As you think about resolutions for 2015 that can help others and yourself, consider volunteering.
While you should support causes that truly matter to you, one of the important benefits of volunteering is that doing so can help advance your career.
Research conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) confirms a direct relationship between volunteering and finding employment. Volunteers have a 27% higher chance of finding a job, according to CNCS. And the likelihood of landing a job is even higher in rural areas—55%.
As previous posts here discussed, volunteering increases your social connections and skill sets, two important factors that impress prospective employers. Unemployed individuals can build valuable skills while building personal networks through volunteering.
Don’t know where to start? Ask friends, relatives or professors for suggestions. Pick something that you are passionate about, and you’ll become a great volunteer. You can get volunteer ideas through the Serve.gov website. Outstanding volunteers gain tremendous experience, and their work is recognized by others—perhaps even future employers.