By Alayna Johnson, SCS Student Advising Leader 2018-2019
Between maintaining your GPA, holding leadership positions in RSOs, and seeking internships, it can be easy to forget about one of the best ways to make yourself stand out while giving back to your community: volunteering! Here, I’ll share some ways to squeeze volunteer hours into your schedule, great places to find volunteer opportunities, and how to sell your volunteer experience on your resumé.
One of the most common reasons students don’t volunteer is because they simply can’t find the time. I think the best way to combat this is to schedule recurring volunteer slots into your schedule and treat them like class time. For example, I volunteer for 2 hours every Wednesday afternoon and, because this time is consistent and planned in advance, I know not to schedule any other events during this time. However, if a weekly commitment intimidates you, another good option is to participate in longer but more infrequent volunteer opportunities, such as full-day cleanups or workshops.
Now, let’s talk about some awesome places to volunteer right here on campus. On a campus as big as Illinois, there’s sure to be plenty of volunteer opportunities. The only question is, which is right for you? One of the easiest ways to find out is to visit the Office of Volunteer Programs (OVP) at the Illini Union. On their website, you can fill out a survey with your interests and they’ll match you with opportunities on campus. Additionally, many organizations such as service fraternities/sororities and professional development groups also offer volunteer opportunities. If you’re already involved in one of these organizations, consider volunteering through them! Finally, the university hosts a number of one-time service events such as iHelp, a campus-wide service opportunity for groups and individuals. This can help you learn what types of service you’re passionate about and connect with others who are also community-oriented.
It’s great if your work is somehow related to your major (e.g., providing tutoring to high school students struggling in chemistry), but the most important thing is to find something you’re passionate about. This will keep you from letting it slip between the cracks of your busy schedule. Once you find an opportunity that speaks to you, you may wonder if and how you can effectively showcase it on your resumé or LinkedIn page. The answer, of course, is yes! According to Deloitte’s Volunteer Impact Research project, 82% of hiring managers look for volunteer experience, but only 32% of applicants list it. When it comes time to add your volunteer experience to your resumé, the question you should asks yourself is “how do the skills I learned as a volunteer translate to skills in the workplace?” For instance, did you lead a team of new volunteers? Coordinate, budget, or advertise the event? Collaborate with other organizations or volunteers? Highlight these! It’s easy to see how these skills translate to valuable experience for any workplace.
Related links:
Illinois Office of Volunteer Programs