Volunteering by Jess Pitts

It’s no secret that volunteering looks great on a resume and can be the factor that sets your resume or application above the rest. But before you sign up for the first volunteering opportunity you come across, there are a couple of things to keep in mind to make the most out of your time.

First off, choose something that you are actually interested in! If you enjoy the work you are doing, it doesn’t seem like work at all, and before you know it you will have tons of volunteer hours stacked up. So brainstorm about what your interests are, then do the research to find out which volunteer organization is a good fit for you. Don’t be afraid to contact someone to ask about what their group does, or what your responsibilities would actually entail.

Something to keep in mind when you are choosing where to volunteer is your career goals. If you want to be a surgeon someday, volunteer at a hospital. Even if you are only mopping floors to start, you will get first-hand experience on hospital life that can help inform your decision about med school. And if you like the experience, then the fact that you have already spent some time working in the area you’re pursuing will look great on an application or resume. Plus, now you have something to talk about in an admissions essay or statement of intent. And if you hate it? Well, it’s better to find that out now than after med school.

Next, think long-term. Two weeks with one group and a month with another will make it seem like you can’t keep a commitment. If the volunteer work just isn’t doing it for you there is nothing wrong with finding a better opportunity, but don’t jump around too often.

Also, if you can stick around for a while with the same group, there is a better chance for you to advance into a leadership position. Taking on extra responsibility always impresses employers and admissions officers.

Finally, and most importantly, don’t volunteer just for the resume booster. Going into volunteer service with that attitude will make it a miserable experience for you and everyone else. Volunteer because you want to, and because you care about the work you are doing. Enhancing your resume is just a perk that comes along with it, as does the sense of satisfaction you get from doing something good for your community.