The question of the day is: How can volunteering help the young adult? Is it really beneficial? And, why does it even matter?
Well, let's dive in. Volunteering may be seen by some as just a way to fill time or give back to the community-but for young adults navigating the early stages of their careers, it's a game-changer. From exploring potential career paths to gaining a network of invaluable connections to developing both soft and technical skills-volunteering offers a trifecta of benefits that are hard to ignore.
Exploring Careers: The Ticket to Finding Your Passion
One of the most significant ways volunteering can help young adults is by allowing them to explore various careers-without the commitment of a full-time position. Let's face it, how can you know if you love working in a non-profit or want to pursue a career in tech if you've never had a chance to experience it firsthand?
Volunteering exposes young adults to a wide range of industries and roles, offering a taste of what they might enjoy-or, more importantly, what they don't. This experience is invaluable for anyone still figuring out what path they want to take. It's like dating a job before making a lifelong commitment. And who doesn't want that? Instead of guessing whether a role suits you or not, you get a front-row seat to the action, discovering what it truly entails.
"You can't find your passion if you don't try anything." - Peter Drucker, a thought leader in management and innovation, understood that experience is the key to figuring out where your true interests lie.
Fact: According to the National Conference on Citizenship, 80% of volunteers report that they have developed skills that directly influenced their career decisions.
Networking: The Power of Who You Know
As they say, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." Volunteering offers an ideal opportunity to build relationships with like-minded individuals, mentors, and professionals who can help you take your career to the next level.
When young adults volunteer, they're essentially entering a community of people with similar values and goals-people who often know about job opportunities that aren't listed on LinkedIn. Volunteering allows you to connect with people from all walks of life, building a diverse network that can propel your career forward in ways you might not have anticipated.
Fact: A study by LinkedIn found that 85% of all jobs are filled through networking. Volunteering is a perfect way to start making those connections and building a personal brand.
So, instead of waiting for someone to hand you an opportunity on a silver platter, volunteering lets you take the reins and build those crucial relationships-on your terms. You'll meet people who might just be able to open a door to your future career.
Skill Development: The Soft Skills and Technical Know-How
Finally, let's talk about skills. Volunteering isn't just about feeling good or putting in time for the sake of a cause-it's also an excellent way for young adults to develop both soft skills (like communication, teamwork, and leadership) and technical skills that will serve them in their professional life.
Whether it's organizing an event, coordinating a team of volunteers, or using a specific software tool, volunteering gives you the chance to try your hand at tasks and challenges that are directly transferable to the workplace. Soft skills are essential in any job, and volunteering provides a safe environment to practice and improve them. After all, leadership isn't just about bossing people around-it's about motivating a team, managing conflict, and fostering collaboration.
"Skills are important, but the ability to adapt, learn, and collaborate is what sets the best apart." - Marissa Mayer, former CEO of Yahoo, emphasizes the value of adaptability in a fast-changing world. Volunteering allows young adults to develop this adaptability in real-world settings.
Fact: 79% of employers say that soft skills like communication and leadership are just as important as technical abilities. Volunteering offers the perfect platform for young adults to develop these key traits.
Why It Matters
Volunteering is not just a "nice to do" activity; it's an essential tool for young adults who are carving out their future in an unpredictable world. It allows you to build your resume, expand your professional network, and acquire critical skills-all while contributing to a cause you care about.
In today's competitive job market, standing out is key. And guess what? Volunteering provides the unique edge that many young adults are missing. So, whether you're exploring careers, networking for opportunities, or honing those all-important skills, volunteering has something for everyone.
The next time you're considering how to spend your free time, don't just look for ways to kill it. Invest in your future by volunteering-it's not just about doing good for others; it's about doing good for you.
