24 answers
rana
Student
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
1
Question
Asked
3461 views
How do I get volunteer experience to find a job in business management?
I am in college studying business management. I am looking for job but because of less work experience I can not get job. Now I am looking for volunteer opportunities to get me some experience. #business #management #business-management #volunteer
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24 answers
Hiwot Kebede
Project Manager
1
Answer
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Hiwot’s Answer
I would recommend finding a paid or unpaid internship to get experience will help. I was Business Management major and i had two internships that helped me get my foot in the door when it comes to getting a job after graduation. I would also recommend networking with some of your college networking opportunities or even getting involved in the extracurricular activity focused on student leadership. When you go to job interview you can leverage the different skills you learned from being involved in those groups. I hope this helps!
Karina B
Educator
88
Answers
India
Updated
Karina’s Answer
Hi,
Here are some general volunteering opportunities that should be interesting:
1. Amnesty International (as a Decoder Volunteer) - https://decoders.amnesty.org/
2. Led By Foundation - https://www.ledby.org/volunteerwithus
3. Prison Journalism Project - https://prisonjournalismproject.org/volunteer/
4. 7 Cups (as a Volunteer Listener) - https://www.7cups.com/listener/become-a-volunteer-listener.php
5. Crowd2Map Tanzania (as a Mapper Volunteer) - https://crowd2map.org/get-involved/how-we-map/
Hope this helps.
Here are some general volunteering opportunities that should be interesting:
1. Amnesty International (as a Decoder Volunteer) - https://decoders.amnesty.org/
2. Led By Foundation - https://www.ledby.org/volunteerwithus
3. Prison Journalism Project - https://prisonjournalismproject.org/volunteer/
4. 7 Cups (as a Volunteer Listener) - https://www.7cups.com/listener/become-a-volunteer-listener.php
5. Crowd2Map Tanzania (as a Mapper Volunteer) - https://crowd2map.org/get-involved/how-we-map/
Hope this helps.
Robin Owens, ICP-ATF
Business Management Office Project Manager
2
Answers
Lansdowne, Virginia
Updated
Robin’s Answer
I recommend that you reach out to the career office at your school. Speak with them to see if there are any companies that offer internship programs or campus associate programs. Also take advantage of any volunteer opportunities that are available for you. Volunteering not only helps the community but also a great networking opportunity. Best of luck to you!
Ivy Attram
Operational/Technology Risk Management
6
Answers
Laurel, Maryland
Updated
Ivy’s Answer
Rana, I will recommend making a list of companies you are interested in, and why you are interested in working for them. Then find out what internship programs they have for college students, especially in the summer. Most companies do that. Try companies like Deloitte, KPMG, PWC, etc. They all have offices in Toronto.
I will also recommend that you spend time learning about what they do so that when they answer your request to work for them, you can be clear on exactly what you want to learn while working for them. And be patient. I will recommend that you apply for at least 5 positions a day, it seems much, but the more you apply, the higher your chances of being successful. I used this method when I graduated from college with a degree in Business Information Systems. I got a job with IBM UK Ltd. It pays to invest the time and effort.
I hope this helps. Good luck and keep hope alive. Good times are coming!!!!
I will also recommend that you spend time learning about what they do so that when they answer your request to work for them, you can be clear on exactly what you want to learn while working for them. And be patient. I will recommend that you apply for at least 5 positions a day, it seems much, but the more you apply, the higher your chances of being successful. I used this method when I graduated from college with a degree in Business Information Systems. I got a job with IBM UK Ltd. It pays to invest the time and effort.
I hope this helps. Good luck and keep hope alive. Good times are coming!!!!
Sofia Faria
Lead
12
Answers
Porto, Portugal
Updated
Sofia’s Answer
Hi Rana,
First of all a business managment degree is very complete. In my case I had the opportunity to study a lot of different subjects such as economics, marketing, finance, accounting, HR, operations, etc ...
