Can’t get a job? Try volunteering instead

By Peter Kamuri

At the end of every year, many people graduate from colleges and schools armed with various qualifications. However, most find it difficult to secure a job immediately.

If you are one such person, it might be time to start thinking about volunteering.

It is a good way to launch your career and may also help unmask your career potential.

But why should you volunteer? Volunteering is important for personal growth. It provides you with an opportunity to amass experience in a wide range of field, which is important for your career growth.

In some occasions, volunteer work can help you to secure a job. Depending on your performance, you may impress your supervisors, who will consider you first when they seek people to recruit.

Volunteering can provide an opportunity to socialise and broaden your network of contacts, which you can tap into as you search for a job. The friends you make can alert you when a vacancy arises, especially if the vacancy is not advertised.

Give back

Moreover, working as a volunteer helps you give back to the society. By for example volunteering in your community, it gives you a personal attachment to the area and is you would like to see it change for the better.

Furthermore, working as a volunteer provides you with an opportunity to learn, broadening your worldview and giving you a hands-on experience on life related issues. You may even get an opportunity to travel, and therefore get a deeper understanding of different experiences.

There are also direct benefits to be reaped by working as a volunteer. You will be able to discover the world around you, develop your skills and more so improve your curriculum vitae.

However, as you plan to volunteer, ensure you plan well.

Choose carefully

Carefully choose the organisation you want to work for and consider how it supports volunteers. Look for as much information as possible before you sign up for anything.

Do not go for volunteering work for organisations you are not sure about.

Ignore those that might ask for money for you to get the voluntary work. You must also have time and will to volunteer.

And do not allow yourself to be influenced by friends or being forced into something you don’t want.

And, do not compromise your safety and health for the work.