TEN REASONS
TO VOLUNTEER
Volunteering is an enriching experience that allows you to give back to the community and gain new skills in the
process. In addition, volunteer experience gives you a solid advantage when searching for employment or
establishing a career in a competitive economy.
TEN REASON WHY YOU SHOULD VOLUNTEER
1. YOU WILL GAIN PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
By volunteering, you are gaining experience toward the career you want to be successful in. If you
have any doubts that the career you are embarking on is a right fit for you, volunteering will confirm
if you are a right fit for that industry and if you thoroughly enjoy it.
2. PROMOTES PERSONAL GROWTH AND BUILDS SELF CONFIDENCE
Volunteering promotes self-growth as it opens your eyes to the world around you. By focusing on
helping others, volunteering provides you with sense of purpose, belonging, new skills, new
connections and as such, it increases your self-confidence.
3. YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE ELSE’S LIFE
Every person counts! Whether or not you see a difference, in some shape or form, volunteering
always impacts someone’s life in a positive way. Your hard work to help others is greatly valued; not
only to the person you are helping but also to the community at large.
4. AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE NEW PERSONAL INTERESTS
Have you ever wanted to explore new industries or roles but were hesitant to do so? Volunteering is a
safe avenue to do this as you can try things without any major consequences. Exploring through
volunteering will allow you to gain more in-depth knowledge and practical skills than you could in any
other environment.
5. PROVIDES THE ABILITY TO GAIN NEW SKILLS
Gaining skills such as leadership, communication, and team skills are essential to being successful
and look good to employers when you are seeking entry into a new position or career. In addition, if
you currently have some related skills, volunteering may give you more of that experience which
gives you an edge in a competitive economy.
6. AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRY SOMETHING NEW
It’s not always easy trying something new, but once you start volunteering and see how much it
makes a difference in someone else’s life, you will surely enjoy it. Volunteering will make you glad
that you took a chance at a new opportunity.
7. ESTABLISHES STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS
Volunteering allows you to connect with people you may have not met otherwise. These people can
turn into new friends and even new professional contacts, thus expanding your network.
8. OPEN DOORS TO POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES
By creating strong relationships with fellow employees and peers, it could potentially land you a job
in that particular place or through other networks that you have been in contact with. You can also
utilize these contacts to provide you with references to support your skills and experiences.
9. ALLOWS YOU TO SUPPORT A CAUSE YOU BELIEVE IN
Volunteering is an opportunity to support a cause or demographic you believe in. This could include
working with vulnerable groups or organizations that have impacted your life in some manner. What
better way to give back than by providing your time and your skills.
10. ALLOWS YOU TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE WORK
YOU DO IN THE COMMUNITY
Volunteering gives you an opportunity to raise awareness for the company you are working for as well
as your hard work that you do. It is also beneficial as it will connect you with other sectors in the
community and your hard work is valued to a wider community.
CONTACT INFORMATION
CAREER CENTRE
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR
TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT:
Call: 905.721.8668 ext. 3824
Email: [email protected]
Website: uoit.ca/careercentre