Benefits of Volunteering for Non-Profits

Changing Careers When a Resume Indicates no Previous Experience

Nov 20, 2009 Cynthia Collins

When job seekers are considering changing careers, they can gain experience through volunteer positions in their new field of interest.

Volunteering with non-profit organizations is an excellent way to receive on-the-job training in areas where the job seeker has had little or no previous work history. The volunteer learns, in a supervised environment, what is required in a particular job and can then decide whether or not to pursue this new line of work.

List Potential Career Interests

In order to get an idea of new career opportunities, make a list of the non-profit organizations in a particular location. For example:

• Are there museums? If so, what kind? Art, furniture, clothing, modern, Medieval, Colonial, Victorian, maritime, etc.
• What are the health-related charities in that location?
• Are there local, state, or national parks?

List Skills – Current and Future

After choosing a general field of interest, the prospective volunteer should take stock of his/her own abilities. Include skills in which the individual would like to learn or gain more experience. For example:

• Does the individual enjoy, or wish to learn more about, gardening
• Giving tours
• Teaching school groups
• Working with finances
• Writing grants
• Special event planning
• Membership

Ask Non-Profits About Their Volunteer Programs

Once the individual has decided what general area would be a good match, then it is time to get specific. Call, or go online, and get information about the various organizations that have volunteer programs. Ask the following questions to help narrow the selection:

1. Which departments within the organization have volunteer positions?
2. Is there a genuine opportunity for volunteers to learn while working with experienced staff?
3. Are the volunteer hours flexible? (Does the staff work with volunteers regarding scheduling)?
4. Is the organization a pleasant working environment? (Do staff and volunteers get along? Are volunteers respected for their ideas and dedication)?
5. Does the volunteer manager try to match the volunteer to the department that is the best fit? (Also, if the volunteer wants to change departments, is that allowed without recrimination)?
6. Is there a high turnover rate? (Some turnover is normal but if it is too high, that could mean that staff members are difficult to work with, or, that the volunteer work is seasonal).
7. Are volunteers eligible to apply for employment within the organization?

Making a Difference as a Volunteer

Not only do volunteers have the chance to learn about non-profit organizations from the ground up, but their presence helps make a difference in the day-to-day life of the organization. Volunteers, many times, are the ones who end up dealing with visitors, members, and the general public before the administrative staff does. Volunteers provide the first impressions at membership events, street fairs, and tours. They are, often times, a sounding board for policies that the administration is considering implementing or abolishing.

For individuals who want to learn more about volunteering, there are organizations throughout the United States and Canada that have information regarding local, national, and international volunteer opportunities. Whether a person is between jobs or wants to change careers, volunteering can be one way of seeing what is available.

The copyright of the article Benefits of Volunteering for Non-Profits in Career Advice is owned by Cynthia Collins. Permission to republish Benefits of Volunteering for Non-Profits in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

1907 tug Pegasus - restored by volunteers

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