Volunteering as a youth has specific advantages. Beyond the general benefits of helping and meeting people, youth volunteerism is a great strategy for planning your future:
Career Planning
You spend a lot of time thinking about what you want as a future career. Volunteering helps move your interests into action. When you have narrowed down your career ideas down to three or four options, try them out! Come to the VRC and discuss your options and we can send you to the organizations that may allow you to try the career of choice. Trying a career before spending your money on post-secondary training can have tie, money and help you make good decisions.
Portfolio Development for Post-Secondary students
You work hard to get your education and training, you concentrate on getting good grades and rising to the top academically…………is that enough to get you hired when you graduate? Post Secondary students should consider “strategic” volunteerism as part of an overall academic plan. The VRC can help you find volunteer opportunities related to your field of study that will help you build your portfolio, get references, network and connect with future employers. Opportunities can be hands on experiences, summer experiences, overseas trips or can be done virtually, on-line. When you are standing at the door of an employer competing with other graduates, you want to be armed with experience and references!! Give the VRC a call to discuss your options and a personal strategy.
Work Experience Credits
Many schools(high school and post-secondary) have co-op and work experience programs. These are excellent tool to get credits and experience – but where to start? What options are out there in the “Voluntary Sector”? Don’t limit your options to organizations you know, check out the V-List of organizations or give the VRC a call to find out about potential organizations you may not have heard about.
SPEC Connection Program- Youth Volunteers in our Community
