What do you do if your volunteer management experience isn't helping you advance in your career?

1 Identify your transferable skills

The first step is to identify the transferable skills that you have gained from your volunteer management experience. These are the skills that can be applied to any job or industry, such as problem-solving, teamwork, project management, and customer service. Make a list of your transferable skills and provide specific examples of how you used them in your volunteer role. This will help you showcase your value and relevance to potential employers or managers.

2 Update your resume and portfolio

The next step is to update your resume and portfolio to highlight your volunteer management experience and achievements. Use action verbs and quantifiable results to describe your responsibilities and impact as a volunteer manager. For example, instead of saying "Managed a team of 10 volunteers", you could say "Coordinated and supervised a team of 10 volunteers, increasing their retention rate by 25%". Also, include any certificates, awards, or recognitions that you received for your volunteer work. If possible, create a portfolio that showcases your volunteer projects, such as flyers, newsletters, reports, or testimonials.

3 Expand your network and opportunities

The third step is to expand your network and opportunities by connecting with other volunteer managers, professionals, and organizations in your field of interest. You can join online communities, attend events, or participate in mentoring programs that are related to your career goals. You can also look for volunteer opportunities that align with your desired role or industry, such as board positions, consulting projects, or leadership roles. This will help you gain more exposure, experience, and contacts that can support your career advancement.

4 Seek feedback and guidance

The fourth step is to seek feedback and guidance from your current or former volunteer supervisors, colleagues, or mentors. Ask them for honest and constructive feedback on your strengths and areas of improvement as a volunteer manager. You can also ask them for advice on how to pursue your career aspirations, such as what skills, qualifications, or steps you need to take. You can also request them to write you a recommendation letter, endorse your skills on LinkedIn, or refer you to potential employers or opportunities.

5 Keep learning and growing

The final step is to keep learning and growing as a volunteer manager and a professional. You can enroll in online courses, webinars, or workshops that can enhance your knowledge and skills in volunteer management or your target field. You can also read books, blogs, or podcasts that can inspire you and keep you updated on the latest trends and best practices. You can also set SMART goals and track your progress and achievements. By keeping learning and growing, you can show your initiative, adaptability, and commitment to your career development.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?