6 types of volunteer activities that look good on a resume

Can you think of a great way to gain work experience without doing a 9-to-5 job? It’s through volunteering! Whether you are juggling a job while going to college or don’t have the time for full-time employment right now, including volunteer activities on your resume will show potential employers that you are committed to your industry. Here are six types of volunteer activities to add to your resume today:

Volunteering for a nonprofit organization

Volunteering with a nonprofit organization will allow you to gain experience in your industry. There are many nonprofits with diverse interests such as social justice, environmental well-being, healthcare, education, etc. Adding experience with a nonprofit organization will demonstrate your passion for the cause to potential employers. You will also get to dabble in event planning, grant writing, fundraising, and public speaking activities.

Volunteering with civic organizations

Are you interested in government or public affairs? Then, volunteering with a civic organization such as a political campaign, community association, or neighborhood council is a wise choice for you. You get to showcase your interest in civic engagement. Volunteer work with civic organizations is a great way to show potential employers that you have excellent teamwork and collaboration skills. If you decide to volunteer for a political campaign, you will get to hone skills such as campaign management.

Getting volunteer experiences with professional associations

When you work with a professional association in your industry, you get to work on your own professional development. You can choose to volunteer as a member of a committee or as a mentor within a professional association. This will help you build relationships that will strengthen your professional network. You will also be able to demonstrate your leadership skills on your resume with your experience in the association.

Volunteering for educational institutions

No matter which industry you work for, you can choose to volunteer as an educator. There are many institutions you can work with such as schools, libraries, museums, and campuses to hone your teaching skills. You will also be able to practice skills such as program management and curriculum development when you work in the education sector. When you add your volunteer experience to a resume, it will demonstrate your ability to work with diverse populations, including children, parents, teachers, and administrators.

Volunteering for an emergency service

Have you always wanted to make a big difference in the world with your skills? Then, volunteering for emergency services such as the Red Cross or a local fire department is a great career path for you. Volunteers who have worked for these frontline organizations can proudly mention that they work well under pressure on their resumes. If you are pursuing a career in health care, you can emphasize the skills you gained through your volunteer job such as first aid, BLS, emergency response, and disaster relief.

Volunteering with social clubs

There are different kinds of social clubs such as sports teams, book clubs, and hobby groups which you can join depending on your interests. When you create a resume, these experiences will help you demonstrate your teamwork and collaboration skills, communication skills, and problem-solving skills. You also express that you are committed to your personal and professional development when you choose to work with a social club.