The Pros and Cons of Volunteering
By Marc Belaiche, CPA, CA
Whether your work experience is rich or minimal, there are many advantages,
and some disadvantages, of volunteering if you are searching for a new job. This
article explores both sides.
PROS
Learn a new skill
Volunteering is a great way to learn or develop a new skill that
otherwise may be difficult to obtain. Keep in mind that it’s never too late to enhance
your skill set.
Meet new contacts
Networking at any time is usually advantageous and making new contacts can
lead to exciting career opportunities.
Contribute to your community
Volunteering in an organization in your community such as a
not-for-profit yields inherent personal and career benefits both for you and
the organization you are assisting.
Help an organization
In this current labour environment, some organizations may not have the
financial resources to hire, and yet the work is there. Contributing your time
may help an organization in these circumstances to get through challenging
times. Perhaps they can provide you with other non-financial benefits (e.g.,
reference letter, contacts) that might offset the lack of compensation.
Enhance your resume
It’s always beneficial to include volunteer experience and related keywords
on your resume to help recruiters find you for relevant positions.
Provide career opportunities
More than ever before, organizations are less likely to hire someone
without experience in their industry.
Getting practical experience, even if unpaid, can lead to opportunities
within an industry if that’s your desired career direction.
Unpaid to paid
Many volunteer opportunities can lead to a part-time or full-time
position. Stay positive, be patient, and do anything you can to help the
organization reach its goals.
Motivation is key
Volunteering may help you stay motivated. Contributing to the
organization can provide a sense of accomplishment and keep you feeling
engaged. Your actions may also inspire others!
CONS
·
The lack of compensation and benefits may be demotivating if it doesn’t
lead to a paid position. It’s also demotivating to be working for free while
someone else in the organization doing a similar job is getting paid.
·
Volunteering could reduce your negotiating power on compensation if a
prospective employer believes you’re willing to work for free or for less than
what you are worth.
·
Volunteering takes time away from searching for a paid position.
·
Ultimately, there might not be a benefit to you in your job search.
·
It may be disadvantageous for an organization who trains you only to see
you leave shortly thereafter for another position.
CONCLUSION
There are a variety of ways to volunteer to enhance your career and it’s
important that the volunteer work you sign up for is the right fit for you.
Working in the industry that is relevant to your career will help you stay
motivated.
Balance the amount of time you are willing to volunteer with the time
required for your job search. Overcommitting your volunteer time may lead to an
inability to fulfill your other obligations, leading to frustration. In the end
it doesn’t make you look good nor does it help the organization.
Note: Recently, in
Ontario, there has been discussion as to whether unpaid Internships are legal
and whether they fall under the Employment Standards Act, including minimum
wage criteria. For more information, visit http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/pubs/internships.php.
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Marc Belaiche is a CPA, CA and is President of TorontoJobs.ca, an
Internet recruitment business and recruiting firm located in the Greater
Toronto Area. Marc is also the author of the book “Tales from the Recruiter”. Marc
has been in the recruitment industry since 1995. TorontoJobs.ca allows
companies to post their positions online, search a resume database to find
candidates, provides full temporary and permanent recruitment and outplacement
services. TorontoJobs.ca also allows candidates to search and apply to
positions directly online and get career, interviewing and resume tips all at
no charge. Marc is also President of TorontoEntrepreneurs.ca, an organization
geared towards business owners (seewww.TorontoEntrepreneurs.ca) and has the annual Toronto Entrepreneurs Conference (see www.TorontoEntrepreneurs.ca/conference). You can reach Marc at marc.belaiche@torontojobs.ca and check out TorontoJobs.ca at www.TorontoJobs.ca.
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