What do you do if you want to boost your career prospects through volunteering and community involvement?

It's important to volunteer for a cause that genuinely means something to you. I volunteered for over a decade in animal rescue and animal shelters and they were long, hard shifts but I was doing what I loved. When I met others doing the same thing I was doing, it created a sense of belonging and community. If you have time to do volunteer during the day, others may naturally ask about your job and the conversation can flow from there. Always make sure these volunteer and community opportunities align with your passions and you'll be the most "you" if/when you meet others!

As much as I would love to say there is a "right opportunity", I believe that all opportunities come when you're being your true self. Letting your passions show your work ethic and ability to adapt. If you love a cause, you will find yourself networking to promote and start conversations with people you may not have met without it. You will also find yourself growing that network by championing it authentically.

Volunteer to Launch Your Career: 1. Find Your Cause: Match your volunteer interests to your career goals. 2. Skillful Giving: Look for roles that utilize and develop your skills. 3. Network & Build: Connect with professionals in your field. 4. Showcase Your Strengths: Highlight teamwork, leadership, and adaptability on your resume. 5. Evolving Impact: Regularly adjust your volunteering to stay aligned with your career path.

It's essential to manage your time effectively and set realistic expectations. Allocate dedicated time for volunteering activities while balancing other professional and personal commitments. Prioritize opportunities that align with your career goals, interests, and skill development needs. Set clear objectives and expectations for your volunteering involvement, outlining the skills you aim to acquire or enhance and the outcomes you hope to achieve. Communicate openly with volunteer organizations or community groups about your availability, skills, and expectations to ensure a mutually beneficial partnership.

Volunteering and community involvement significantly boost career prospects by offering opportunities for skill development, networking, and demonstrating initiative to potential employers. By engaging in these activities, you not only enhance your resume with diverse experiences but also develop valuable soft skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork. Furthermore, these experiences provide insights into community needs and foster personal growth, making you a well-rounded candidate. Employers value the dedication and perspective that come from such involvement, recognizing the initiative and passion that drive individuals to contribute positively to their communities.

Engaging in social causes offers a unique path to gain early experience in operational, management, and board roles. Alternatively to external organizations, spearheading an initiative within your own organization can not only allow you to contribute to society but also enhance your visibility among senior stakeholders and broaden your network internally. Such internal projects may access resources more readily, leveraging existing organizational trust. However, it's crucial to maintain clear communication with your supervisor to ensure your commitment aligns with organizational expectations and avoids any perception of excessive time investment.