Whether you desire to volunteer abroad or locally, you want to get the most out of your volunteer experience. One can hone their talents and develop new skills by expanding their real-world volunteer experience. There’s no denying the value it brings in cultivating and shaping us to prepare for new occupations and exploring the untapped potential that is hiding within us.
The number of volunteers is growing to expand their professional network and experience from students to professionals. They are able to assess the value and benefit that volunteering brings. However, many are yet to discover how to maximise and get the most out of their volunteer experience. Here are some tips you can follow:
Always Track What You Learn
When joining volunteer organisations in Singapore, tracking everything you learn throughout the period is one way to maximise your volunteer experience. Journaling the activities and training you participated in and everything you discovered will let you develop or acquire new skills and knowledge. These learnings you will encounter and obtain along the way can be added to your cover letter or resume. You can even include the people you meet as a reference, provided with their consent.
Have Realistic Expectations
While joining a volunteer abroad or locally can be an interesting activity that is worth your time for personal growth, having expectations can affect our experience. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to have the most profound knowledge enough to solve entrenched and deeply rooted problems during the course of joining a volunteer program. However, you can expect a degree of impact that will keep you learning new things and strengthen your skills to make some changes. The longer you stay, the more impactful the experience will be.
Always Be Open To Newer Ideas
Volunteering can be an eye-opening experience for many, especially for first-timers. One of the best ways to get the most out of your volunteer experience is to have an open mind. Welcome new ideas and experiences that will teach you something about life, culture, environment, etc. Plans can sometimes change, and the people you meet on a regular basis will have a lasting influence on your outlook. These are among the few things you will encounter when you join volunteer organisations and their program.
Be Honest About Your Abilities
Some volunteers seek any opportunities that will amplify a specific set of skills. However, you do not want to exaggerate your abilities and skills to get into the volunteer program and earn responsibility. There’s always the difference between activities you want to try and the actual role that is qualified to your current skills and abilities. It will make a mark on your experience and what you can learn throughout the program.
Are you looking for volunteer work in Singapore? Visit Singapore International Foundation for more info.
