The importance of volunteering
Frank Martino has been a volunteer coordinator at the YMCA Employment Services for 12 years. After being unemployed for two years, he decided to volunteer for the YMCA and because of that he was able to connect with employers who eventually hired him.
“When an opportunity for a paid job was available, the staff I worked with provided the contact information of the person interviewing for the position and I received a letter of recommendation. I successfully interviewed and was given the position,” Martino said.
According to career & placement coordinator at the University of Guelph-Humber, Melissa Patrizi, volunteering is a personal choice.
“I think volunteering gives you exposure to things that you may not have otherwise had that exposure to,” Patrizi said.
She also said that it is important for students looking to work within policing agencies.
Charles Amponsah a fourth-year political science student from the University of Guelph, plans to join the Toronto Police Service. He said he volunteers at least three days a week or more with the student help and advocacy centre, special Olympic basketball, and Guelph community volunteer patrol while working two jobs and maintaining a full course load.
Amponsah expressed why volunteering is so important to him, “volunteering is extremely important to me because it is important to engage in your community and be involved. It is also important to volunteer your time for the betterment of people who are in need of your help and resources.”
Ayan Abdi a fourth-year human resources student at Humber College said she has learned that employers are always looking for students with experience.
“Employers are always looking for experience in your field, even if its volunteering, it looks good on your resume, especially having a wide variety of different volunteer experience so you’re able to showcase your different skills,” said Abdi.
To stand out as a volunteer, Martino said students need to be motivated, hard working, a team player, and have soft skills that are valuable in any job.
If students experience difficulty getting volunteer positions, Amponsah suggested strategies like, “look for volunteer connection sites, find something that is near and dear to your heart, and apply to volunteer in a group or with a friend or two.”
Patrizi advised that students should be proactive when it comes to volunteering. She also said that they should think about it months in advance and get involved when there is a need and when there is not as many people to fill that need.
“Trying to think outside the box a little bit and get involved early is key,” said Patrizi.
About the Author
Chelsea Williams is a student journalist who loves everything fashion and entertainment.
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