You hear it all the time: Employers want people with volunteer experience.
It can be stressful, especially if you don’t know where to start. Luckily, it’s not that complicated. One of the benefits of being a college student is that you may have a flexible schedule that makes volunteering easier.
Here are a few tips for figuring out how to volunteer in a meaningful way:
1. Identify your interest
Are you passionate about a specific cause or social issue? Identifying your interest is important before starting to look for a place to volunteer. If you just choose a random organization to volunteer with, chances are you won’t be giving your whole self.
According to Hannah Minchow-Proffitt in the Drury University Community Outreach and Leadership Development office, if students aren’t passionate about the organization or cause they’re working for, they won’t be successful. “That’s the biggest thing for why volunteers stop volunteering,” she said.
Perhaps you are passionate about working with children, the elderly, or people who are disabled. There are over 1,500 nonprofit organizations in Springfield, according to the 2014 Nonprofit Impact Survey. With that number, you should be able to find a volunteer opportunities to match your interests.
2. Ask yourself what you want to get out of the experience
Your volunteer experience should not only benefit the organization and the community, but you as well. The Association of Voluntary Service Organisations identifies several benefits of volunteering, including learning new skills, meeting new people, and improving your resume.
Volunteering can be a way to get a feel for what a field is like and gain professional experience. For example, if you’re considering working with children as a career, you may want to volunteer at Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield for experience.
3. Be prepared
Once you have set up your first volunteer session, it is a good idea to schedule a call with your supervisor. By doing this, you have the ability to be totally prepared. Ask your supervisor what you should wear, what kind of shoes to have, where to report, what you will be doing, and whether you need to bring any papers or documents with you.
“They will walk you through that,” said Minchow-Proffitt. “That’s their job — to make you feel comfortable.”
4. Keep it professional
Volunteer coordinators are frustrated by unprofessionalism. A volunteer position, no matter the organization or cause, should be taken seriously. Don’t think of it as doing a favor – you’re getting something out of it, too. Dress appropriately for the job. Show up when you say you will.
5. Use your resources
Most likely, your college has a department dedicated to helping you connect with nonprofits and find volunteer opportunities in Springfield.
At Missouri State University, you can get connected with the office of Community Service and Involvement. Drury University also has an office dedicated to community outreach and leadership development. These offices are committed to helping you find the perfect service opportunities. They will be a liaison between you and the organization.
