Volunteering as a Pathway to Employment

 A new study shows what I have always believed (it worked for me) and what I tell people who ask me about the relationship between volunteering and getting a job - it works. 
The report is here


The report point's out things that matter about finding a job - networks & skills.
By volunteering you are increasing your network! Linked in is great, but it's nothing like making a new contact face to face who can evaluate you, see what you are made of and if you would be a good fit (without interviewing you).  This is especially true if you are volunteering in a market/company you are trying to break into.
While volunteering you are learning/sharpening skills needed on a job. Whether they are new or specific skills or keeping up on software or customer service skills. Learning is good for you.

Another big plus if you are out of work, is gets you out and connects you with real live people. Looking for a job is hard work, and often hard work done alone in front of a screen.  So you volunteer a few hours a week, make an impression on the world and meet new friends and something wonderful will happen.

Need reinforcement ? Another Article from May pointed out some of the same advice.

So lets go out and increase our volunteer rate this new year, especially if you are looking to find a new job or change fields.

disaster_dave

 

We all need Volunteers

I have never hidden the fact that I am writing about disaster volunteers only.  And of that special group of people, my focus is on those that work in shelters & field hospitals.  Those volunteers require special trust.

I think that some of the most recent experiences in the disaster world have pointed to the fact that we need to look at all people who step forward.  After a disaster there are plenty of things that need to be accomplished and not all of them require a background check.


So as we move forward in our planning for the next event, we should spend some time classifying our needs during a disaster, so that we are prepared when it happens.
So who should be involved in this planning? Emergency Managers, Volunteer Managers and of course your Attorneys.  Well now you know what you need to do, and since the lawyers are involved you should get started now! 

Happy Holiday
Disaster_Dave