Volunteering is one of the go-to activities to engage in when it comes to seeking growth and gathering the maximum amount of experience needed to develop a career professionally. The importance of volunteering can not be neglected as it represents an opportunity to learn and be more exposed to the area you have chosen to volunteer in while getting adequate practical training. It can also be a way in which you give back to society, and help you to effect the desired change that you want to see.
Volunteering comes from the place of willingness to contribute, to provide assistance to people who are in need without thinking of any reward. However, the benefits attached to volunteering are beyond monetary reward.
How Does Volunteering Benefit You?
There are numerous advantages of volunteering, We have put together below, the benefits of volunteering for your careerdevelopment
Improved communication skills
One of the things you will learn in volunteering is the ability to communicate with people of diverse backgrounds. It encourages you to be involved in intelligent conversations that will widen your horizon about different aspects of life.
Networking
Through volunteering you meet different caliber of people and you can build connections through your conversation with them. Volunteering is an avenue to meet up with different people and create lasting relationships with them. It reshapes your social and relationship lifestyle.
Improves mental well-being
Being around people is a form of relief to whatever issue or problems you might be facing mentally, or emotionally. Simply put, volunteering relieves you of stress and improves all aspects of your health while providing you with a sense of purpose, especially the ones that concern relating with people.
Teaches you valuable skills
One essential part of volunteering is Value. The value you get and give. Volunteering helps you to learn a lot and practice. It helps you to discover your area of interest and develop your existing knowledge and experience while acquiring more skills through exposure to new industry trends and methods.
Career opportunities
Volunteering exposes you to different opportunities within or outside your field that could help develop your career and increase your growth. It helps you get a referral and recommendation whenever an opportunity presents itself.
Beyond the benefits that volunteering offers, its essence is captured in the growth and fulfillment impacted on the volunteer’s career development!
We have spoken about the benefits of volunteering, however, beyond that, there are various impacts volunteering has on career development. Some of these are:
Professional Growth
Through voluntary experiences, you learn and become more aware of everything and anything about your profession, creating an awareness of other areas that need improvement and identifying your area of expertise. It also channels your career growth towards professionals recognizing your good work.
Skill Development
Volunteering allows a full expression of identifying with various departments and learning from them. It gives you the insight that is needed to develop your professional skills in the right manner. As the popular phrase goes “Practice makes perfect”. Being a volunteer allows you to practice your skills firsthand and gain more insight into the professional industry.
Professional Networking
Volunteering is an opportunity for you to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. And, it is not just about the diversity, you also get to meet different professionals in the field. This networking can provide you with the avenue to receive mentorship from experts while growing your professionalism
Career exploration and transition
Volunteering gives you the opportunity to explore different professions and organizations which might later be of interest to you. For example, you might have studied Mass Communication in school and through volunteering you end up in Human resource management.
Career Advancement and Recommendation
Your voluntary role paves the way for career advancement through recognition and recommendation. There are people around the organization who are watching you and your commitment to volunteering. These people can give you the recognition and referral you need to excel above and beyond.
How can you take up a volunteering role?
These are some steps you can follow through if you are interested in volunteering.
- Focus on your interest, Know the area you think you can function well before you take up a volunteering role. For instance, if you do not like the smell of drugs and medical appliances, it is not advisable for you to volunteer with a medical organization.
- Research organizations that fit into your preferences either online or around you. You can pick an organization including NGOs that you could work effectively with and learn actively from.
- Be open about your competence and skill. This will enable you to channel your skill to where you can work while providing the best assistance to your capability.
- Know your volunteering time frame. You can decide to volunteer for a month or more. Just ensure you have a schedule that works for you.
- Give your commitment, and avoid procrastinating, or neglecting your duties and tasks.
In conclusion, volunteers do not get paid, not because they are undeserving of it, but because they are priceless. Start where you are, Use what you have, and do what you can. – Sherry Anderson and Arthur Ashe.
10 Inspiring Initiatives to Volunteer for in 2024.
Here are 10 inspiring initiatives you can get involved in across Nigeria in 2024
Teach for Nigeria
Join the movement to address educational inequity by volunteering as a teacher in underserved communities through Teach for Nigeria. By teaching in low-income schools, you can help empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed academically and beyond.
Healthcare Outreach Programs
Numerous organizations in Nigeria run healthcare outreach programs aimed at providing medical care to rural and underserved communities. Whether you’re a medical professional or a passionate individual willing to lend a helping hand, you can contribute to initiatives focused on immunizations, maternal health, HIV/AIDS awareness, and more.
Environmental Conservation Projects
Nigeria faces environmental challenges such as deforestation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Volunteer with organizations dedicated to conservation efforts, such as tree planting initiatives, beach clean-ups, or wildlife protection programs, to help preserve Nigeria’s natural heritage for future generations.
Community Development Initiatives
Get involved in community development projects that aim to improve infrastructure, access to clean water, and livelihood opportunities in rural areas. Whether it’s building schools, renovating health clinics, or empowering women through vocational training, your volunteer work can make a tangible difference in the lives of communities.
Youth Empowerment Programs
Volunteer with organizations focused on empowering youth through skills development, mentorship, and leadership training. By investing in Nigeria’s youth, you can help unlock their potential and equip them with the tools they need to become agents of change in their communities.
Support for Persons with Disabilities
Volunteer with organizations that advocate for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigerian society. From assisting in accessibility projects to providing support services and advocacy, your volunteer work can help create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Disaster Relief Efforts
Nigeria is prone to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and epidemics. Volunteer with humanitarian organizations involved in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts to provide relief to affected communities and help build resilience against future disasters.
Arts and Culture Projects
Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage is a source of pride for its people. Volunteer with arts and culture organizations to promote Nigerian arts, music, dance, literature, and traditions through festivals, workshops, and community events, preserving and celebrating Nigeria’s diverse cultural identity.
Human Rights Advocacy
Join the fight for human rights and social justice by volunteering with organizations dedicated to promoting accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. Whether it’s advocating for the rights of women, children, or marginalized communities, your volunteer work can contribute to building a more just and equitable society.
Tech for Good Initiatives
Leverage your technological skills for social good by volunteering with organizations that use technology to address social challenges. From coding workshops for underserved youth to developing innovative solutions for healthcare delivery, there are countless ways to use technology for a positive impact in Nigeria.
