The Importance of Philanthropy
If you are out of work, or if you have some extra time after work, you should highly consider philanthropy.
Not only does philanthropy look good on a resume, but also it is a tremendous way to network.
Before we get into how philanthropy can help your career, lets talk about finding philanthropy opportunities.
How to Find Philanthropy Opportunities
Two great places to find philanthropy opportunities are local colleges and local churches. Colleges often get involved with volunteer opportunities so that students can get involved in their communities.
Speak with the department heads from the schools in your field and ask if there are any volunteer opportunities that you can work with.
If colleges don’t pan out, reach out to some local churches. Churches often get involved with programs like soup kitchens, working with underprivileged youths and even building homes for the homeless.
Ask about how you can get involved, and find an opportunity that sounds appealing to you!
How Does it Look Good on a Resume?
Recently, we wrote an article about filling your resume with experience even if you don’t think you don’t have any. Volunteer work and philanthropy are all great things that can pad out your resume.
When a company sees volunteer work on your resume they know that you find this work important. This also means that they know that you are passionate about work even if you aren’t being paid for it. Basically, volunteer work shows that you are passionate and not lazy.
How Does it Help You Network?
If you’re like me, you absolutely hate it when you are filling out an online application and it asks you to fill in your employment history despite the fact that you already submitted your resume that contains all of your employment history.
What can be even more annoying is when you see a field to put in several references, and you are struggling to think of anyone.
This is where philanthropy and volunteering can come in handy. Through philanthropy and volunteering, you can meet with people and work with them. This includes project supervisors and project leaders that may be inclined to allow you to list them as a reference.
Along with listing people you meet as references, you can also make a name for yourself. This means that down the line if a paid opportunity arises, they may consider hiring you!
It’s Valuable Experience
A lot of people think that if you are volunteering, all that you are doing is getting your hands dirty. This isn’t necessarily true. There are a myriad of skills that you can use when you volunteer. This includes:
- Marketing
- Editing
- Computer Skills
- Design
- Planning
- Logistics
- Management
- Writing
- Photography
- And more!