How and Why you should Volunteer; an article targeted towards fresh graduates but would be useful for all.

If you have been following me on LinkedIn for quite a while, it's no news that I volunteered quite a lot in 2018/2019 and it became absolutely one of my favourite things to do. Also obvious is the fact that I volunteered for similar causes namely Career development, Personal development and Girl education. Sustainable Development Goals 4, 5 and 8 hold my interests.

I write this self-explanatory article because of the numerous personal messages I've been receiving as to " how undergraduates and fresh graduates can volunteer and platforms in which to volunteer". I am here to help.

I volunteered and I am still volunteering for the following reasons :

- I didn't have a solid internship experience during my undergraduate schooling. Hence, I needed to build my Curriculum Vitae and get a great job.

- I was sort of confused as regards the career path I wanted to delve into; hence seeking clarity. Clarity they say, is not at home but on the road. Therefore, volunteering is a route to clarity.

- I did not know so many professionals in Lagos, Nigeria and if I was going to be working in Lagos, I needed to have knowledge on how things work. Basically, I was seeking knowledge and trust me when I said I found wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.

- I found causes I was passionate about. I was discovering myself and needed to learn about these things. I needed to know how well I "fit" into and relate with people of various backgrounds and expectations. I wanted to know my capabilities and hone my skills.

- I wanted to be independent and know my way around the city and around Industry leaders in Lagos; where you mostly find them is at events and on LinkedIn. You do not want to badge in their offices for coaching or mentoring(lol).

- I did not feel good just sitting at home all weekend long. I mean, I knew things were happening and I certainly was not on that moving train.

- I had read articles that advised fresh graduates to volunteer in order to know more about their society and the world.

- I wanted to be comfortable with big things and comfortable with dreaming really big.

- I wanted to increase my social capital. Have friends in all walks of life.

- I was advised that volunteering is the easiest way to acquire and/or hone a skill.

- I always wondered how people plan a fabulous event from end to end (My event planning streaks)

So, if you have any of these reasons, I will say volunteering is for you. In my opinion, everyone should volunteer but you must have an aim and end goal in mind. Right now, since I'm mostly occupied with work, I take advantage of volunteering to explore my hobbies and other interests. I achieve a great work-life balance just doing that.

After knowing your reasons, go ahead and know what causes interest you. They could be medical outreaches, other programmes. If you would like to be well invested in your career path, you can boost your credibility by volunteering for related causes. Eg; A media personality can volunteer to train secondary school students on voice overs, script writing, content creation etc.

Go ahead and reach out to organizations that do what you're interested in. This is so that you'll be a priority when/if they call for more volunteers. Do not wait around waiting for a call for volunteers. I was once privileged to apply for volunteering before the advertisement went public.

What exactly is Volunteering, you may ask? (Just to clear this out.)

Volunteering is the act of giving your resources, time and energy to a cause you BELIEVE in without expecting a CASH profit. Notice that I said profit because what you put in while volunteering will most likely be more than the cash reward you get in the short run. It may not be convenient, but you'll have to make sure your expectations are met via volunteering. This brings me to the point saying "you must have EXPECTATIONS". My expectations for different platforms differ. Expectation simply says why am I volunteering for this cause? Only then will you know what next to do with your knowledge and connections. If you do not know your value proposition, volunteering will become a mere activity. Knowing your expectations help you know when you are done with a phase and need to seek unrelated or relatively bigger opportunities etc.

As the name "volunteering" suggests, the satisfaction you encounter is the eminent happiness and fulfillment of doing that activity.

You can get numerous rewards from volunteering, for example, Bigger Network/social capital, swift access to information, clarity, easier career transitioning, impact and genuine happiness. Also take note that a cause may also be a career or professional path. Volunteering does not always have to involve a Community Social Responsibility. It is doing something without concern for being paid.

I'm a living proof an exponential life upgrade as a result of Volunteering. I have acquired the following skills from Volunteering;

1. Leadership and Team spirit

2. Emotional intelligence

3. Voice over Artistry

4. CV writing

5. Events Management

6. Networking

7. Content creation

8. Social Media Management etc.

If you are a professional, do not forget to volunteer within your organization. There are some unpaid jobs in your organization and for your organization that may interest you.

The people who are genuinely ready to help always get helped. - Adeteniola Olorunfemi

Did you enjoy this read? What did you learn? Let me know in the comment section below.

Cheers.