The first thing most people think about when they think of volunteering is volunteering to help your community. What many don’t realise is the benefits of volunteering. From increasing your own sense of purpose to improving skills and even helping you get your dream job!
Volunteering can provide you with a sense of achievement and self-worth. Giving back is a great feeling; most people are happy to volunteer for this reason alone. However, if you are thinking about starting a new career, volunteering can help you in so many other ways, including; giving you industry experience, developing a network and finding a mentor.
Selecting an Organisation
The first step to volunteering is to find an organisation and a volunteer position that is a good fit for you. If you are currently studying or training for your career, finding a volunteer role in that industry is a great idea. You can also consider what skills you want to work on and choose an organisation that will allow you to improve those skills.
For example, if you are interested in a role in early childhood, consider volunteering at a local school. This means you get industry experience and learn new skills about working with young people.
Volunteering can also help you gain hands-on job experience. You need to find a volunteer opportunity that helps you learn some of the required skills in the type of organisation you want to work in. Volunteering for even a few hours a week will allow you to learn some skills. For example, if you want a career in aged care, volunteer at a local aged care facility.
There are many ways to find the right organisation. If you know where you want to work, reach out and offer to volunteer. There are also sites such as Go Volunteer or Seek Volunteer where organisations post requests for volunteers.
Reasons for volunteering can vary from person to person, but it’s best to start with what you hope to gain, what skills could help you and how you can help an organisation.
Being Professional
Always treat your role of volunteer as a professional. You need to be on time and attend regularly. Be punctual and meet work-related deadlines. Don’t slack off even though you are working for free.
Your positive and professional attitude can help you in the long run. Just like a regular job, you will be given more opportunities if you are easy to work with.
Be Proactive and Take Initiatives
No matter where you intend to volunteer, you must be proactive and helpful. Being proactive can show an organisation how you can contribute to their organisation in a special way.
Build Your Network
You never know how someone can help you in the future. If you volunteer within the industry, you may find someone willing to act as a referee. The people that you meet volunteering may also directly help you find a paying job.
Don’t forget there may even be an opportunity for paid work within your volunteering organisation. Employers may consider hiring you for paid work if an opportunity arises. If this happens, your co-workers may become your employment advocates. They may also help you land a paying job by guiding or informing you about upcoming employment opportunities in the industry.
Find a Mentor
Finding an industry expert who is happy to be your mentor can help you for your entire career. Find someone who has worked for many years within the industry and with whom you have a good relationship. A mentor can advise you on the specific skills to help you get a paid role. Drawing from their experience, mentors can guide you and share their experiences and their industry knowledge.
Volunteering can provide you with many on-the-job skills while also helping your community. Employers are always looking for experience, which you can get by volunteering. Combining volunteering and vocational education is a winning formula. Volunteering can provide you with skills, and vocational education will provide you with the qualifications and knowledge that are required for paid work.
For more information about vocational education training at Insight Training, click here https://insight.edu.au/courses/
