The Power of Volunteers
into your career development
Many hiring managers consider skilled volunteerism in hiring decisions. But once you have a job, how are you cultivating the opportunity your career may bring?
Volunteering is a way to gain skills during job transitions and career shifts. Younger professionals who entered the workforce during the past few years have had fewer opportunities for developing their in-person and network skills.
Wonder why and how volunteering can help you advance your career?
Here are just a few examples:
- Add strategic volunteering experience to your resume
- Learn, develop, and apply new skills, such as meeting planning, writing, updating the back end of a website, reporting, and more
- Get practice and experience developing your leadership and soft skills
- Real-world experiences you may not get on-the-job help you prove your critical thinking, active listening, and problem-solving skills
- Expand your professional network, with connection and authenticity
In April 2022, our own Joe Bobbey wrote an article for Catalyst about the power of volunteering with IABC.
"The Value of Volunteering With IABC featured Michael Blackburn and Sebastian Warren. The article showcases the benefits of volunteering and connecting with communication professionals across the globe. As President of the Toronto Chapter, Michael led his members in helping shape and create the 2023 World Conference experience. In the article, he notes:
"The benefits of being a volunteer in this exciting global community are at your fingertips and the magic is yours to unlock. If who I am today could talk to a younger me, he’d say, “Get involved sooner, friend. You’re missing out!”
As a small but mighty chapter, Greater Cincinnati welcomes your volunteer time and energy. Let's talk about your ideas!