Like I mentioned in a previous post, volunteering is a great way to gain skills no matter where the military takes you. In every state, and likely every country, there are organizations who are trying to do good and who need volunteers to accomplish their goals. Whether it be volunteering at your local animal shelter, collecting clothing for the Salvation Army or organizing fundraisers for a local anti-poverty organization, you will be doing great work while also adding some valuable skills to your resumé.
Here are some tricks for women in military relationships when it comes to volunteering to get work experience:
1. You should ABSOLUTELY include volunteer work on your resume. According to a LinkedIn survey, 89% of professionals had volunteer experience, but only 45% included it on their resume. The same survey found that 41% of hiring managers consider volunteer experience equally valuable as paid work.
2. In order to make the best use of both your and the charity’s time, identify the skills you want to develop, enhance or reinforce. You can then offer the organization a specific way that you will be useful for them. For example, if you have some experience in communications but you want to build up that skill on your resume, volunteer to write the weekly newsletter for a local charity. You will get experience in writing, marketing and non-profit work which are easily transferrable to any other position.
3. Pick something that you care about. If you love animals and hope to one day work as a veterinarian, work in an animal shelter. If you hope to become a doctor or nurse, volunteer at a hospital or medical clinic. Similarly, as a woman tied to the military, working for a military organization would allow you to demonstrate something important in your life to employers who are often looking for passion, character and commitment.
4. Even though you aren’t getting paid, don’t slack off. Maintain your professional presence and work hard, because you never know where your experience might take you. For example, if you are around doctors and nurses all day, and you want to become a medical professional you may be able to network and find a great job opportunity waiting for you at another organization because of your volunteering. Depending on the circumstances, you may even be able to turn your volunteer work into a paid opportunity at the same organization.
Now go find some organizations looking for volunteers in your area, no matter where in the world you are! Go get your foot in the door!
The Ambition Mission 