The Wonderful World of Volunteering
Written by: Jenna McConnell
Banner and thumbnail photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash
When you think of volunteering, I’m sure that some questions come to mind. Where could I go to volunteer? What benefits would volunteering have for me, both academically and otherwise? Would it actually help me find jobs like everyone says it does? As someone with some previous volunteer experience, and who knows many others who have as well, I can vouch for the wonderfully useful, fun, and worthwhile qualities of volunteering somewhere during your degree. I have personally volunteered as a teen at my local library, and more recently at a speech therapy clinic. I absolutely loved my time at both establishments, and each offered unique and interesting things that I will never forget. So, what is volunteering all about? Below, I will get into the benefits of volunteering, how to go about finding a place to volunteer, and some examples of great spots to start your search!
Volunteering can give many students a competitive edge. If you are interested in applying to graduate programs, having volunteer hours relevant to your desired program on your application does wonders. It shows that you are serious about the program and career path, and are willing to go above and beyond to learn all you can! This makes a very attractive candidate in the eyes of the admissions board, and can help you get that final push towards acceptance!
Volunteering can also benefit you after you finish school, specifically when applying for jobs. Recruiters and other people involved in hiring love to see those with volunteer experience on their resume, and it helps greatly in getting interviews and being considered for positions. Even if the experience is not directly relevant to the job you are applying for, it makes a person look well-rounded and dedicated. It shows that you care about the work, and are interested in learning how to be successful in it, something that is very attractive in a work setting.
There are also social benefits to volunteering! One of my favourite parts of volunteering was the people I got to interact with every week. Getting the time to chat and learn about what my fellow volunteers and staff did was always super fun, and very helpful in my own career pursuits. I got to learn about the behind-the-scenes workings of what a librarian or speech pathologist job looked like, as well as cool tips and tricks they used on the job that might be helpful for me if I decided to go further. Volunteering offers an easy way to make new friends and find connections in your field, which could be immensely useful in the future.
If you’re now wondering where you can find places that are offering volunteering opportunities, look no further! Included in this list below are just a few, but there are a plethora of resources online that you can use to find the perfect fit for you.
Volunteer NS
A great new tool to use, this website is the perfect place to start your search. It lets you input the causes that you specifically care about, and gives tailored suggestions based on what you like! From causes like animal welfare, the environment, health, or politics, there is something for everyone’s individual passions. What a great way to find connections and make a difference right here in Nova Scotia!
Career360
Built for SMU students and alumni, this website is a hub for both paid and volunteer jobs. With options listed on campus, around Halifax, and beyond, you can find many wonderful ways to contribute to the community, or travel somewhere new to make a difference! It is easy to use, available on all devices, and a great way for students to stay connected during their search. If you are interested in checking it out, you can take a look at their website here.
Volunteering is very fulfilling in many ways. Whether it be academic, job-related, or simply a social activity, there are always things to be gained from being a volunteer. Simply helping out the staff at your place of volunteering is a wonderful thing! Whatever you personally get out of it, there are undeniable benefits to both yourself and the community. Hopefully this list will help you find your place in the volunteer world, and that you find it as rewarding an endeavor as I do!