Volunteering can provide a unique and fulfilling way to improve both yourself and your future job prospects, as long as you have the drive to take advantage of it. It can be a great way to give back and get involved in your field while also leading to personal achievements. Volunteering can have a positive impact and here’s how:
Improves Your Skills
Within your current job, it is common for you to use the same skills every day. Learning different skills through volunteer opportunities can greatly broaden your skillset and you may even discover talents that you were previously unaware of.
Boosts Your Confidence
Volunteering is a great way to boost your confidence. It is great for improving your ability to deal with new and unusual situations. For example, if you are more of an introverted person, helping at local events will give you the chance to connect with people, enhancing your confidence with public interaction. Volunteer work often provides you with a challenge, and challenges are always some of the most rewarding experience.
It Fills in the Gaps
If you find yourself struggling to find paid employment, volunteer work can show an employer that you are involved with the profession and staying up to date with the industry.
Demonstrates Dedication
Volunteering demonstrates a great deal of commitment. When you are involved with an organization that you truly care about, it is easy to be passionate in your role. Keep in mind; volunteering is usually quite flexible, so you can fit it in around other commitments.
Makes Connections
While volunteering, you will meet a variety of different people with similar interests from all walks of life. You’ll share incredible and rewarding experiences which will sustain life-long connections. Everyone has different knowledge and experiences which will allow you to learn from your fellow volunteers. Widening your social circle is never a bad thing; you may even meet and impress a potential future employer.
Allows you to Travel
There is a wide range of volunteering projects which provide you with the opportunity to travel. Showing willingness to travel will set you apart from the crowd and demonstrate that you are willing to go outside your comfort zone.
One of the most important reasons for volunteering is to make a difference. It can give you a break from your every day work and open up opportunities for your future job prospects. Balancing a demanding job with some fun volunteer work could make you a healthier, happier person. It can sometimes be hard to work in to your schedule, but the benefits are endless. Volunteering is sure to enrich your life and help you develop as a person, so what are you waiting for?
CSMLS provides members with opportunities to volunteer in various ways. Our growth as a professional organization is owed to the thousands of member volunteers who have given something back to the profession. Many volunteers tend to start small – dedicating just a little time and effort. LABCON is an example of a smaller commitment, where volunteers would dedicate 1 to 4 days annually to helping out on-site during the event. After making that small commitment, most find it enriching and rewarding both personally and professionally. Soon, they do more and become actively involved in the organization. This means taking on a role which may require you to make bigger commitments and devote more time to. For example, they may take the opportunity to be a part of the CSMLS Exam Panel for one of the four disciplines (General MLT, MLA, Diagnostic Cytology and Clinical Genetics) or even take part in fast track item writing. The volunteering opportunities with CSMLS are endless. Depending on your interest and experience, there is an opportunity for you!
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer? Are you curious as to what volunteer opportunities the CSMLS has to offer?
For more information on volunteering for the CSMLS and to find out which volunteer positions are currently available, visit our website. (https://csmls.org/Join-Us/Become-a-Volunteer)
References: http://gkbcinc.com/8-ways-volunteering-can-help-your-career/
http://www.professionalresumewriters.net/volunteering-boost-resume-job-search/