While there are many great personal reasons to volunteer, like feeling connected to a cause, gaining perspective, and building community, there are also many great professional reasons, too! According to a 2017 federal study by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency that oversees AmeriCorps, volunteering can be a great way to gain skills that will boost your chances at finding a job in the future. According to this study, volunteers have a 27% higher likelihood of finding a job after being out of work compared to non-volunteers. Additionally, volunteers without a high school diploma have a 51% higher likelihood of finding employment, and volunteers living in rural areas have a 55% higher likelihood of finding employment.

Volunteering can teach you valuable career skills that are necessary in any profession, help you explore your career interests, and help you expand your network! Here are just a few benefits of volunteering. 

Develop transferrable career skills

Volunteering can be a great way to gain interpersonal and professional skills. No matter where you're volunteering, you can learn transferrable skills such as teamwork, communication, initiative, and follow-through– all of which are necessary in any volunteer or paid position you work in the future. During your time as a volunteer, be sure to reflect on what you've been doing and what you've learned, and add both to your resume!

Expand your network

When you volunteer, the people you meet and work with can become part of your professional network. Building a strong network can help you find mentorship opportunities or even connect you to your next job! If you click with the people you're working with, ask them to connect on LinkedIn or even conduct an informational interview if they're doing something you're interested in learning more about. 

Build self-esteem and confidence

When you're volunteering, you're contributing positively to a cause you care about and making a difference in your community– which feels great! Volunteering can boost your self-esteem, help you build confidence, and lead you to feel a sense of satisfaction about the work you're doing. This confidence can then positively impact other areas of your life, such as in school or in extracurricular activities!

Looking for your next volunteer gig?

• Try something out from our list of online volunteer opportunities 
• Learn about accessible ways to volunteer
• Take action in your community by volunteering for a political organization or initiative

Have any questions about getting started volunteering? Text #Jobs to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our advisors. If you're using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!