One of the most productive ways to spend your summer – or any time for that matter – is by volunteering. There is nothing more selfless than spending your free time for the benefit of others. Volunteer experience will also demonstrate to prospective employers your willingness to work hard and gain valuable insight. The best part? These opportunities exist within the scope of any industry or profession.
If you are working towards a construction management degree, spend your summer building homes somewhere away from home – get applicable career experience and invaluable memories all at the same time! The non-profit organization Habitat for Humanity builds homes all over the world. Get involved – and spend your summer building on the tropical shores of Madagascar or providing shelter in Portugal.
Interested in becoming a veterinarian? Spend some time at an animal shelter in your area, or provide foster care for adorable, adoptable pets! If you are currently enrolled or interested in an education degree, research counselor positions at children’s day camps. Contribute to a generation of childhood memories while creating bullet points for your resume! In between your final semester and your senior tourism & hospitality internship? Give a few hours a week to a soup kitchen in a city near you. For healthcare experience, contact retirement, nursing or hospice facilities – bingo anyone?!
No matter what the industry, or the time commitment, being able to say that you were willing to spend your own time getting your feet wet in the industry while providing a service to others is a huge selling point for future employers. It shows a great deal about what kind of staff team member you will be and how determined you are to succeed in your chosen field. Basically, with a little ingenuity, you have the opportunity to make your summer work for you!
For more information about finding volunteer opportunities by location and area of interest, visit VolunteerMatch.
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