10 Volunteer Opps That’ll Beef Up Your Résumé

That lemonade stand you operated for two days the summer before third grade just doesn’t look impressive on paper. As a high school student, though, it’s often hard not to scrape the bottom of the barrel when drafting a résumé. And it makes sense. You haven’t always had your own transportation, extracurricular activities kept you busy, you spent your downtime with friends like any normal kid – the list of reasons your résumé is skimpy is easily longer than your résumé could ever be.

But guess what. The people making hiring decisions and scholarship recipient selections don’t want to see excuses; they want to see a résumé. You know this. So you might as well prepare now. Volunteering and then putting that experience on your résumé is a great way to make yourself standout. And you’ll be doing a good thing for the community that you’ll feel great about, which is the reason people with plenty of experience continue to volunteer. Here are some ideas that’ll make a difference in your community and on your résumé.

Hospitals: If you’re faint of heart, this could be a good way to overcome your fears of health care facilities and doctors – it’s not like you’ll be sitting in on surgeries. And if you think you’ve got ambitions in the medical field, this experience could confirm that for you. It’d also let others know how serious you are. At a basic level though, this shows a potential employer or college that you are willing to go out of your way for others.

Adopt a Highway: With the green movement continuing to gain popularity, it’s not a bad idea to consider a career in the environmental field. And even if you have different aspirations, you can’t go wrong by showing that you’re a good steward of nature. With the Adopt a Highway Maintenance Corporation, you’re responsible for keeping a certain stretch of highway clean – perfect if you like being outdoors and enjoy the state’s scenic beauty.

Youth sports: Like kids or sports? Youth sports leagues are common in almost every town, and opportunities range from coaching and refereeing to maintenance and concessions. It’s another opportunity to be outdoors, and because many leagues are most active in the summer, it’s easy to work this into your schedule. Plus, you’ll probably grow as a person by being a positive role model.

Special Olympics: With local programs nationwide, Special Olympics gives you a way to become a part of an international program that touches millions of lives. You can volunteer occasionally for a few hours as a scorekeeper or several hours a week year-round as a special events coordinator. On paper, this experience will show your dedication to a cause and compassion for others.

Homeless shelters: No matter what, you’re not going to win every scholarship. But with experience helping others less fortunate than you, you’ll be able to put everything in perspective. Homeless shelters need volunteers to serve meals, distribute clothes or other necessities, or simply take time to talk with someone. And showing that you are willing to go out of your comfort zone to be of assistance to others is a great trait that colleges and employers look for.

Habitat for Humanity: There’s something therapeutic in being able to see the progress of your work, and few organizations provide volunteers with that opportunity like Habitat for Humanity. Arkansas has 20 chapters, and you can perform general office duties or manual labor at a work site, which can be extra fun if you get some friends to volunteer with you. And in case you don’t already know, the homes you build are sold for no profit to families in need.

Animal shelters: You might not even consider helping out at the local animal shelter work. Duties include fun tasks like walking dogs and playing with pets as well as chores like cleaning up after the animals and refilling water and food bowls. You’ll be surprised what a stress-reliever work with animals is – during finals week in college, residence halls commonly bring in dogs for students to play with so they can get a healthy break from studying.

Red Cross of America: Work with the Red Cross can be quite rewarding because you’re helping people who in many cases have been negatively affected by a disaster. Commonly, student volunteers are asked to answer phones, perform office work, help with mailings, prepare materials for classes and enter information into databases. Since it’s such a large organization, there are numerous future career opportunities. Interested? There are eight Red Cross chapters in Arkansas.

Local food banks: There’s no better way to show initiative than by organizing a food drive at your school or church for the local food bank. Not only does that demonstrate that you’re compassionate, but also that you’re self-motivated. Alternatively, food banks always need help receiving, organizing and distributing food – work that’s just as noble, but less involved. Whatever route you choose, you’re still helping families and individuals who need it the most.

Nursing homes: This is a great opportunity for you to give back to the previous generation and learn from people who have already experienced so much in life. Assisting nurses in the care of residents or simply talking or playing a game with one of the residents are just some of the ways you can get involved. If you’ve got a grandparent at the facility, you can visit them and build your résumé.

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