The Value of Volunteering

Even though the weather is getting warmer, the fall college application process will approach quicker than you think. It might be time to consider boosting your resume with new experiences. What’s one of the best ways to do that? Volunteering! 

Why volunteer?

Volunteering is important because it showcases the qualities that admission officers value by demonstrating your commitment to positively impacting your community. Volunteering can also add depth to a resume and complement your academic achievements. 

Whether you’re a high school student entering the college application process or in college looking for a career, volunteering highlights skills, like leadership and teamwork, that college admissions officers or potential employers look for.  Working with a group of people allows you to develop powerful interpersonal skills and handle new challenges.  

 Volunteering also provides networking opportunities. Volunteering allows you to build valuable relationships with people who can provide guidance and possible career opportunities. If you ask your volunteer supervisors for one, it can also lead to strong letters of recommendation. 

How can I get started? 

 You might be asking yourself— Should I pick one place to volunteer or join multiple organizations? The answer is… It’s ultimately up to you! Volunteering long-term at one organization can be impactful because it shows commitment, and you might see more of the effects of your hard work. Volunteering short-term at multiple organizations can allow you to have a variety of experiences. However, inconsistency in your resume might raise concerns for some admission officers. For example, volunteering at a beach cleanup for a couple of hours once a year might not show as much commitment to community service as if you were to participate in beach cleanups throughout the year.  

Volunteering opportunities can be found anywhere! Check out your local libraries, food banks, churches, and senior/community centers. Hospitals will often have shadowing opportunities for high school students. If you love pets, consider contacting your local animal shelter or rescues. Your high school guidance office may also be able to assist you with opportunities. Some other options include: 

• Tutoring younger students 
  

• Helping at a local food drive 

• Mowing lawns and picking up leaves  

• Working with a non-profit 

Win/Win!

Volunteering is an exceptional opportunity because you are giving back to your community in a way that can be personally fulfilling. The experience you gain by volunteering is incomparable to any other college application booster since it can provide meaningful skills as you enter the next phase of adulthood.