In 2016, after completing my NYSC, I was in transit to Lagos from Niger State when I overheard a conversation between the driver and a lady who sat in the passenger seat:
Driver: “Where are you heading with all this luggage?”
Passenger: “I’m on my way to Lagos. It’s my first time.”
Driver: “Are you relocating permanently?”
Passenger: “No, I’m going to start a job. They asked me to volunteer because I just graduated last week and don’t have much experience.”
Driver: “So they’re not going to pay you? You want to start work without experience?”
Passenger: “As a volunteer, I don’t need much experience. It’s an opportunity for me to gain some.”
Driver: “So you want to work for free without a salary?”
Passenger: “Yes, at least they’ll allow me to learn, grow in my career and build an experience that I can incorporate into my CV.
It was through the conversation that I understood that volunteering is the act of willingly offering your time, skills, and services to benefit others without expecting monetary compensation. Its importance lies in the positive impact it has on both individuals and communities, fostering a sense of solidarity, compassion, and social responsibility.
Reflecting on my journey, as a fresh graduate, I embraced volunteering opportunities to gain practical experiences. This initial exposure opened my eyes to the profound effects of giving back. Even now, eight years post-graduation, I continue to volunteer, reaffirming my commitment to making a difference and staying connected to my community.
With my experience thus far, I understand that as a fresh graduate, stepping into the professional world can be daunting. The job market is saturated and competitive, and standing out can be challenging. One effective way to enhance your career prospects is through volunteering. Not only does volunteering allow you to give back to the community, but it also provides numerous benefits that can accelerate your career growth. Research indicates that 82% of hiring managers prefer candidates with volunteer experience, showing just how valuable it can be for your resume. Here’s how volunteering can boost your career and some tips to get you started. My article aims to show us five valuable benefits of volunteering as a fresh graduate which include: gaining valuable experience, building a professional network, developing Soft Skills, enhancing your resume, and discovering new interests and career paths
1. Gain Valuable Experience
First, volunteering offers practical, hands-on experience that is invaluable, especially when you’re just starting. It provides a platform to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. For instance, if you have a degree in marketing, volunteering for a non-profit organization’s marketing team can give you a taste of what it’s like to run campaigns, manage social media, and analyze market trends. This experience can set you apart from other candidates who only have academic knowledge.
Moreover, a study by LinkedIn found that 41% of hiring managers consider volunteer work as valuable as paid work experience. This means that the experience you gain while volunteering can be just as significant as a traditional job in the eyes of potential employers.
2. Build a Professional Network
Second, networking is a crucial aspect of career development, and volunteering offers excellent opportunities to connect with professionals in your field. By working alongside experienced individuals, you can build relationships that might lead to job offers, mentorship, and valuable industry insights.
To make the most of these opportunities, be proactive in engaging with others. Attend volunteer-related events, join professional groups, or participate in online forums related to your volunteer work. A survey by Deloitte revealed that 85% of respondents said that skills-based volunteering helped them expand their professional networks, demonstrating the power of volunteer work in networking.
3. Develop Soft Skills
Third, volunteering helps enhance essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are highly valued by employers and can be developed through various volunteer activities.
For example, organizing a community event can improve your project management and leadership skills, while working in a team can enhance your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 93% of employers consider soft skills to be an “essential” or “very important” factor in hiring decisions. These skills are transferable and can be applied in any job setting.
4. Enhance Your Resume
Fourth, including volunteer work on your resume can make you stand out to potential employers. It demonstrates your commitment, work ethic, and willingness to go above and beyond.
To effectively highlight your volunteer experience, be specific about your roles and achievements. Mention the organization you volunteered for, the duration of your service, and the skills you developed. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, such as “coordinated a fundraiser event that raised ₦5 million for local schools.” According to a study by the Corporation for National and Community Service, volunteers have a 27% higher likelihood of finding a job after being out of work than non-volunteers.
5. Discover New Interests and Career Paths
Fifth, volunteering can be a journey of self-discovery. It allows you to explore different fields and roles, which can help you identify your passions and career interests.
Many individuals have discovered their true calling through volunteer work. For instance, someone volunteering at an animal shelter might realise a passion for veterinary medicine or animal rights advocacy. Volunteering can open doors to new career paths that you may not have considered before. A report by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) found that 33% of volunteers developed new career aspirations through their volunteering experiences.
Conclusion
Volunteering as a fresh graduate offers a multitude of benefits, from gaining valuable experience and building a professional network to developing soft skills and enhancing your resume. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to discover new interests and potential career paths. By dedicating your time to volunteer work, you not only contribute to the community but also set yourself on a path to career success.
Call to Action
Ready to start volunteering? Look for opportunities on platforms like Inside Success Nigeria.
According to the National Volunteering Database, over 20 million people in the UK volunteer regularly, contributing significantly to their personal and professional growth. Get involved, make a difference, and watch your career thrive. Share your volunteering experiences or questions in the comments below—Rhoda would love to hear from you.
24 Comments
Volunteering as a fresh graduate is a good step to gaining corporate experience.
One of the things i learnt about volunteering as a fresh graduate is that it gives you a platform to make corporate mistakes and grow.
Thank you for this piece.
You are right, Rose!
Volunteering provides opportunities for not only fresh graduates but for those who need to garner skills and build their career trajectory.
Volunteering is a sure way to gain skills as a fresh graduate.
I enjoyed the introductory narrative. Thank you for sharing this insightful article with us.
Thank you Rhoda for this article. We keep learning daily.
In years to come, this article will still be helpful.
Thank you for your honest feedback, Rejoice.
Yes, we keep learning!
Thank you for your honest feedback. It means a lot to us.
Yes, Nonso! Volunteering is great!
We can’t undermine the significance Volunteering.
Volunteering is not meant for fresh greatest only.
Thank you Rhoda.
*Graduates*
Permission to share, please?
Yes, please!
Permission to share.
Yes, please!
Permission to share.
You are right, Glagyds.
It’s a fresh way to garner the corporate experience.
I am happy you keep learning from us. Thank you!
I read this article again. Thanks Rhoda.
I’m happy you found this article helpful.
Clearly, volunteering is a means to an end and not only for the fresh graduates.
Thank you, Paschal!