Achieving Personal Growth through Volunteering

Most business leaders succeed because they are constantly looking for ways to improve themselves and their communities. One of the best ways to do that is by volunteering on a regular basis. According to an article by Harry Kraemer for Harvard Business Review, volunteering can lead to deeper fulfillment in your career; even small efforts can make a difference. Kraemer suggests that if you’re interested in volunteering, you should jump right in, start small, and be open to opportunities that volunteering provides you. By giving back, you not only help others, but you also create opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Benefits of Volunteering

There are numerous benefits to individuals who volunteer. Your efforts can certainly make a positive difference to others, as well as to the organizations through which you offer your time. But your efforts to help others can also help you gain new skills, network with others, and improve your self-confidence. Whether you are helping at a food bank, tutoring students, or participating in community clean-up events, volunteering offers an excellent way to sharpen leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. These transferable skills can enhance your résumé and make you a more well-rounded professional.

From volunteering at your local animal shelter to working at a crisis call center, finding ways to volunteer in your community that are meaningful to you and align with your passions is relatively easy. If you are passionate about education, mentoring students can offer a sense of fulfillment while also helping you develop patience and communication skills. If you enjoy working with your hands, participating in home-building projects for organizations like Habitat for Humanity can teach valuable project management and teamwork skills.

Volunteering can also provide perspective. When you give your time to those in need, your efforts often elicit gratitude and a greater appreciation for the resources and opportunities in your own life. Many people find that regular volunteer work boosts their overall mental wellbeing by reducing stress and promoting a sense of purpose. Studies have shown that people who volunteer regularly often report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction.

How to Use Volunteering to Break into Event Management

Did you know that most events rely on a number of volunteers in order to deliver the best experience to their attendees? If you are interested in starting a career in event management, then volunteering at events can help you gain the skills necessary to get the ball rolling. Whether it's a corporate conference, a local fundraiser, or a music festival, events require individuals to manage logistics, coordinate schedules, and ensure that attendees have a positive experience. By volunteering, you will gain clear insight into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into planning and pulling off an event.

Volunteering at events can give you the opportunity to build relationships with industry professionals, which could lead to mentorship or job opportunities down the road. Volunteering your time also demonstrates your commitment and work ethic while simultaneously expanding your professional network.

Additionally, volunteering gives you the chance to discover which aspects of event management interest you the most. You may find you have a knack for managing logistics, or that you enjoy the creative side of event planning. By gaining hands-on experience in a supportive environment, you can refine your skills and focus your career goals.

Volunteering is about more than just giving your time; it is an opportunity to grow as a person and as a professional, while developing new skills, expanding your network, and acquiring valuable experience that can be applied to your career. Whether you aim to break into a new industry or simply want to give back to your community, volunteering offers a fulfilling path to personal growth.