5 Ways Donating Your Time Helps to Expand Your Career  

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 28.3% of women voluteered their time in 2014, if you weren’t part of the 28.3%, maybe you should have been. Most organizations offer a myriad of ways you can help: plan a fundraising event, work their table at a community event to recruit new members or auditing their books.

It’s easy to recognize the benefits to the organization, but there are just as many benefits to the volunteer. Some people say, “No,” when asked to volunteer their time because they feel taken advantage of. The advantages of donating one’s time outweigh any disadvantages.

Volunteering…

Expands Your Network
If your network is your net worth, you can become rich by volunteering. It’s fine to volunteer at your children’s school or at church, but don’t stop there. Serving on a local government committee or chairing an event for an organization such as the American Cancer Society put you in contact with people outside your normal circle of influence.

Expanding your circle can be especially important if you are considering changing careers or you have been downsized recently. The wider your reach, the faster you might find that new opportunity. Volunteerism also provides limitless opportunities to gain experience.

Provides Valuable Experience
If you have always wanted to learn to create websites or you need some experience in project management, there is a good chance you can gain that experience through volunteering. Organizations are always looking for people to tackle projects such designing their websites, to update their spreadsheets or to lead teams for special projects and events. Managing a team of Girl Scouts leaders can provide you with great leadership experience for your resume. You can improve your Excel skills by tracking an organization’s budget or creating a member roster.

Allows You to Sample New Careers
You can’t moonlight in another industry to test the waters and see if you like it. Or can you? You can volunteer with organizations in your area of interest. Nearly every industry has a club or a professional association that could use some help. Transitioning to a completely different field can be scary; what if the grass isn’t greener? Instead of jumping into social media marketing with no idea if it’s the right fit for you, you can try managing the social media for a non-profit that desperately needs some help.

If you are currently seeking a job, volunteering is a great way to keep your skills sharp while you search for the right opportunity. Fill the potential gaps in your resume by volunteering your time while you apply for positions. You might even meet your future employer when you volunteer.

Is Good for Your Health
Volunteering is good for mental and emotional health, reported the National Corporation for Community Service, “Volunteer activities can strengthen the social ties that protect individuals from isolation during difficult times, while the experience of helping others leads to a sense of greater self-worth and trust.” High volunteer rates have been connected with lower mortality rates too.

Opens the Door to Non-Profit Boards
The most often forgotten benefit to volunteering is the opportunity to serve on the executive board of a non-profit. Non-profits often have difficulty finding qualified people to fill board their board positions, so make it known that you are interested. More women are needed on all boards—the number of women on corporate boards hangs at under 20% in the United States. The experience of serving on a non-profit board can make it somewhat easier to navigate over to a corporate board.

If you don’t know where to begin, no worries. Start here with LinkedIn’s network to help you connect with volunteer opportunities. Millennials love DoSomething.org, so check out their campaigns. When you decide to donate your time, don’t be surprised if opportunities come knocking.