I started helping job seekers in 2009. It was during the height of a great recession when the job market was reeling from job loss and resulted in a sky-high unemployment rate. One of the issues I addressed with clients and in my job search training classes was volunteering – specifically volunteering in an area to sharpen existing skills or work on developing new ones.
Today, I was looking at volunteering activities for me. I wondered if I wanted to continue to help with life skills such as job search or seek something totally different like volunteering in a hospital. As I scanned the opportunities (google “volunteer opportunities near me”), I came upon an organization that has been around for years, SCORE. SCORE helps entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business.
I scanned the volunteer write up and read that the organization looks for people with valuable business skills to help local entrepreneurs. Here is an example of what one chapter was looking for.
“You might be able to sharpen your email marketing, networking and social media skills while helping your local business community. If you are interested in aiding a local chapter with data and analytics, pulling reports, helping with local events, or serving in other capacities that will make your local chapter more effective, let us know.
Examples of chapter support roles include Community Ambassador, Partnerships & Fundraising, Media Contact for National and Local PR, Marketing, Chapter Administrator, Webmaster, and more.” Learn more at www.score.org/volunteer.
What better way to assist a local organization while developing and refining your own skills. This looks great on your resume as it shows that while on your job search you are giving back to the community and staying current in your field. It also boosts self-confidence, networking, and gratification.
So, check out volunteer opportunities in your field. It may lead to great things.
