The Power of Volunteering: Why Encouraging Teens to Volunteer is Key to Their Future Success
As teens begin exploring career paths, one often overlooked yet incredibly valuable opportunity is volunteering. While part-time jobs may seem like the go-to for gaining work experience, volunteering offers its own set of unique benefits that can pave the way for both personal and professional growth. Encouraging children and teens to undertake volunteering before they land their first job is a crucial step towards setting them up for future success. Here’s why.
1. Demonstrates Motivation and Initiative
Volunteering signals a level of motivation and willingness to dedicate time to meaningful causes—traits that employers value. When a teen includes volunteer work on their resume, it shows prospective employers they are proactive, care about contributing to their community, and are capable of working without direct financial incentives. These qualities immediately set them apart from other candidates who may lack similar experiences.
2. Real-World Experience to Boost their Resume
For teens with limited work experience, volunteering is an excellent way to gain skills that can be included on a resume. From time management to communication, teamwork, and leadership, volunteering provides a practical setting to develop key competencies. These experiences make a resume stand out to hiring managers and give teens real-life examples to discuss during job interviews.
3. Networking Opportunities
Volunteering allows teens to meet and work with a diverse range of people, from peers to professionals in various fields. The networking opportunities are vast. By connecting with others who share their interests or who work in their desired industries, teens can build valuable relationships that may lead to future job opportunities, mentorships, or internships. In many cases, the people teens volunteer alongside could become strong references for job applications.
4. Explore Career Interests
Exposure to different roles through volunteering can be eye-opening for teens who are still figuring out their career paths. Volunteering in various capacities can help them discover what type of work they enjoy—and equally as important, what they don’t enjoy. For example, volunteering at a local hospital may help a teen realise a passion for healthcare or, conversely, clarify that a medical career may not be for them. This self-discovery can save time and energy in pursuing education or jobs in fields that might not ultimately align with their interests.
5. Pre-Requisite for University Applications
For some university courses, especially highly competitive ones like medicine, relevant volunteering experience is often a pre-requisite for admission. Admissions boards want to see that prospective students have a genuine interest in their chosen field, and volunteering is one of the clearest ways to demonstrate this. Teens interested in careers like healthcare, social work, or education can benefit greatly from volunteering in these environments to build their applications.
6. A Sense of Purpose and Community
Volunteering also helps teens develop a sense of purpose by contributing to causes they care about. It fosters a connection to the community and teaches them the importance of social responsibility. This sense of giving back can become a lifelong habit, improving not only their career prospects but also their overall sense of well-being.
Where Can Teens Volunteer?
There are countless volunteering opportunities for teens, depending on their interests. Here are just a few ideas to get them started:
Animal Shelters – Caring for animals, helping with events, or assisting with administrative tasks.
Community Centres – Engaging in outreach programmes, tutoring, or organising local events.
Hospitals or Aged Care Facilities – Assisting staff, reading to patients, or simply offering companionship.
Environmental Groups – Participating in clean-up efforts, tree planting, or environmental advocacy.
Sports Coaching – Helping with local sports teams or mentoring younger athletes.
Charity Shops – Working in retail environments that support causes like homelessness or disaster relief.
Local Libraries – Assisting with organising events, managing book donations, or helping younger children with reading.
Encouraging teens to volunteer is one of the most powerful ways to prepare them for future success. It not only provides practical experience and improves their job prospects but also fosters personal growth, connection to the community, and clarity around career aspirations. Whether teens are looking to build their CV, network with professionals, or simply explore what they’re passionate about, volunteering offers a wealth of opportunities to set them up for a brighter future.
Now’s the time to encourage your teen to start their volunteering journey—because it’s not just about giving back; it’s about shaping a career that aligns with who they truly are.