{"id":3098,"date":"2019-06-04T09:31:26","date_gmt":"2019-06-04T08:31:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/teamkinetic.co.uk\/blog\/?p=3098"},"modified":"2020-02-12T10:26:26","modified_gmt":"2020-02-12T10:26:26","slug":"why-volunteering-was-the-best-decision-i-ever-made","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teamkinetic.co.uk\/blog\/2019\/06\/why-volunteering-was-the-best-decision-i-ever-made\/","title":{"rendered":"Why volunteering was the best decision I ever made"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Quite the title! But very true.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you had previously read my introduction blog,<\/a> you will know that I\u2019m a big advocate for volunteering, regardless of what sector you work in. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"volunteering,
Volunteering at the HSBC UK national cycling centre<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

For me, volunteering is not just about giving up a few hours a week. It’s all about the changes you can be responsible for an organisation or a local community, the benefits you receive and the opportunities volunteering leads to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before coming to university, I worked in the third sector, and I knew I always had a passion for the music and events industry. I just did not have the experience or a way into the local industry. Through volunteering for charity events and volunteering at registration desks for music networking events, I was able to build a great set of connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This not only led to helping out at events for smaller companies such as Indy Man Beer Festival and Off the Record music conference but also to help land me some amazing jobs with my volunteer experiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So for anyone who hasn\u2019t volunteered before, here are my top 5 reasons to start!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You get to meet new people!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet people who you may not have crossed path with otherwise and can act as really great networking tools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may end up meeting other volunteers working in the job or industry you want to be in, or just cracking people you can stay in touch with and become friends with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll be giving back to the community<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many volunteering opportunities are linked to community causes: such as Manchester Cares; volunteering for local hospitals or even volunteering for Scouts! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of these local causes often have little or no funding, so giving a few hours a week to help the running of these services can be crucial. It can be a great opportunity to give back to the people who need it most!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is an easy way to develop your skills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Volunteering is a sure fire way to develop new skills and enhance the ones you already possess. There are several volunteering roles available, so it’s best to look at ones which really suit your personality and skill set. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have often seen volunteer marketing roles for charities which are a great way to build your experience and knowledge without committing to a full-time role in that field. It doesn’t have to be all professional, volunteering is a great way to build confidence and softer skills like communication and teamwork. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its actually good for your health!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Studies have shown that volunteering is a good way to lower stress levels, help combat depression,<\/a> provide a sense of purpose and to even encourage happiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The more volunteering you do, the more benefits you’ll experience; but don’t think that this needs to be constant dedication or a long-term commitment. Volunteering should always fit around your life and schedule, and remember it’s ok to have a day off every once in a while!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can gain a new perspective of life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From my own personal experience, I have met wonderful people from all walks of life. More often than not, these people have completely different journeys to mine; by learning about their lives I have been able to see the world quite differently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you volunteer locally<\/a> or abroad<\/a> for a good cause, there’s always a strong chance you will meet someone who will change your opinion and view of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Festival,
Working at download festival <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

So, if you’re thinking of volunteering and unsure where to start, check out a few of the websites below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n