Whether you are a student, recently unemployed, or retired, volunteering can help fill your time and give you meaning and purpose. In addition, it is a great way to try out different types of work and meet people who might be able to help you in your future career.
Volunteering also provides an opportunity to develop a variety of skills that can be transferred into the workplace and improve job satisfaction. Some of these include communication, teamwork and planning. In fact, some reviews suggest that volunteering can provide a bridge between academic studies and the workplace.
When it comes to finding the right volunteering opportunities, it is important that you find an organisation with a cause that aligns with your own goals and interests. It is also good to look for organisations that offer flexible hours as this can make it easier to balance your volunteering commitments with other life responsibilities.
Many volunteering roles involve working with people who have a disability or are elderly. For example, some hospitals need volunteers to assist staff and spend time with patients who don’t have family members. Other roles involve community development such as helping local businesses become more efficient and independent. Alternatively, you could volunteer to run a food bank or food pantry which distributes donated food to local communities. In these types of roles, it is important to understand the needs of the communities you are working with and make sure you are well-trained to deal with any issues that may arise.