  —Chamber of Commerce
  —Volunteer Center
  —YMCA
  —YWCA
  —Library