You're committed to long-term volunteering. How can you advance your career within the organization?

1 Gain Skills

To advance in any organization, acquiring new skills is essential. In the context of volunteering, take advantage of training sessions, workshops, or other educational opportunities provided by the organization. If such resources aren't available, take the initiative to learn on your own. Whether it's mastering a new software that the organization uses or developing leadership abilities by managing a small project or team, these skills not only make you more valuable to the nonprofit but also enrich your resume for future career moves.

2 Show Initiative

One of the most effective ways to get noticed for potential advancement is by showing initiative. Go beyond the tasks at hand and propose new ideas that could benefit the organization. This might involve identifying inefficiencies and suggesting improvements, or even spearheading a new project or event. Taking the lead on such initiatives demonstrates your commitment and can position you as a candidate for leadership roles within the organization.

3 Build Relationships

Building strong relationships with staff, other volunteers, and the community you serve is crucial. These connections can provide mentorship, support, and even recommendations for future positions. Engage with others, offer help, and share your aspirations. Networking within the organization can lead to learning about new opportunities before they're publicly announced and can give you an edge when applying for them.

4 Communicate Goals

Communication is key in setting the stage for your advancement. Discuss your career goals with supervisors or volunteer coordinators. Express your desire to take on more responsibility and ask for their advice on how to achieve it. This dialogue can lead to tailored opportunities that align with your aspirations and demonstrate that the organization values your contributions and professional development.

5 Seek Feedback

Feedback is a powerful tool for improvement and career advancement. Regularly seek constructive criticism from supervisors and peers regarding your performance. This shows your eagerness to learn and grow, which are qualities of a valuable team member. Use this feedback to refine your skills and address any areas that could hinder your progression within the organization.

6 Volunteer Strategically

Lastly, volunteer strategically by selecting roles or projects that align with your career goals. If you aim to develop management skills, look for opportunities to lead teams or coordinate events. If you're interested in fundraising, get involved in grant writing or donor engagement activities. By choosing roles that build relevant experience, you're creating a pathway for career advancement within the nonprofit sector.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?