Start by thinking in the areas you like most and start looking for the companies you'd like to work for on day. You can approach that companies and offer your time to volunteer. If they don't have any program oppen, search which causes they support and look for an opportunity in these areas. The most important thing is you enjoy the experience. Connect with something you are passionated about.
If you don't know what you like most you can try volunteer in huge events (big companies, because they have the volunteer experience very well developed and opportunities in different areas of the business).
Events occurs in a fast paced enviromnemt, where everything is changing like in real business world and have a lot of different areas of business. In my case I did some in sports and conference events. This put me in contact with different people and different areas that I had studied at unniversity.
You can also put in practise the entrepreneurial spirit you have inside and develop a programe in your university that connect students with the best volunteer experiences and even with older students that had the change to got the same degree with you, like a mentorship program.
There's an endless path here, but the best is the one that will make you enjoy it!
TAKE ACTION and HAVE FUN
Cheers :)
First of all a business managment degree is very complete. In my case I had the opportunity to study a lot of different subjects such as economics, marketing, finance, accounting, HR, operations, etc ...
Start by thinking in the areas you like most and start looking for the companies you'd like to work for on day. You can approach that companies and offer your time to volunteer. If they don't have any program oppen, search which causes they support and look for an opportunity in these areas. The most important thing is you enjoy the experience. Connect with something you are passionated about.
If you don't know what you like most you can try volunteer in huge events (big companies, because they have the volunteer experience very well developed and opportunities in different areas of the business).
Events occurs in a fast paced enviromnemt, where everything is changing like in real business world and have a lot of different areas of business. In my case I did some in sports and conference events. This put me in contact with different people and different areas that I had studied at unniversity.
You can also put in practise the entrepreneurial spirit you have inside and develop a programe in your university that connect students with the best volunteer experiences and even with older students that had the change to got the same degree with you, like a mentorship program.
There's an endless path here, but the best is the one that will make you enjoy it!
TAKE ACTION and HAVE FUN
Cheers :)
Regina Bandong
HCM Consultant
9
Answers
Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Regina’s Answer
Hello Rana!
Thanks for reaching out and asking the questions.
I concur with answers that was given already.
From experience, I volunteered first which led to an internship to complete by Payroll Certification course.
Here are some links for volunteer opportunities in your area that you may want to look into:
https://www.volunteertoronto.ca/networking/opening_search.asp
https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/get-involved/volunteer-with-the-city/
https://charityvillage.com/
What I would also suggest on your own:
1. View job posting websites (indeed.ca or workopolis.com or eluta.ca)
2. Search for business administration or management
3. Narrow it down to 3-5 postings that interest you
4. Compare and contrast skills and experience required in each posting
5. Do you already some of those skills/experience? If yes, which ones?
Then, consult your school career counsellor for further assistance.
Wishing you all the best!
Regina
Thanks for reaching out and asking the questions.
I concur with answers that was given already.
From experience, I volunteered first which led to an internship to complete by Payroll Certification course.
Here are some links for volunteer opportunities in your area that you may want to look into:
https://www.volunteertoronto.ca/networking/opening_search.asp
https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/get-involved/volunteer-with-the-city/
https://charityvillage.com/
What I would also suggest on your own:
1. View job posting websites (indeed.ca or workopolis.com or eluta.ca)
2. Search for business administration or management
3. Narrow it down to 3-5 postings that interest you
4. Compare and contrast skills and experience required in each posting
5. Do you already some of those skills/experience? If yes, which ones?
Then, consult your school career counsellor for further assistance.
Wishing you all the best!
Regina
Alan L
Risk Management
5
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Hi Rana,
Definitely shared your struggles back when I was in college. Don't give up! Keep working hard and great opportunities will open up for you. Some resources that might help:
1. Career services at your college. Browse through opportunities listed on their site. Go to career fair if they host any and come prepared with research on the companies and roles you're interested in. Network there, so professionals can recommend you for roles.
