Volunteer Work

Volunteering can be one of those experiences that keeps on working for you. For recent high school graduates, volunteering can put you ahead of those who have only held minimum-wage jobs.

To future employers, volunteer work shows something about your character — that you are a caring, committed person who is as interested in the world as a whole as in your own future.

Because it is unpaid, volunteering is risk-free. It gives you a time to learn, to develop a sense of self, and to figure out more specifically what it is that really interests you.

 What It Is
 What You Get
 What It Can Cost
 Advantages
 Disadvantages
 More Info



What It Is

The common denominator for all volunteer work — from from tutoring kids in reading and building homes to recording for the blind and delivering meals to homebound people — is that it is unpaid.

So why would you want to devote big chunks of time to a job that doesn't pay you anything? Because mostly, volunteer work ends up being the most rewarding of all jobs because not only can it give you the opportunity to learn new skills, gain much-needed experience, and make some lasting contacts, but the work itself can also be hugely fulfilling.

You are involved out of passion rather than for money. There is nothing else like that. Even people who have paying jobs often do volunteer work for the fulfillment of it.

  

What You Get

Make no mistake: volunteer work is a two-way street. Though you are not getting compensated financially, you are getting a lot in return for your time and work.

First of all, you are getting the opportunity to develop skills and experience that you can use later in a paying job. Most volunteers also gain confidence and a sense of self on a deep, authentic level because they are doing the work out of desire rather than simply to log the hours and get the paycheck.

Being around people experienced in that work who will be patient with you, answer your questions, and let you succeed and fail without judgment is a huge opportunity. And of course, there's endless possibility for making friends with people of all ages and backgrounds, as well as to feel good about your contribution to the world and its worthy causes.

  

What It Can Cost

Practically speaking, you need to take care of your expenses: food, transportation, clothing, a place to live, and anything else your lifestyle requires. And that's the big cost. It may take extra time, money, and resources to be able to devote this time. Plus, the time you spend volunteering takes time away from finding other paying jobs, if that's a goal.

As a volunteer, you'll have to keep that lifestyle pretty basic. Cutting corners and learning tricks to live frugally can be satisfying once you get the hang of it.

For instance, sharing an apartment with a roommate or two is definitely a cheaper way to go. Sharing the household bills and buying groceries in bulk instead of eating out can also make a big difference in your wallet. The name of the game across the board is living on a tight and simple budget.

  

Advantages

One big advantage to a volunteer job is that you can find out about a particular kind of work without officially signing up for it. Because of this, you can see how you do in certain situations and pursue work that really interests you instead of feeling locked into a certain career path or fearing that you might fail.

Having volunteer work under your belt and on your résumé is a definite plus. Employers like to see experienced candidates; broad, open-minded people who are interested in the world beyond themselves.

  

Disadvantages

When looking into volunteer work, you should definitely ask yourself why this is the path you want to take now. Are you subconsciously postponing a "real" career decision by volunteering? Make sure you know why you're volunteering and exactly what you're trying to get out of it careerwise, now and for the future.

Another thought: you need to be able to handle this period without an income, so make sure you know how much time and energy you are willing to invest in this period of your career search.

Also, you need to think about the kind of volunteer work that is right for you. There are many "good causes" out there, but not every volunteer job will be for you. You still need to be drawn to the work and the people as well as the cause. Also, remember that no job has to be forever. You don't have to know exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life the minute you graduate from high school. Volunteer work might help steer you in the right direction.

  

More Info

The newspaper often lists opportunities or you might read about an organization that catches your eye. Friends and family can also be a great resource, and, since they know you, they may have some great ideas tailored to your interests. Below are four excellent sites:

Corporation for National Service
AmeriCorps, Learn & Serve America, and information on President's Student Service Scholarships.

Servenet
Search, register for local volunteer activities and career nonprofit opportunities.

VolunteerMatch
Volunteer matching system by ZIP code covering 25 fields in 22 cities. Plus plenty of sound advice to read before looking for a volunteer job.

Idealist
Information from 17,000 nonprofit organizations in over 100 countries.