The Benefits of Volunteering and How It Can Boost Your Career

October 17, 2024Posted by: Charlotte

The Benefits of Volunteering and How It Can Boost Your Career

Volunteering is often viewed as a way to give back to the community, but it also provides many benefits that can boost your career and help you find work. Whether you're changing industries, filling a gap in your CV, or building new skills, volunteering can be a helpful step towards reaching your career goals. Here's why:

1. Skill Development

Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills that can help in your career. Many volunteer roles let you develop important abilities like leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. For example, managing a charity event can help you build project management skills, which are valuable in many jobs. These experiences show employers that you have transferable skills and are proactive about your personal and professional development.

2. Networking Opportunities

Volunteering helps you meet people from different industries and backgrounds, building a valuable network of contacts. These connections can lead to job opportunities. Forming these relationships can give you a foot in the door, especially in competitive job markets where a personal recommendation or introduction can make a big difference.

3. Gaining Relevant Experience

If you’re new to your career or looking to change fields, it can be hard to get a job without experience. Volunteering gives you a way to gain real-world experience, which you can add to your CV. Many organisations value voluntary work as much as paid jobs, especially when it shows your dedication, initiative, and ability to work in a professional setting.

4. Boosting Your CV and Job Applications

Employers often seek well-rounded candidates with more than just technical skills. Including volunteering on your CV shows that you’re motivated, community-focused, and willing to go the extra mile. Volunteering adds depth to your applications, helping you stand out by demonstrating your commitment to personal growth and social responsibility.

5. Building Confidence

Entering the job market, especially after a long break, can be daunting. Volunteering helps boost your confidence by letting you take part in work activities within a supportive environment. It gives you purpose, helps you practise workplace habits, and eases you back into a routine. This confidence can be crucial when facing job interviews and new challenges.

6. Exploring Career Paths

Volunteering is a low-risk way to explore various career paths and industries. If you're uncertain about your career direction, volunteering lets you try out different roles before committing fully. Whether you're in a charity’s marketing department or helping with outreach programmes, you can learn what work you enjoy and where your strengths are, helping you make informed choices about your career.

7. Making a Positive Impact

While volunteering is important for your career development, it’s also very rewarding personally. Knowing that your efforts make a real difference in your community can bring a strong sense of fulfilment.

Facts About Volunteering in the UK

Volunteering plays a crucial role in British society. In fact:

• Nearly 20 million people in the UK volunteer formally through an organisation, according to government data.
• 53% of adults in England engage in some form of volunteering, whether formal or informal, throughout the year.
• The NHS Volunteer Responders programme, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, saw an overwhelming response with over 1.5 million people signing up to support vulnerable individuals.
• In Scotland, about 27% of adults report volunteering at least once annually, according to the Scottish Household Survey.

These figures highlight how deeply volunteering is embedded in UK culture, with many using it to build skills and contribute to their communities.

Organisations in the UK That Welcome Volunteers

If you’re interested in volunteering but aren’t sure where to start, there are many organisations across the UK that are eager to work with volunteers. Some examples include:

• The British Red Cross: Known for its humanitarian efforts and regularly looks for volunteers to fill roles like first aiders, fundraisers, and support workers in crises, both in the UK and overseas.
• The National Trust: The organisation depends on volunteers to maintain and preserve the UK’s historic sites, buildings, and gardens. Volunteers can assist with visitor support, conservation, education, and other roles.
• The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS): RVS supports older people through initiatives like befriending schemes, running community hubs, and helping in NHS hospitals.
• Crisis: This national charity works with people who are homeless, providing a range of volunteering opportunities that involve supporting individuals in need and fundraising.
• Volunteer Scotland: Volunteer Scotland connects individuals with volunteering opportunities across a variety of sectors, making it easier for people to find roles that match their interests and skills.

Conclusion

Volunteering is much more than just an act of kindness – it’s a valuable way to grow personally and professionally. By volunteering, you not only support your community but also gain experience, skills, and connections that can improve your career prospects. Whether you’re unemployed, seeking a change, or looking to enhance your CV, the benefits of volunteering are clear.

So why not get started? Whether you can spare a few hours a month or commit regularly, there’s a volunteering opportunity that can help you build your future while making a positive impact today.

References:

• Government Data on Volunteering in the UK (2022)
• National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)
• NHS Volunteer Responders Programme
• British Red Cross Volunteering Opportunities
• National Trust Volunteer Information
• Royal Voluntary Service
• Crisis UK Volunteering
• Volunteer Scotland
• Scottish Household Survey 2021

October 17, 2024Posted by: Charlotte