If you're fortunate enough to have a year ahead of you in which you can do anything you want, then how about volunteering? Not only does it give you a great sense of achievement, but it also makes your CV very interesting reading. So whether you want to travel halfway around the world to help an overseas aid agency, or stay somewhat closer to home, there are volunteering opportunities to suit you. Here are a few of the advantages of volunteering your time and expertise.
One of the most popular benefits of volunteering is the added strength to an individual's CV. Potential employers often see a volunteering project as a character enhancing experience, as well as a solid opportunity to work as an individual or in a group. These traits frequently allow an employee to fit suitably within a work team, and can be advantageous over other candidates applying for a similar job.
As well as the usual back-and-forth interview conversation (and if you don't know what we're talking about, you soon will) your volunteering experiences may well end up being a very welcome change of subject - both for you and your interviewer. Talking about your volunteering experience gives you a certain amount of control during the interview process and, if you choose your stories wisely, can leave a very positive lasting impression on your interviewer - and that's what you're looking for, isn't it?
Volunteering can be an incredibly satisfying experience, especially when you look back at what you've done over the past few months to see the kind of difference you've made to those you've been helping. And yes, getting paid to do so would have been fabulous as well, but in the majority of cases that feel-good factor is something money just couldn't buy.
Additionally, the skills that can be learnt while volunteering are limitless. As well as the transferable skills that may be developed, these experiences provide opportunities for self-reflection, as unknown characteristics and interests may be sparked. Individuals may also face culture shocks and become emotionally engaged with the project goals, whereas others may see the experience as a maturing process.
Twelve months of doing the same kind of volunteer work can feel like a very long time, so many people choose to do some in one location for a while, and then move on to somewhere else - so there's nothing to stop you participating in several projects during your time out. One disadvantage, though, is the expense of getting from one project to another, and that's where the fundraising element comes in. But whether you choose to travel via the same route every day on your bicycle... or by a series of airliner flights... you receive a whole new outlook on life through your volunteering work which you'd would never have done if you'd stayed at home.
One of the most popular benefits of volunteering is the added strength to an individual's CV. Potential employers often see a volunteering project as a character enhancing experience, as well as a solid opportunity to work as an individual or in a group. These traits frequently allow an employee to fit suitably within a work team, and can be advantageous over other candidates applying for a similar job.
As well as the usual back-and-forth interview conversation (and if you don't know what we're talking about, you soon will) your volunteering experiences may well end up being a very welcome change of subject - both for you and your interviewer. Talking about your volunteering experience gives you a certain amount of control during the interview process and, if you choose your stories wisely, can leave a very positive lasting impression on your interviewer - and that's what you're looking for, isn't it?
Volunteering can be an incredibly satisfying experience, especially when you look back at what you've done over the past few months to see the kind of difference you've made to those you've been helping. And yes, getting paid to do so would have been fabulous as well, but in the majority of cases that feel-good factor is something money just couldn't buy.
Additionally, the skills that can be learnt while volunteering are limitless. As well as the transferable skills that may be developed, these experiences provide opportunities for self-reflection, as unknown characteristics and interests may be sparked. Individuals may also face culture shocks and become emotionally engaged with the project goals, whereas others may see the experience as a maturing process.
Twelve months of doing the same kind of volunteer work can feel like a very long time, so many people choose to do some in one location for a while, and then move on to somewhere else - so there's nothing to stop you participating in several projects during your time out. One disadvantage, though, is the expense of getting from one project to another, and that's where the fundraising element comes in. But whether you choose to travel via the same route every day on your bicycle... or by a series of airliner flights... you receive a whole new outlook on life through your volunteering work which you'd would never have done if you'd stayed at home.
About the Author:
Thinking about planning to travel abroad, or looking for various apprenticeship positions, jobs & offers: visit notgoingtouni.co.uk. Find details of how to volunteer in Thaliand. Also find information on distance learning.
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