The Best Career Advice I Ever Received: Volunteer

Volunteering is more than just a noble act; it is a transformative journey that can significantly impact your career development. Whether you’re a student pondering your future or someone seeking a career change, the skills and experiences gained through volunteering can be invaluable.

Why Volunteering is Essential for Career Development

As young individuals leave school, many face uncertainty about their career paths. Conversations with teachers, parents, and even career advisors can often leave one feeling overwhelmed. Unfortunately, not all advisors emphasize the benefits of volunteering as a career-enhancing activity.

At Vinspired, we believe that volunteering is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your CV and personal growth. Our research highlights that many advisors miss recommending volunteering as a means to boost employability, which is unfortunate given its vast potential.

Volunteering: A Pathway to Employment

In today’s competitive job market, the dream of securing a job post-education is daunting. However, volunteering offers a practical pathway into employment. It equips you with unique skills, such as reliability, dedication, and the ability to work in diverse environments. Moreover, it provides references and a sense of fulfillment from contributing positively to society.

The government, businesses, and career advisors need to acknowledge volunteering as a legitimate and effective route into employment. Personally, all my job roles, from part-time work in a bar to my current position at Vinspired, were facilitated by the skills and experiences I gained through volunteering.

The Skills and Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering aids personal development by teaching organization, punctuality, and leadership. These skills are crucial in any professional setting. Moreover, our research shows that volunteering does not hinder those on benefits, such as Job Seeker’s Allowance, from fulfilling their requirements.

In summary, volunteering is an unparalleled opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. For anyone uncertain about their career path, the best advice is simple: volunteer. There’s everything to gain and nothing to lose.

Do you agree? What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received? Share your thoughts below.