BUILDING CAREER BLOCKS THROUGH VOLUNTEERING

?Before I share a bit about my volunteering journey, let me start by asking the big question: WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER?

The truth is everyone volunteers in one way or the other, from taking up roles in the church or mosque to taking up responsibilities in schools or even helping out with chores at home.

Volunteering has been a major part of my growth. Having understood the power of volunteering for career growth during my undergrad, I decided to start my volunteering journey this time with my (WHY); My first volunteering journey was during my second year in the university where I volunteered with Save the Children International on a STEER project, where I had first hand experience of Community engagement. The beautiful thing about volunteering for this project was that I got to work in all seven thematic areas for OVC and their households as the community case manager.?

Two years later, being a fresh graduate, I had already gained two years experience in the field with about 5 certifications from volunteering on that project.

During and after my service year, I took up more volunteering roles to further improve my skills and gain more experience for the next phase of my life.

Later on, I volunteered with VSO as a YLEV where I built my project management skills. Now I manage projects effectively at my organisation and I'm grateful for this experience.

If you do not have the expertise, Volunteering provides that unique opportunity to build it on the go.

I didn't have money to pick up paid courses that will enhance my career growth, so I work with organisations where I got to learn these skills for free.

Sometimes while volunteering, my supervisors will give me roles or paperwork that is far above my experience level, while other colleagues complain about the managers giving us their work and going to sleep, I saw an opportunity to train myself using a manager's tool to build myself towards becoming a manager someday. This was because I had my why and today I manage projects.

There are so many reasons why people volunteer. Anytime I'm given the opportunity to volunteer, first, I look at where I'm headed and how that volunteering role will push me a step further towards achieving my goal.

Volunteering does not come without challenges. 80% of my roles right from undergrad up to this moment has been volunteering. Sometimes I get bashed at by family and friends for taking free roles while my peers are getting decent jobs; they were half right ofcourse except that sometimes the most daring skills can be built through volunteering.

So while waiting for that mouth watering job, why not volunteer somewhere to build up expertise?

The question of why? will help you make informed decisions when choosing your volunteer path.?

Lastly, volunteerism is like building blocks, it shapes and moulds you for your big dreams.

Know your why and choose your path wisely.