Creating a Better Future
Introduction
Volunteering is a praiseworthy activity that promotes community wellbeing, and provides significant benefits for volunteers in terms of future opportunities and character development. Teenagers who volunteer can find personal fulfilment, and gain essential experiences and skills to boost employability. As a student myself, I've experienced first-hand some of the benefits that volunteering can bring. This includes meeting and making new friends, personal growth, and professional development.
Individual Development
Young students have a special chance to grow personally through volunteering. They can confront obstacles in the real world and leave their comfort zones. This helps people develop empathy, resilience, and problem-solving abilities. For example next week I am volunteering for The Limerick Animal Welfare. This is very out of my comfort zone since I've previously done volunteer work focused on people. However, the organisation has other volunteers who'll show me the ropes. Students can widen their perspectives and comprehend social issues more deeply by engaging with a variety of people, and working on a range of projects. Our ability to grow personally is crucial in helping us get ready for the obstacles that lie ahead in our professional lives.
Acquiring Skills
Young students can gain a wide range of skills through volunteer work that are highly transferable to the job market. Among other things, these abilities include leadership, teamwork, communication, time management, and flexibility which we all would have learned about from a young age in school. For example, planning events, overseeing finances, and managing teams are some of the tasks that volunteering at a nearby charity organisation may entail. These are all abilities that have a direct application in the workplace. Furthermore, depending on the nature of their volunteer work, students may also acquire technical skills like computer proficiency, data analysis, or social media management. Employers highly value these newly acquired skills, which can help young people stand out in the competitive job market.
Making Connections and Networking
Young students who volunteer have the chance to develop a network of important contacts that may prove useful in obtaining employment in the future. They can connect with mentors, experts in their field, and like-minded people. These relationships can open doors to future employment opportunities, act as references, and offer advice. Young people can show prospective employers how committed and dedicated they are by volunteering; this can leave a lasting impression that may lead to recommendations and job offers.
Enhancing Your Resume
In the competitive job market, a resume with depth is essential. A young student's resume can gain depth through helping others, and it also makes them stand out from the competition. Having experiences that showcase your skills gives those skills credibility. Candidates with attributes that go beyond academic success, like a dedication to social causes and community involvement, are frequently sought after by employers. Volunteer experience can be a powerful indicator of a student's morals and character, and this can easily influence an employer's decision.
Some Final Thoughts
Volunteering is crucial for young students, both in the short and long term. It provides people with a chance for self-discovery and personal growth. Volunteering provides the chance to show prospective employers how passionate and committed you are. In Ireland you can find volunteer opportunites here:
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Author: Paige Lily Maher, Marketing and Management Student, University of Limerick.