What can I do to gain leadership experience? (Volunteer – 10 Tips for Women)
Volunteering is a smart way to gain leadership experience. While opportunities abound, selecting and maximizing the right ones is vital. This article offers ten tips. Forward; take the iniciative.
10 tips
Examine your interests.
Like your paid work, your volunteer work should be rewarding. Otherwise, what’s the point? Start by exploring his interests. For example, do you feel compelled to make a difference in the lives of young people? Are you attracted to political or grassroots initiatives? What topics call your attention.
Determine where your skills are needed.
At the same time, your skills and talents provide solutions to problems. The challenge is determining where to offer them. Although your skill set is beneficial to a group or organization, is it a good fit? What is the mission? Are your values in tune with the philosophy of the company? Think well before you jump.
Inspect your memberships.
Opportunities may be closer than you think. With that being said, look at where you already have partnerships. Make your workplace one of the first stops. Employers who are focused on the community stay on top of the needs. Just as important, most have established relationships with nonprofit organizations and community agencies. Also investigate the options at your place of worship.
Reach out to the community.
Your community is a potential hot spot. Check the local newspaper or online. Often an organization will advertise when it is looking for volunteers to become active members of boards, special committees, or task forces.
Lead a committee.
Most people seem to hate working in groups. I think it goes back to our school days. Personalities clash like saucers, and one or two people end up doing most of the work.
However, leading a committee has its rewards. Leaders build and motivate teams. They find ways to improve performance. In effect, you have the opportunity to develop some leadership skills. For that reason, discover opportunities in your church, kindergarten, alumni group, sororities, and neighborhood.
Sit on a table.
Non-profit organizations and start-ups are looking for volunteer board members. Check with your local chamber of commerce for a list of organizations. However, look it up on Google. Unless the head of the organization asks you to serve, you will be required to fill out an application.
Be a mentor.
Mentors are needed everywhere. Just look around. Kids, teens, college students, first-time supervisors, youth ministers, women, new nonprofit leaders—take your pick.
Do your homework.
Once you determine where you would like to serve, do your homework. It’s worth it. Learn all you can about the group or organization. Go online, read annual reports, collect literature, and talk to people in the know.
Go ahead.
After you make a commitment, stick to it. Carry out the task in a spirit of excellence. Commit to going the extra mile to make a difference. What you do or don’t do can have an impact. Also, other doors will open when you excel.
Document your achievements.
Create a category on your resume that discusses your accomplishments as a volunteer. For example, label the nonprofit leadership experience section. Briefly summarize your contributions.