Providing help and services to others without any expectation of payment is known as volunteer work. Whether it is helping a neighbor with chores or building a home for Habitat for Humanity, volunteers give their time and effort to improve the lives of those around them. While there are many different reasons why people choose to volunteer, most share a desire to serve their community. Volunteers may also be looking to sharpen their skills, explore new career paths, stay active in retirement or meet people with similar interests.
Whether you want to gain experience in a field or build your resume, volunteering provides ample opportunities to practice job-related skills, such as teamwork, communication, project planning, and time management. This is especially true if you’re volunteering in a leadership position, such as being a coach for a youth sports team. In addition, you can make valuable connections with fellow volunteers and local business leaders that could prove helpful to your career goals.
Choosing the right volunteer opportunity can be challenging, but it’s worth trying a few different types to find what you like best. Think about your long-term career goals and what kind of experience you need to land your dream job. You might even consider leveraging the skills you need to volunteer to get your foot in the door at an organisation that you would love to work for. However, it is important to note that some forms of unpaid work do not provide benefits to the individual, such as creatives who work on spec or interns.
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