Volunteering for Success

How Community Involvement Can Help You Stand Out to Employers

As someone who’s volunteered extensively as a scout leader (that’s me cooking on camp!), I’m here to share with you the benefits of volunteering and how it can make a real difference to your job prospects and career path.

Volunteering offers a wealth of opportunities to develop valuable skills that are highly transferable and can be applied to a wide range of jobs and industries. Whether you work with children, animals, or the environment, volunteering can help you gain skills in leadership, teamwork, and communication that will benefit you throughout your career. (Check out the importance of “soft skills”) 

But the benefits don’t stop there – volunteering can also help you build a strong professional network. By working alongside other volunteers and professionals in your community, you can make meaningful connections and potentially open doors to new job opportunities. In fact, a survey by Deloitte found that 82% of hiring managers prefer to hire candidates with volunteering experience on their resumes. (Read “The power of networking”)

Now, I know that time is precious, especially when you’re just starting out in your career. But here’s the good news – volunteering doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment. Even just a few hours a month can make a difference and help you gain valuable experience and connections.

As a scout leader, I’ve seen first-hand the benefits that volunteering can bring. Through my involvement in Scouts, I gained skills in organization, leadership, and communication that have helped me in my professional life. And by volunteering in my community, I’ve met other volunteers who are professionals in a variety of industries, which has helped me build my own professional network.

But don’t just take my word for it – research shows that volunteering can have a real impact on your job prospects and career path. In fact, a study by the Corporation for National and Community Service found that volunteers are 27% more likely to find a job after being out of work than non-volunteers.

So, if you’re a school leaver or young professional looking to boost your job prospects and enhance your skills, consider volunteering in your community. It’s a great way to make a difference while also building a strong foundation for your future career. And who knows – you may even discover a new passion or career path along the way!

In conclusion, volunteering can be a valuable asset in your professional life. It can help you gain skills, build your network, and enhance your employability. So, take the leap and start making a difference today – you won’t regret it!

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