Volunteering to Gain Experience
By Meaghan Flokstra
Published on: September 30th, 2024
Gaining work experience can be a challenge, especially if you’re entering the workforce for the first time or thinking about switching to another industry. Volunteer work is a great stepping stone that will help you build skills and achieve your career goals. On a resume, volunteer experience can make you stand out from other applicants by demonstrating your passions, abilities, and work ethic.
In addition, volunteer opportunities give you a chance to explore potential interests. If you’re looking for a career change but are unsure what you want to do, try searching for diverse volunteer opportunities in a variety of industries. By volunteering, you can try out different tasks and discover what possible future jobs might suit your interests and abilities.
Volunteering can also provide chances to build connections with other people. If you’re volunteering to gain experience, other volunteers probably are too! Don’t be afraid to reach out to your peers to discuss your goals andnetwork. You can approach the leaders and mentors at your volunteer organization as well to talk about how they got where they are and what advice they might have for someone in your position.
If you’re ready to start volunteering but don’t know where to find positions, you can browse through Volunteer Canada’sVolunteer Centre Directory. For more inspiration, possible places for volunteer opportunities are available below.
Charities and nonprofits
One way to find volunteer opportunities is to research nearby charities and nonprofits. Charities and nonprofits often depend on volunteers to operate, andmany offer a wide variety of opportunities to suit various skills. Consider charities and nonprofits such as food banks, soup kitchens, thrift stores, and shelters. Animal lovers might enjoy volunteering at their localSPCA, which is an animal welfare charity that works to promote responsible pet ownership and pet protection.
Events
Community events such as festivals and parades also rely on the help of volunteers. Potential roles at events can include setting up for the event, loading and unloading supplies, distributing resources, and providing information to attendees. Search online for events in your area or look for posters on local bulletin boards, which may be found at places like coffee shops, libraries, gyms, and laundromats.
Volunteering at events can be especially great if you’re looking for a short-term commitment with a clear end date. For some positions, you may only need to volunteer on the day of the event itself, while others may require some work in the weeks or months leading up to it.
Libraries
Public libraries offer a wide variety of free resources. In addition to books and movies, many libraries have printers, computers, internet access, literacy resources, information databases, study rooms, activities for kids, and much more.
Beyond all that, libraries often run various volunteer programs. Some common ones include tutoring, helping children learn to read, and assisting older adults in using technology. Many libraries also offer opportunities for teens who are working toward their required40 hours of community service for their high school diploma.
No matter where you volunteer, volunteering can be a highly rewarding experience that allows you to gain experience, make a difference, and give back to the community.