What do college students get from participating actively in charity, health and environmental programs while still at school? Is there really value in raising funds for educational materials to give away, spending a few hours teaching kids at an orphanage or making the elderly at the home for the aged smile on Saturdays?
Some passionate students put volunteerism as one of their main priorities. While others would concentrate on academic achievement, practice for athletic matches or just enjoy student life with thrill-seeking buddies, a few souls take a step farther to do something for the welfare of community.
Being selfless doesn’t necessarily let them graduate with flying colors but their compassion put them at an advantage in one way or another. Here are the reasons why.
Indicator of Commitment
When recruiters look at the resume of candidates who have volunteered for certain projects, they will not be impressed with their kindness but they will consider them for their commitment. Working on a cause without being paid is all about passion and loyalty, values possessed by successful and fulfilled professionals.
Recruiters believe that past behavior predicts future performance at work. So if candidates showed dedication during college life, they would most probably practice the same thing in their job.
Skills Development
Being active in social involvement activities provides ample opportunities for students to develop their skills. Since they coordinate and communicate with people from different walks of life, they improve their interpersonal ability. Since they work in teams, they appreciate the value of cooperation. Since they organize events, they improve their planning and time management strategies. All these skills are necessary as they start chasing for career opportunities outside the four corners of the classroom.
A Peek on Reality
It’s a fact that fresh graduates tend to be more idealistic than experienced adults. It’s most probably because at school, students are taught the ideal way.
However, this state can be balanced by participating in meaningful reach out programs. The things they learn from their hands-on experience can never be skimmed through the pages of any book. Their peek into the real world will help them prepare for the practical side of life.
If “reap what you sow” is the guiding philosophy to be applied here, the simple acts of volunteerism at school are seeds that sprout into more important skills, sense of fulfillment and other non-financial gains in life.