Volunteer or Intern: Gain New Experiences and Expand Your Network During Job Loss

Job loss can be an isolating and disheartening experience, but it also provides an opportunity to seek new experiences and expand your professional network. Volunteering or interning during this time can be an effective way to gain new skills, build relationships, and stay productive. While these opportunities may not offer immediate financial gain, they can open doors to full-time positions, improve your resume, and lead to long-term career changes. In this guide, we’ll explore how volunteering or interning can be a valuable part of your job loss strategy and provide actionable steps to find the right opportunities.

1. Why Volunteering or Interning During Job Loss is Beneficial

Volunteering or interning during job loss offers numerous benefits beyond staying occupied:

Skill Development: Develop or sharpen skills relevant to your industry or transferable to other careers. Gain hands-on experience in leadership, communication, project management, and technical skills.

Networking Opportunities: Work alongside professionals from various industries, expanding your network and opening doors to job opportunities that may not be advertised.

Filling Gaps in Your Resume: Volunteering or interning helps fill gaps in your resume, showing employers that you’ve stayed active and continued to develop professionally.

Boosting Confidence: Contributing to a cause or organization can give you a sense of purpose, boosting your confidence and overall outlook.

Exploring New Career Paths: It’s a low-risk way to explore new industries or roles that may align with your long-term career goals.

2. Identify Your Volunteering or Internship Goals

Before searching for opportunities, define what you want to achieve:

Skills Development: Identify which skills you want to improve, such as leadership or technical skills, and find roles that align with those goals.

Industry Exploration: Decide whether to stay in your current industry or explore a new one, giving you exposure to new fields.

Community Involvement: If giving back is a priority, focus on volunteering for causes you care about, such as education or environmentalism.

Networking: Look for opportunities where you can connect with industry professionals or decision-makers.

Time Commitment: Determine how much time you can realistically commit, ensuring the opportunity aligns with your schedule and job search efforts.

3. Find Volunteer Opportunities

Finding the right volunteer opportunity can be a meaningful way to stay engaged:

Use Volunteer Matching Platforms: Websites like VolunteerMatch, Idealist, and HandsOn Network can help you find opportunities based on location, cause, and skill set.

Reach Out to Local Nonprofits: Contact nonprofits in your community to find volunteer roles that align with your interests.

Leverage Your Network: Ask friends, family, and professional contacts if they know of volunteer opportunities.

Join Professional Associations: Volunteer for professional organizations to use your skills and network with industry professionals.

Consider Virtual Volunteering: If you prefer to volunteer from home, look for virtual opportunities such as website development, graphic design, or data entry.

4. Find Internship Opportunities

Internships can be valuable for gaining experience or transitioning into a new industry:

Search Internship Websites: Use platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Internships.com to find roles based on your location, industry, and preferred role.

Contact Companies Directly: Reach out to companies of interest to inquire about potential internship opportunities.

Intern at Nonprofits: Nonprofits often have internship programs that offer valuable experience in marketing, program management, or community outreach.

Leverage Alumni Networks: Contact your school’s career center to learn about available internships through your alumni network.

Attend Internship Fairs: Internship fairs can provide a chance to meet potential employers and learn about internship openings.

5. Gain Transferable Skills Through Volunteering or Interning

Both volunteering and interning provide opportunities to develop transferable skills that are valuable across industries:

Leadership and Teamwork: Gain leadership experience by managing volunteers or projects.

Project Management: Improve your ability to plan, organize, and execute tasks.

Communication Skills: Develop written and verbal communication skills through presentations and team collaboration.

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Face challenges that require creative solutions, enhancing problem-solving abilities.

Time Management: Balance responsibilities and improve your ability to manage multiple priorities.

Technical Skills: Gain proficiency in software programs, data analysis, or social media management.

6. Expand Your Professional Network

Volunteering or interning can help you grow your professional network, which can be a valuable resource during a job search:

Attend Networking Events: Participate in networking events or workshops hosted by volunteer organizations or internship programs.

 

Connect with Supervisors and Peers: Build strong connections with your supervisors and fellow volunteers or interns. Share your career goals and seek advice or introductions.

Ask for Informational Interviews: Request informational interviews from industry professionals you meet during your volunteer or internship experience.

Leverage LinkedIn: Connect with new contacts on LinkedIn, stay engaged with their posts, and keep your network active.

7. Showcase Your Volunteer or Internship Experience on Your Resume

Highlighting your volunteer or internship experience on your resume can demonstrate your value to potential employers:

Create a Dedicated Section: If you have multiple experiences, create a separate “Volunteer Experience” or “Internship Experience” section on your resume.

Focus on Achievements: Emphasize your accomplishments, such as the number of attendees at events you organized or funds raised.

Use Action Verbs: Start bullet points with action verbs like "led," "coordinated," or "implemented" to describe your contributions.

Highlight Transferable Skills: Focus on the skills you gained that are relevant to the jobs you’re applying for.

Include Keywords: Tailor your resume to the job description by incorporating relevant keywords.

8. Transition Volunteer or Internship Roles into Full-Time Positions

Sometimes, volunteering or interning can lead to full-time job offers:

Express Interest in Full-Time Roles: Let your supervisor know about your long-term career goals and ask about any upcoming openings.

Exceed Expectations: Go above and beyond by taking initiative and delivering high-quality work.

Ask for Feedback: Request regular feedback to ensure you’re meeting expectations and making a positive impact.

Monitor Job Postings: Keep an eye on openings within the organization and express interest when relevant roles become available.

Maintain Relationships: Stay in touch with supervisors and colleagues even after your experience ends.

 

Moving Forward

Volunteering or interning during job loss is a great way to gain new experiences, expand your network, and stay productive. These opportunities help you develop valuable skills, explore new industries, and improve your resume, making you a more competitive candidate in the job market. By clearly defining your goals, finding the right opportunities, and showcasing your experiences effectively, you can turn your volunteer or internship roles into stepping stones toward your next career success.