2. Look for organizations to volunteer for as a starting point. For example, Junior Achievement helps with financial literacy for kids and VITA is a good one in the US to help low income families do taxes and look great on your resume. https://www.volunteermatch.org/ maybe a good site to find something. You will also feel great giving back to the community. People you meet along the way from volunteering may also be able to refer you to roles.
3. Reach out to your professors. They may be a good source for referral as someone with experience in your industry.
Good luck! Hope this helps!
Definitely shared your struggles back when I was in college. Don't give up! Keep working hard and great opportunities will open up for you. Some resources that might help:
1. Career services at your college. Browse through opportunities listed on their site. Go to career fair if they host any and come prepared with research on the companies and roles you're interested in. Network there, so professionals can recommend you for roles.
2. Look for organizations to volunteer for as a starting point. For example, Junior Achievement helps with financial literacy for kids and VITA is a good one in the US to help low income families do taxes and look great on your resume. https://www.volunteermatch.org/ maybe a good site to find something. You will also feel great giving back to the community. People you meet along the way from volunteering may also be able to refer you to roles.
3. Reach out to your professors. They may be a good source for referral as someone with experience in your industry.
Good luck! Hope this helps!
Kritsina Dullinger
Program Manager
1
Answer
La Palma, California
Updated
Kritsina’s Answer
Hi Rana,
Universities usually host job fairs several times a year. I would suggest that as a first step. There are many opportunities out there and internships could be a great way for you to get your footstep into the company if you don't have any experience.
You could also try to make a short list of companies that you would like to work for. If you don't have a clue yet because business management is pretty general, you can decide based on your passion or what you like to do. Check out this article on how to create a target list of companies: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/creating-a-target-list-of-companies-2060032
Good luck!
Universities usually host job fairs several times a year. I would suggest that as a first step. There are many opportunities out there and internships could be a great way for you to get your footstep into the company if you don't have any experience.
You could also try to make a short list of companies that you would like to work for. If you don't have a clue yet because business management is pretty general, you can decide based on your passion or what you like to do. Check out this article on how to create a target list of companies: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/creating-a-target-list-of-companies-2060032
Good luck!
Jamie Hill-McClaude
Events and Food Service Manager
3
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
INTERNSHIPS are critical when you lack experience. Research and compile a list of companies that you would like to work for and look for internship opportunities. Once you apply, follow up. I landed (2) jobs by calling and speaking to someone in Human Resources . By calling, it forced them to look at my resume and I received an interview immediately. You must be creative and persistent!
Jyoti Singh
Digital Transformation Programme Deployment Manager
2
Answers
Guildford, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Jyoti’s Answer
When I was in similar situation as you, 2 things worked for me;
1. Reaching out to my Alumni groups and letting them know my interest and willingness to help as a volunteer
2. Dropping a not to nearby relevant businesses, explaining what skill I could offer on the voluntary basis
I know organisations such as UNICEF, UNESCO and many other charitable organisations also are in need of office-based help to run the activities and drive on the voluntary basis.
Ofcourse there are consultancies which may help but in my days, most around focused mainly employment/contract part than voluntary work
Good luck :)
1. Reaching out to my Alumni groups and letting them know my interest and willingness to help as a volunteer
2. Dropping a not to nearby relevant businesses, explaining what skill I could offer on the voluntary basis
I know organisations such as UNICEF, UNESCO and many other charitable organisations also are in need of office-based help to run the activities and drive on the voluntary basis.
Ofcourse there are consultancies which may help but in my days, most around focused mainly employment/contract part than voluntary work
Good luck :)
Karina B
Educator
88
Answers
India
Updated
Karina’s Answer
Hi,
Here are some general volunteering opportunities that should be interesting:
1. Amnesty International (as a Decoder Volunteer) - https://decoders.amnesty.org/
2. Led By Foundation - https://www.ledby.org/volunteerwithus
3. Prison Journalism Project - https://prisonjournalismproject.org/volunteer/
4. 7 Cups (as a Volunteer Listener) - https://www.7cups.com/listener/become-a-volunteer-listener.php
5. Crowd2Map Tanzania (as a Mapper Volunteer) - https://crowd2map.org/get-involved/how-we-map/
6. Learning For a Cause - https://www.learningforacause.com/join-the-team
Hope this helps.
