Diving into the value of volunteering within professional organizations, we’ve gathered insights from Presidents and CEOs among others to share the specific benefits they’ve reaped. From showcasing passion through niche volunteering to growing your network and business collaboratively, explore the diverse advantages as thirteen professionals reflect on their experiences.
- Exercise Passion Through Niche Volunteering
- Enhance Innovation with Collaboration
- Expand Your Network by Volunteering
- Showcase Expert Skills via Volunteering
- Find Diverse Learning Opportunities
- Build Relationships and Open Career Doors
- Gain Exposure and Connect with Clients
- Develop Skills and Network in Your Field
- Boost Community Ties and Social Skills
- Refine Negotiation Skills Through Legal Volunteering
- Achieve Project Ownership and Management Experience
- Strengthen Strategic Finance Skills Through Volunteering
- Grow Your Network and Business Collaboratively
Exercise Passion Through Niche Volunteering
Volunteering, above all else, can show a real dedication by a person to want to engage with something they are passionate about. We work in the niche environment of awnings, so that passion to want to learn about what we do is an appreciated and noticed first step to a business like ours, and I dare say for any niche business where you may not have learned about it in school.
It’s not all about being niche-specific, though, and general volunteering can also show a real determination to work hard, learn, or support something you believe in. Whether this is to help a charity you love, or to learn more about a role and skill set you want to develop, volunteering can come at a cost, such as income or time – and doing it anyway will show any employer just how dedicated you are as a human, regardless of the industry.
When a potential new boss sees this, they are seeing somebody who has great passion and a continued dedication to be the best, as well as the willingness to work hard for what they want to achieve.
To somebody just starting out, they may just see volunteering as something that isn’t going to help them, but when it’s seen on a resume, it tells a bigger story about you and the type of person that you are.
Mike Falahee, President, Marygrove Awnings
Enhance Innovation with Collaboration
In my journey with OneStop Northwest LLC, volunteering within professional organizations has played an essential role in both personal and company growth. A specific benefit that stands out is the enhancement of our company’s innovative capacity and problem-solving skills. Immersing ourselves in various industry challenges and collaborative projects with peers provided us with fresh perspectives and ideas, which, when brought back to our own company, sparked innovation and improvement in our services.
Through one experience, where I volunteered on a committee focusing on innovative customer service solutions within the tech industry, I gained insights into cutting-edge customer service technologies and strategies. Implementing these insights significantly improved our customer satisfaction rates and streamlined our service delivery processes. This experience is a testament to how volunteering can enhance a company’s competency and adaptability in its field, directly benefiting our operational efficiency and client relations.
Moreover, volunteering facilitated invaluable networking opportunities that went beyond commonplace industry meetups. Engaging in projects and discussions with professionals from various sectors allowed for the establishment of meaningful connections and partnerships. These connections have since evolved into collaborative projects, expanding our services and reach. It’s clear to me that the act of giving back through volunteering can immensely enrich a company’s network, agility in problem-solving, and ultimately, its brand standing in the industry.
Dylan Cleppe, Co-Founder and CEO, OneStop Northwest LLC
Expand Your Network by Volunteering
Joining a professional organization was a game-changer, as it provided me with a platform to showcase my skills and contribute to meaningful projects. One specific benefit I’ve received from this experience is the expansion of my network. By volunteering, I’ve connected with professionals from various backgrounds and industries. These connections have led to collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and even new business ventures.
For example, through a volunteer project with a marketing organization, I met a fellow volunteer who was starting a digital marketing agency. Our shared interests and complementary skills led to a partnership that has been beneficial for both of our businesses.
This connection wouldn’t have been possible without the volunteering opportunity that brought us together. Overall, volunteering in a professional organization has allowed me to give back to the community and grow my network in ways that have had a direct impact on my career and business growth.
Jason Vaught, President, Houston SEO Company
Showcase Expert Skills via Volunteering
Volunteering in a professional organization offers invaluable opportunities to enhance one’s portfolio. By contributing time and expertise, individuals showcase their skills, leadership, and commitment to their field. One specific benefit I’ve gained from volunteering is expanding my network.
Through participation in events and projects, I’ve connected with industry leaders, peers, and mentors, opening doors to new collaborations, job opportunities, and knowledge exchange. This networking aspect has been instrumental in broadening my professional horizons and fostering meaningful relationships within the industry, ultimately enriching my portfolio and career prospects.
Omer Lewinsohn, General Manager and Marketing Expert, Management.org
Find Diverse Learning Opportunities
I’m going to be honest with you and say not every volunteering opportunity is going to help build your portfolio. It’s all about making smarter decisions and being clear with your goals. Remember that different types of volunteering can have different benefits, and sometimes it’s about mixing it up to get the most you can.
In a bigger organization, it’s a fairly well-known fact that your decision-making will be minimal, but you will make plenty of contacts if you impress, from peers to leaders and people who can be valuable to you as you move forward in your career.
In a smaller organization, my belief is you get more ‘action’ because teams are smaller, so the work you learn can be above the level you are expected. Many might argue that you do too much, but I believe you can get invaluable lessons in real working operations in a setup like this.
Brett Downes, Founder, Haro Helpers
Build Relationships and Open Career Doors
Volunteering provides opportunities to network with industry peers, gain exposure to new ideas and trends, and build relationships that can lead to future career opportunities. One specific benefit I can derive from my experience is the opportunity to expand my network and connect with professionals in my field.
