Maggie
What is the difference in having volunteer work or paid job experience - besides the factor of money - in applying for a non-temporary job/career-related job?
I am debating whether to volunteer frequently, which would be easier to do over the summer before I go off to school, or to apply for jobs in my area, which I will have to quit before I leave. #career #resume #volunteering #college-jobs #employment #volunteer #job-applications
5 answers
Katie Ramirez, M.S.
Katie’s Answer
From a future employer's perspective, what will matter more is what you actually did, what skills you developed, and how you can apply those skills to different settings. Volunteering can be ripe with opportunities to vastly expand your skills, network, and potentially even discover your passions. Not all volunteer opportunities are created equal though, so it'd be important to make sure you understand what volunteering would look like on a day-to-day basis. Working in your area may or may not develop the same breadth of skills.
Thank you for taking time to answer my question. It has cleared up some of my confusion/hesitance about volunteer work/job experience. I've always had the belief that it was probably more superficial appearances (a lot of work/job experience), which is true in many aspects, but I haven't really thought much about the skills/lessons learned from these experiences in relation to a career. It may also have made me think more about WHERE I volunteer rather than HOW LONG.
Maggie
Katy Maclean
Katy’s Answer
It depends on the field you are going into. Always include, degree, major, minor and/or focus area. Scholarships/awards and special training or certificates. GPA can also be a plus if it's a good one. If you don't have a lot of experience, I would also suggest listing classes which pertain to your desired field. I.e. if you are going into Accounting, you could list Accounting and Finance classes.
Charlotte Booncharoen
Charlotte’s Answer
I agree with the earlier response - what matters most is the experience you've gained and the skills you've developed. The other thing I would add is that volunteer experience can be a great way to learn about jobs and tasks that you like, as well as things that you may rule out from your future career goals. You could also benefit from volunteer work in non-monetary ways - you might meet people in the industry that interests you, and you could potentially leverage those relationships for information and/or resources for your next job.
Good luck!
Gina Cabrera
Gina’s Answer
1. Skill Development: Paid jobs often provide more structured training and opportunities to develop specific skills relevant to the industry or job you are applying for. On the other hand, volunteering can offer a broader range of experiences and the chance to develop transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
2. Professional Network: Paid jobs often provide opportunities to build a professional network within your industry or field. You may have the chance to connect with colleagues, supervisors, and mentors who can provide references, guidance, and potential job leads in the future. While volunteering can also offer networking opportunities, the professional connections may be more diverse and less industry-specific.
3. Demonstrating Commitment: Having paid job experience can demonstrate to potential employers that you have a track record of commitment and responsibility. It shows that you have successfully held positions with specific responsibilities and have met the expectations of employers. However, volunteering can also demonstrate commitment and dedication, especially if you have volunteered consistently over a period of time or have taken on leadership roles within volunteer organizations.
4. Industry Relevance: Paid job experience is often more directly related to the industry or field you are pursuing, which can be advantageous when applying for career-related positions. However, volunteering can still be valuable if you choose opportunities that align with your career goals or demonstrate transferable skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
Ultimately, the decision between volunteering and applying for jobs depends on your specific circumstances, career goals, and the opportunities available to you. Consider your long-term objectives, the skills you want to develop, and the experiences that will make you a strong candidate for the types of jobs you are interested in. It's also worth noting that a combination of both paid job experience and volunteering can provide a well-rounded resume and demonstrate a diverse range of skills and experiences.
Katy Maclean
Katy’s Answer
It all depends on where you will get the skills for the path you wish to take in the future. When looking for a job or volunteer experience, think about career paths you want to explore and could see yourself doing in the future. Choose the best fit for that. I.e. if you want to work in an office, volunteer in an office setting or if you want to work with animals, volunteer at the humane society, kids, try a camp program or be a PCA. Short term work or summer jobs are fine too and like you said above, bring in needed money for college. If you are looking at paid work, I would suggest a temporary job as you know you will need to leave it at the end of the summer.