Here are some general volunteering opportunities that should be interesting:
1. Amnesty International (as a Decoder Volunteer) - https://decoders.amnesty.org/
2. Led By Foundation - https://www.ledby.org/volunteerwithus
3. Prison Journalism Project - https://prisonjournalismproject.org/volunteer/
4. 7 Cups (as a Volunteer Listener) - https://www.7cups.com/listener/become-a-volunteer-listener.php
5. Crowd2Map Tanzania (as a Mapper Volunteer) - https://crowd2map.org/get-involved/how-we-map/
6. Learning For a Cause - https://www.learningforacause.com/join-the-team
Hope this helps.
Justina Grebe
Finance
18
Answers
Aurora, Colorado
Updated
Justina’s Answer
I would say start with any company’s website that you’re interested. Check the career section and if the company does have any internship/volunteer they will have the opportunities listed. I also recommend asking the teachers/professor they too tend to have great resources related to career opportunities. Schools also do have career department to help students navigate different opportunities that are available in the community /companies within. Also reaching out to family and friends to share any resources.
Ada Indira Avila
Project Manager
3
Answers
Panama City, Panama
Updated
Ada Indira’s Answer
What I have done in the past is look for non profit organizations that I like. Non profit orgs always need volunteers and you have the opportunity to manage operations and sometimes manage a team and take leadership of certain projects.
It will also give you the opportunity to learn about yourself, your communication and leadership style.
It will also give you the opportunity to learn about yourself, your communication and leadership style.
Ambreen Rizvi
Risk Manager
2
Answers
McLean, Virginia
Updated
Ambreen’s Answer
I would set up a search engine on Indeed. Do you have a profile on LinkedIn? I would highly recommend to create one and have the flag 'open for opportunities' turned on. Recruiters and companies do hire from LinkedIn quite a bit. Also, use your existing network around you to ask for opportunities. Your current school also has job boards or career counseling. I would advise to leverage them. In this economy, people are willing to hire at low cost so be flexible because you are basically looking to gain experience. Hope this helps.
Jackie McNeil
Engagement Leader - ADP
5
Answers
Wyckoff, New Jersey
Updated
Jackie’s Answer
Rana,
Job Searching can be quite a daunting task. Keep at it! All of the advice you received to date is great. One other avenue you may want to pursue is a temporary employment agencies. Companies will look to them to bring on additional workforce for various projects or needs without committing to full time employment. It's a great way to gain work experience, try out different roles within an organization to see if that is a fit for you, build a network and get references. A few places to consider are Staffmax Staffing & Recruiting and Premier Staffing Co.
Best of luck!
Job Searching can be quite a daunting task. Keep at it! All of the advice you received to date is great. One other avenue you may want to pursue is a temporary employment agencies. Companies will look to them to bring on additional workforce for various projects or needs without committing to full time employment. It's a great way to gain work experience, try out different roles within an organization to see if that is a fit for you, build a network and get references. A few places to consider are Staffmax Staffing & Recruiting and Premier Staffing Co.
Best of luck!
Erika Sanchez
Asset Manager
5
Answers
Sachse, Texas
Updated
Erika’s Answer
I am sure your college does job fairs. Talk to the different companies and see if they have a volunteer opportunity or internship programs. These companies are there because they know you are a student and maybe lack of experience at that time. Another option would be staffing companies. They will hire you to work at different companies with different departments. You get paid and you learn which department you like.
Asia M-A
Expense Reimbursement Specialist III
6
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Asia ’s Answer
Your case can be approached from a variety of situations depending on your current circumstances.
