{"id":22519,"date":"2019-11-18T16:49:59","date_gmt":"2019-11-18T21:49:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.2026-pfc.reviewyoursite.ca\/blog\/?p=22519"},"modified":"2019-11-18T16:49:59","modified_gmt":"2019-11-18T21:49:59","slug":"how-to-volunteer-strategically","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/2026-pfc.reviewyoursite.ca\/blog\/crafting-your-job-search-action-plan\/how-to-volunteer-strategically","title":{"rendered":"How to Volunteer Strategically"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If you want to volunteer to gain Canadian work experience, you need to know how to volunteer strategically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou should volunteer\u201d someone advised. I landed in Canada in the summer of 2014 and was finding my way in the city, familiarizing myself with the transportation system, enjoying the weather, and getting used to the language. I discovered my English was not as great as I thought.<\/span> With the subtlety of different accents in noisy environments like restaurants or bus stops, I had a hard time understanding people<\/span>. I became hyper-aware of \u2018being ESL\u2019 and was very cautious and afraid of making mistakes. People that didn\u2019t know me may have thought I was shy but I\u2019m not.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Volunteering looked like a safe option to practice my English, meet people, and get involved. I looked through different websites and soon realized that even finding a volunteering role would not be a matter of raising my hand and saying \u201cI\u2019m here\u201d.  Volunteering can provide many benefits<\/a> for newcomers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What I learned about volunteering in Canada<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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To start with, the expectations seemed unrealistic. A one-year commitment with a minimum of two hours per week. In another, they asked for the skills I was hoping to learn! Somewhere else, the intake dates had already passed. In many others it was as comprehensive as applying for a job, resume and interview included. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was shocking. There I was, trying my best to put my time and skills to good use but crashing into an invisible barrier. It was an eye-opener too. Through my research, I realized how many institutions, museums, organizations, and associations operate almost entirely thanks to volunteers. But they were selective. The challenge was first to find the right place and then get my foot into the door. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I eventually found the perfect role for me in a professional association where I built not only critical connections but also friendships with like-minded individuals. Through this network, I found the job I have today. An<\/span>d, most importantly I regained the confidence and developed the soft skills that employers look for. So, my advice to you is, yes, volunteer! But, know how to volunteer strategically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5 Tips on How to Volunteer Strategically:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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1. Define Your Volunteer Goal<\/i><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/i><\/b>Are you looking to enhance your skillset? Volunteering can help to improve or showcase your communication, interpersonal, and\/or organizational skills. Are you hoping to broaden your network? Perhaps you are trying to get into a niche sector or industry, an organization with an affiliated cause or serving a particular demographic. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you want to gain an insight into the workplace culture or a snapshot of your community? Professional organizations are ideal for learning the ropes of workplace culture. Volunteering with nonprofits and neighbourhood houses will give you a better sense of your community and current needs.  <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u00a02. State What You Bring to the Table<\/i><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/i><\/b>For example<\/span>, <\/b>do you already have an exceptional and sought-after skill set? Or, are you a master of budgeting or a first-class event planner? To volunteer strategically, make sure you let them know in your application. Because this is an opportunity to communicate your transferable skills. Identify those skills and put them on paper.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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