Do you have suggestion to second-year student?

Hi Ena,

Yes! Volunteering is ALWAYS useful. I find it personally satisfying...but here are "11 Reasons Why Volunteering in College will Make You Successful"! :)

https://blog.petersons.com/2015/09/28/11-reasons-why-volunteering-in-college-will-make-you-successful/

Best to you....

Bridget

Volunteering is 100% useful! Here are a few reasons why:

• It's meaningful work and can help you give back to your community
• Volunteering as a student in an area you're interested in can inform your career decisions
• Sets you apart when applying for jobs, graduate school, scholarships, etc.
• Will help you build your network and you'll meet like-minded individuals with similar interests

I encourage you to volunteer, but definitely make sure it's in an area you're actually interested in. When I was in university, many of my friends sought out "popular" or "prestigious" volunteer opportunities on campus to distinguish themselves on their resume when applying to jobs, graduate school, scholarships, etc. Many of them found that they had negative experiences in these roles as they weren't motivated or innately interested in the volunteer roles, and thus weren't able to properly commit themselves. If you find a cause or volunteer role that you're interested in, you'll know you're on the right track!

Best of luck!

Absolutely!  Consider volunteering as a life-long activity because it will keep you focused on what's really important in life.  Challenge yourself to volunteer for experiences which you have never done before such as serving a meal and talking to the homeless, be a pen pal to a prisoner or hand out water at a cultural event.  You will gain world-view experience that will be valuable no matter where you go or what you do.  By asking the question, you are already on the road to success!

With every good wish.

Hello Ena.

Great suggestions Bridget and Jeremy! I absolutely agree, especially that volunteering "will help you build your network and you'll meet like-minded individuals with similar interests." Potential employers and colleges alike may look at what else you are doing, in addition to the skills and talents you bring, to contribute to our world and communities.

There's also ways you can calculate the value and economic impact of your volunteering in your community. For example,  http://www.pointsoflight.org/tools/volunteercalculator

Find volunteer opportunities that you are passionate about and it will also be more fun and meaningful. You can also develop your own skills further by leading volunteer initiatives I your community.

You can also search for volunteer opportunities near you through sites like these:

volunteermatch.org

createthegood.org

http://www.pointsoflight.org/handsonnetwork

Best wishes for future success in your education and career!