While volunteering means giving something of yourself without any monetary compensation, it is the personal reward of a volunteer experience that keeps people invested. But what about the professional reward?
Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate, or someone who has been in the workforce for a few years, volunteering is a great way to gain hands-on experience and build your resume. And, like an internship, a volunteer position may lead to a full-time career.
Volunteer Match is one of many online resources available to help people connect with volunteer opportunities. Below are some examples of the ways professional writers, editors, and designers can donate their time and talents while gaining more experience and professional contacts. These are all in Michigan, but you can define your search by state, city, or zip code.
Web Design: Update and maintain a nonprofit’s website.
Desktop Publishing: Promote educational opportunities through newsletters, flyers, brochures, etc.
Historical Research: Create a photo archive and collect oral histories.
Grant Writing: Write and research grants for a nonprofit.
If your volunteer experience has led to career benefits, such as a job offer, a stronger social network, or a better idea of what you like or don’t like to do, please share in the comments.
