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Volunteering and Student Jobs: How Do They Contribute to Your Career?
Why are volunteering and student jobs important? "Volunteering was not about the importance of work done for free, but about the freedom to do something meaningful." – Greg Baldwin.
In our previous blog posts, we've written a lot about how student jobs help with personal development and your career. You may have also wondered how volunteering, as an extra societal activity, can be advantageous when included in your resume.
How does volunteering contribute to your career progression?
The following quote is from Archibald McIndoe, a surgeon from New Zealand: "Skill is fine, and genius is splendid, but the right connections can be more valuable than either." This applies to both student jobs and volunteering because:
One integral part of the working world is networking, which provides advantages you might not expect. You might find yourself in a future position thanks to past acquaintances, meet important people and groups, and delve deeper into a particular field through or with them. They also help you more easily find your inner motivations and goals.
Throughout your life, you will face many questions in various roles, which getting closer to your ultimate goal can answer. You can see potential career paths, experience what is right for you, what you like to do, and what you don’t, thus also increasing your self-awareness.
Moreover, there are skills that you can't just pick up at school but can easily acquire through student jobs or volunteering. If you step into the working world during your studies, you won't be without experience or feel lost after your educational years.
Admittedly, another significant factor in favor of volunteering and student jobs is that they look good on your CV and LinkedIn profile.
How can they help you develop personally?
Believe it or not, both student jobs and volunteering will serve your personal development and career path. In our previous blog posts, we have already outlined the importance of skills acquired through student jobs, and the same is true for volunteering. You can develop transferable skills such as self-discipline, time management, problem-solving, creative thinking, interpersonal communication, assertiveness, leadership, presentation skills, and teamwork.
Think about it!
If your role involves interacting with a variety of people, some of whom are strangers, you will eventually speak fluently with them, which is a significant advantage in the job market! Your knowledge deepens with practice, which will fill you with pride through positive feedback. Leaving your comfort zone will also boost your confidence, making you more motivated to face challenges.
We've saved the biggest human advantages for last: you take responsibility, face challenges, contribute to society, train your mental peace, and do good for others.
Volunteering can help you overcome personal difficulties and mental health issues. Several studies have confirmed its positive effects. You might even make lifelong friendships during your volunteering period.
Not only will you benefit from your volunteering, but society will too. Read more about self-development and motivation, look around our blog posts, or if you're interested in student jobs, check out our current offers!