I started my personal journey into business management through internships which eventually turned into full-time employment.
Volunteering at local non-profit organizations can be a key resource for establishing a buisness management foundation.
I would suggest reviewing on-line resources such as Volunteer.org to see what opportunities are available.
Volunteering will also provide an opportunity to experience a variety of industries
Networking will be a benefit that can be used throughout your entire career journey as well.
I started my personal journey into business management through internships which eventually turned into full-time employment.
Volunteering at local non-profit organizations can be a key resource for establishing a buisness management foundation.
I would suggest reviewing on-line resources such as Volunteer.org to see what opportunities are available.
Volunteering will also provide an opportunity to experience a variety of industries
Networking will be a benefit that can be used throughout your entire career journey as well.
Anne Ramsey
Sales Manager
9
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Anne’s Answer
Hi Rana,
I suggest defining the type of management job you want (do you want to manage people, projects or processes?) and then the type of industry you are interested in.
Then, look on LinkedIn and find people who have those types of jobs and experiences with the companies or industries you may be interested in. Reach out to them on LinkedIn - you would be surprised how many professionals want to help others get started! They can give you ideas or steer you to internships you may not have known existed!
I concur with the answers about reaching out to your career counselor at your school, or speaking with some of your business professors.
Good luck!
I suggest defining the type of management job you want (do you want to manage people, projects or processes?) and then the type of industry you are interested in.
Then, look on LinkedIn and find people who have those types of jobs and experiences with the companies or industries you may be interested in. Reach out to them on LinkedIn - you would be surprised how many professionals want to help others get started! They can give you ideas or steer you to internships you may not have known existed!
I concur with the answers about reaching out to your career counselor at your school, or speaking with some of your business professors.
Good luck!
Lisa S
Executive Administrator to SVP, Merchant Sales
5
Answers
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hi Ivy, have you consider applying for an intership? They are very career valuable and sometimes pay a "stipend" small amount of money for your work. Best to you! LIsa
Tiffany Frits
Business Operations Manager
5
Answers
Bristol, Connecticut
Updated
Tiffany’s Answer
Try reaching out to the Taproot Foundation, which pairs those with a certain skill set to nonprofits who need help in that area. I have worked with them many times and was able to help organizations ranging from a YMCA to a local theater to a Boys and Girls Club. It is not only beneficial to them, but helps you to build your experience with a range of businesses.
Sayed Gilani
Business Analysis
7
Answers
Plano, Texas
Updated
Sayed’s Answer
Create or update your resume. Register and join sites like LinkedIn, Indeed etc. Search for internship opportunities either through your college career center or job sites. If you are interested in specific employers, review opportunities on their website or email HR.
Alex Bauer
Sales, Business Development
1
Answer
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Choose the companies you want to work for, reach out to them, and tell them you will work for free in order to learn! It will be a great experience for you and companies could always use the help.
Yolanda Olivieri
Operational Risk Analyst
1
Answer
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Yolanda’s Answer
Hi Rana,
I recommend looking for a position or internship at your school, perhaps with the Human Resources Office or the Registrar's Office. If they do not offer volunteer or intern positions, a part-time job at either would also look great on your resume and give you a head start. I also recommend checking with your school's Career Office. They are experts at providing career guidance and assistance.
Hope this helps! I wish you the best.
I recommend looking for a position or internship at your school, perhaps with the Human Resources Office or the Registrar's Office. If they do not offer volunteer or intern positions, a part-time job at either would also look great on your resume and give you a head start. I also recommend checking with your school's Career Office. They are experts at providing career guidance and assistance.
Hope this helps! I wish you the best.
Ambreen Rizvi
Risk Manager
2
Answers
McLean, Virginia
Updated
Ambreen’s Answer
Please look into internships: some internships are paid and some are unpaid. Also, volunteering with non-profit organizations can also help.
This is sound advice but how can a student find these opportunities and gain experience?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin