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Learning New Skills Through Volunteering

Oct 1, 2002

In addition to being good "exercise for the soul," volunteering can provide other benefits. As long as you are helping others, why not help yourself? You can practice a rusty skill, or learn new ones - while helping others. In essence, with the carefully chosen volunteer activity, you have access to incredible low-risk, high-return, on-the-job training.

For students, or those considering a career change, why not use your volunteer work to learn more about a possible job position?

Thinking about becoming a veterinarian? Volunteer at a local pet hospital, humane society, or animal rescue organization.
Considering a switch to a teaching career? You'll find plenty of teachers who would love volunteer helpers in the classroom - even if just to read to children one day a week, or help with art projects.
Think you want more experience as a project manager? Many organizations would love your help with their fund-raising events.
Interested in learning woodworking, construction, or just plain ol' fix-it skills? Try Habitat for Humanity, where you'll be taught how to use tools to build houses - while helping provide a home for a deserving family.
Thinking about a career in retail? Why not volunteer at the Discovery Shop, a resale shop in all areas of the country that benefits the American Cancer Society? You'll learn the basics of sorting inventory, salesmanship, helping customers, and ringing up sales.
A career in journalism? Why not volunteer to write for a local newspaper, newsletter or non-profit organization's monthly bulletin? You'll receive help on selecting topics, editorial feedback, and how to approach your stories, and as a bonus, you'll have some starter pieces for your portfolio.
What about the office environment? Non-profit agencies are a great place to volunteer - you will have the chance to learn about computer software, operating basic office equipment, answering the phone, organizing files, and interacting with people in an office setting.

When I first started dabbling in website design, it was purely a hobby. I purchased a mainstream, foolproof software package that helped me through my first personal site. Soon, I was volunteering for my children's school, to set up their website. Since no one had ever taken on the task, they were thrilled. It was a simple site, but it helped me learn many basics of website programming. From there, I started working on sites for the local domestic violence shelter, the children's theater group, and an adult day care organization. In each case, I learned new skills, tried all sorts of things (many of which did not work the first time), and built up my confidence.

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