Through volunteering, I’ve had the chance to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries, allowing me to gain insights into different perspectives and approaches to common challenges. These connections have not only provided valuable support and mentorship but have also opened doors to new career opportunities and collaborations.
Michael Hurwitz, CEO and Co-Founder, Careers in Government
Gain Exposure and Connect with Clients
Joining a professional organization as a volunteer significantly bolstered my DJ and event-planning career through UKi Productions. One specific benefit from volunteering came from participating in local community events and charity functions as a DJ. This opportunity not only allowed me to showcase my skills to a wider audience but also connected me with potential clients in a more relaxed and charitable setting.
For example, during a charity event in Palm Beach, my voluntary DJ services caught the attention of event organizers from The Breakers Palm Beach. This led to a conversation post-event, eventually securing a residency as the entertainment director and resident DJ at their prestigious HMF. The exposure and networking opportunities presented at such voluntary gigs were invaluable, further establishing UKi Productions as a key player in South Florida’s event scene.
Volunteering as a DJ and event planner provided a unique platform to demonstrate my versatility across different music genres and event types, from corporate gatherings to intimate weddings. This hands-on experience in various settings not only expanded my portfolio but also built lasting relationships with key stakeholders in the industry. It’s a testament to the power of volunteering; offering your services can open doors to unforeseen opportunities and collaborations.
Kirill Basov, Founder, DJ UKi
Develop Skills and Network in Your Field
Volunteering for a professional organization is similar to planting seeds in your career garden. Every task or occasion you help with or manage provides you with more experience and skills. Volunteering has been one of the greatest ways I have developed my industry network. I have made acquaintances with other professionals and also found role models who give me valuable advice and assistance.
These contacts have led to job openings and partnerships that enhanced my portfolio while opening new horizons. Also, being part of a professional association provides a feeling of connectedness and encouragement, creating a group of similarly inclined people. To sum it up, working in a professional organization as a volunteer improved my career and added great value on my way to success.
Dhari Alabdulhadi, CTO and Founder, Ubuy Netherlands
Boost Community Ties and Social Skills
Participating in volunteer work can make you feel a part of the community you are assisting. You could be inspired by your experience to become more involved in your community by supporting causes you care about or getting involved in local politics.
Volunteering allows you to practice speaking with new people and improves your social skills. Your future professional and personal relationships can be developed by utilizing social skills like active listening and relationship management, which you can learn by working with people frequently.
Cameron Holland, Marketing Director, GB Foam
Refine Negotiation Skills Through Legal Volunteering
As a legal expert specializing in business law and personal injury cases, volunteering within professional organizations has played a pivotal role in my career development. One standout benefit from my involvement, particularly with legal aid societies, is the significant enhancement of my negotiation skills. Engaging in these volunteer roles, I had the opportunity to represent clients in situations they couldn’t navigate alone, honing my ability to articulate complex legal positions in a clear, persuasive manner.
Through one such experience, I represented a small nonprofit seeking to expand its operations but facing regulatory hurdles. The intricate negotiation processes required a deep understanding and innovative legal strategies, which not only led to favorable outcomes for the nonprofit but also refined my skills in a way that typical courtroom settings rarely offer. This directly translated to increased confidence and expertise in my professional practice, particularly in negotiating complex business litigation cases.
Additionally, these volunteer experiences offered me the unique opportunity to work with a diverse client base, further broadening my understanding of various business models and the legal challenges they face. This diversity of experience has been invaluable, allowing me to offer more comprehensive advice to clients and approach cases with a broadened perspective. This direct correlation between volunteer experiences and professional enhancement is a prime example of why engaging in professional organizations as a volunteer can be incredibly beneficial for personal and career growth.
M. Denzell Moton, Esq, Owner, Moton Legal Group
Achieve Project Ownership and Management Experience
Joining a professional organization as a volunteer can help build your portfolio by showcasing how you put your current skills to good use, acquired new skills relevant to your career aspirations, and benefited your community with your talents.
One specific benefit I’ve received from volunteering in a professional organization is learning how to take ownership of a project, from pitching the board to coordinating a successful event. Having been promoted to a team lead for a digital media company in the insurance industry, volunteering helped me enhance my project management and team-motivation skills, which have helped me produce a high amount of high-quality work.
Michelle Robbins, Licensed Insurance Agent, Clearsurance.com
Strengthen Strategic Finance Skills Through Volunteering
As a Chief Financial Officer, joining a professional organization as a volunteer significantly enriches my portfolio in the finance field. It offers unparalleled networking opportunities, facilitating connections with fellow finance professionals, industry experts, and potential collaborators.
Volunteering demonstrates my commitment to advancing the field of finance and showcases leadership abilities through spearheading initiatives such as organizing events or leading committees.
One specific benefit I’ve derived from volunteering is gaining exposure to diverse perspectives and best practices, which has enhanced my strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, ultimately contributing to more informed decision-making within my role as a finance leader.
Rose Jimenez, Chief Finance Officer, Culture.org
Grow Your Network and Business Collaboratively
Volunteering in a professional organization has significantly enriched my portfolio by providing me with a platform to demonstrate my skills in real-world scenarios, outside the confines of my business, Omniconvert. One specific benefit I have received is the expansion of my professional network.
Through volunteer work, I’ve connected with industry leaders and potential clients who have later played pivotal roles in collaborative projects and partnerships. This has not only bolstered my professional relationships but also opened up new avenues for Omniconvert’s growth and development.
Valentin Radu, CEO, Founder, Blogger, Speaker, and Podcaster, Omniconvert
