Though it may seem a bit counter-intuitive, sometimes volunteering and internships are the best ways to score a job. While it may seem unrealistic to work for free, the benefits of volunteering can be so great that counting pennies for the short-term will be well worth it in the long run. The following are just a few reasons why volunteering could be the key to jump-starting your career:
1. Experience – no matter what your background or education level, employers are much more likely to hire an applicant who has experience in the field. By volunteering in the line of work you desire to be in, you will gain new experience that is marketable. Having a chance to work in your chosen field, learn about it every day, and develop related skills will prove invaluable in your future job searches.
2. Making Connections – no doubt you’ve heard that “it’s all about who you know”. In many cases that’s true, and volunteering/internships are a great way to get your foot in the door. Chances are you will create a network of people who can refer you to jobs, put in a good word for you, or keep you in mind when paid positions do open up. Additionally, companies often have assignments they need completed immediately. Since you are already there volunteering and know how the company operates, it’s likely they’ll choose you to fill any hiring needs they may have on short or long term projects.
3. Proving your worth – hiring new employees is always a risk for employers and can be costly. This means that the more confident they are that you’ll be a good fit for the job, the likelier it is you’ll be hired. If you have already been volunteering, you can show co-workers and management that you are a team-player, hard-working, and dedicated. When a position opens up, you’re sure to be the safest bet. And if no position opens up there, your co-workers and boss are certain to be a great reference for you when applying for other jobs.
4. Discovering your strengths – volunteering is a great way to test out what you’re good at, what you’re not, what you like, and what you don’t. You may discover hidden talents and job skills that you didn’t even know you posssessed, which will make finding the right job in the future much easier.
Just like with any paid position, there is always hard work involved. Volunteering will only be useful if you make the most of it and give it your all.
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