What do you do if you want to boost your career in Philanthropy through volunteering?

2 Assess your skills

The next step is to assess your skills and how they can benefit the organization and the cause. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What skills do you want to improve or learn? What skills are in demand in the field of philanthropy? You can use online tools, such as skill assessments, career tests, or personality quizzes, to help you identify your skills and interests. You can also look at job descriptions, profiles, or resumes of people who work in the field of philanthropy, and see what skills they have or need.

3 Find your match

The third step is to find a volunteer opportunity that matches your cause, your skills, and your availability. You can use online platforms, such as VolunteerMatch, Idealist, or UNV, to search for volunteer opportunities by location, cause, skill, or duration. You can also contact organizations directly, and ask them if they have any volunteer needs or projects that suit your profile. You can also create your own volunteer project, if you have an idea or a connection that can help you make a difference.

4 Be professional

The fourth step is to be professional in your volunteer role. Treat it as if it were a paid job, and follow the rules, expectations, and deadlines of the organization. Show up on time, dress appropriately, communicate clearly, and respect the staff, the beneficiaries, and the other volunteers. You can also ask for feedback, guidance, or mentoring from the staff or the supervisors, and learn from their experience and expertise. Being professional will help you build a positive reputation and a strong relationship with the organization.

5 Showcase your impact

The fifth step is to showcase your impact and your achievements as a volunteer. You can update your resume, your portfolio, or your online profile with your volunteer experience, and highlight the skills, the results, and the outcomes that you have contributed or gained. You can also collect testimonials, references, or letters of recommendation from the staff or the supervisors of the organization, and use them to support your applications or interviews. Showcasing your impact will help you demonstrate your value and your potential as a professional in philanthropy.

6 Network and learn

The sixth and final step is to network and learn from your volunteer experience. You can connect with other volunteers, staff, donors, partners, or beneficiaries of the organization, and expand your network in the field of philanthropy. You can also attend events, workshops, webinars, or courses related to your cause, your skills, or your career goals, and learn from the experts, the peers, or the leaders in the field. Networking and learning will help you discover new opportunities, trends, or insights that can boost your career in philanthropy.