Many of us have been here. You’ve recently graduated or perhaps it’s your final year of school or just arrive in Canada. You begin searching for that perfect job in your field, and bingo! You found it! “Two years of experience?! How am I supposed to already have any job experience?”.
According to one recent article, an analysis of close to 4 million jobs posted on LinkedIn showed that 35% of postings for “entry-level” positions asked for years of prior relevant work experience.
With an increasing number of companies demanding more from their job applicants, how can we gain the necessary experience? The answer is simple: volunteer as much as you can.
With that being said, here are four positive benefits that volunteering can have on your personal and professional development:
- Volunteering looks great on your resumé
Giving back can show that you are committed to your community and have skills, connections, initiative, and experience needed in the workplace.
- Volunteering gives you experience
Your volunteer experience shows that you can get along with others, make a commitment, and that you have the attitudes and skills employers want in a potential employee. Employers will also be able to see that you can manage your time and complete your tasks.
- Volunteering helps you practice and develop skills
Volunteering gives you a chance to build on skills you already have and learn new ones. For example, as a volunteer you might be able to use your second language or public speaking skills. You could also learn a new computer program or develop new customer service skills.
- Volunteering expands your network
Fun fact: 70% of jobs are filled by people via their network!
Volunteering gives you the chance to meet new people and expand your network. Keep a list of the contacts you make while volunteering. These include staff, board members, and other volunteers. You never know who might help you and how.
Did we miss any benefits of volunteering? Feel free to share your thoughts, we would love to hear from you! https://greenschoolsgreenfuture.org/get-involved/
Looking to fill any open volunteer positions? Please check out our site for more details at https://greenschoolsgreenfuture.org/get-involved/ today!
Sources:
- BBC. (n.d.). Why inexperienced workers can’t get entry-level jobs. BBC Worklife. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210916-why-inexperienced-workers-cant-get-entry-level-jobs
- Diversity Dashboard. (2022, May 18). Seventy percent of jobs are never published publicly, so networking for your career is essential. Diversity Dashboard. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from https://diversitydashboard.co.uk/news/seventy-percent-of-jobs-are-never-published-public/54/#:~:text=Networking%20is%20vital%20for%20those,that%20recruiters%20meet%20through%20networking.
3. Mathieu Mackay – Website: hokela.ca
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