The Smart Spark Media Blog
Would You Volunteer To Work For Free to Build Your Résumé?
In today’s competitive job market, gaining valuable experience can be as crucial as the qualifications listed on your résumé. But when opportunities are scarce, and the hustle gets real, one unconventional pathway sparks debate: volunteering for a job position free of charge. Is this a savvy move to level up your career game, or does it undervalue your worth? Let’s dive in.
First off, let’s keep it 💯. The idea of working for free doesn’t sit well with everyone, and rightfully so. In an ideal world, every ounce of effort would be compensated, respecting the time and skills you bring to the table. However, in the realms of reality, especially for folks just stepping into the workforce or switching careers, the experience can sometimes be the currency that opens doors.
Volunteering your skills offers a unique proposition – it’s like hitting the play button on your career when others are paused, waiting for the perfect paid opportunity. It’s about being in the room where it happens, absorbing knowledge, and networking with professionals who can vouch for your capabilities when it’s time to make that leap. For BIPOC individuals, in particular, creating these opportunities can be even more pivotal, offering a platform to showcase talent in industries where representation still lags.
But here’s the flip side – and it’s a big one. Committing time and energy without financial compensation should never exploit or replace paid positions. It’s crucial to set boundaries and have clear objectives. What skills are you aiming to develop? How does this experience propel you toward your career goals? And importantly, how long are you willing to volunteer before you expect to transition to a paid role?
Inclusivity and equity should be at the core of such decisions. Companies offering volunteer positions must do so ethically, ensuring they’re providing real value to those investing their time. It’s not just about what you can do for them but what they can do for you. Mentorship, learning opportunities, and a pathway to employment should be part of the deal.
So, would you volunteer free of charge to boost your résumé? It’s a personal choice that requires weighing the potential benefits against the sacrifices. Remember, the goal is to enhance your career trajectory, not to undervalue your worth. If you decide to go down this path, step in with your eyes wide open, ready to learn, network, and hustle with purpose. After all, it’s about making moves that get you closer to where you dream to be, ensuring that every step, paid or unpaid, adds value to your journey.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Would you take a volunteer opportunity to enrich your résumé, or do you believe in holding out for paid positions only?
*Note: this article may have been produced in full or in part using AI technology.
5 Useful Items Your College Student Will Appreciate
It’s the time of year where parents pack up their kids and send them off to college to begin or continue their academic studies.
Photo credit: Andre Hunter
It’s the time of year where parents pack up their kids and send them off to college to begin or continue their academic studies. Often, when compiling a list of needs many parents think of toiletries, bedding, décor and the like however there are a few other items to consider to enhance their university experience.
1.) A suite of Ring devices:
If your college student is living off campus you’ll probably want to go the extra mile to invest in their safety. Students living on campus generally have access to security measures that those living off campus don’t. Installing a security system such as Ring may be an ideal solution as Ring offers a variety of security monitoring systems that are DIY friendly and if you’re willing to go through the process of uninstalling your devices can move out when your student does. Just remember to keep track of what all has been installed and retain/maintain any original fixtures you may have replaced with a Ring unit so when the time comes to move out you can put everything back the way it was upon moving in.
2.) Amazon Prime Student Membership:
An Amazon Prime membership is probably one of the best gifts for just about anyone; being able to order necessities, stream music and videos are modern day conveniences that many can’t live without. Amazon Prime Student offers exclusive deals and promos for college students. Sign up now and get a 6 month trial.
3.) A HotLogic (Mini and Casserole):
Are microwaves prohibited in the dorms? Would you like it if your child ate more than fast food every day? A HotLogic may be an alternative to check out. HotLogic allows you to heat or cook food from scratch, think of it as a portable slow cooker. You have the option of the mini which is great for day-to-day use or the casserole size for when you want to prepare larger quantities of food. This is also a great opportunity for parents/grandparents to beat the empty nest blues as you can meal prep their favorite foods, freeze it and over night to them, because that’s what parents/grandparent to do, right? 😉
4.) Crock-Pot Food Warmer:
Like the HotLogic the Crock-Pot Lunch Crock Food Warmer heats up food, however you CAN NOT use it to cook raw meat . It’s perfect for soups, oatmeal, heating queso for nachos or the college staple of ramen noodles. 🍜
5.) Humidifier/Diffuser:
The air quality in a dorm room can be iffy at times and having a humidifier can be conducive to creating a comfortable environment for studying and napping alike. The Amazon Basics Humidifier is a great option as this cool mist humidifier has smart auto-humidification technology, a night light and allows you to add essential oils to enhance the ambiance of the room.
Disclaimer: Please note that Smart Spark Media may receive a commission or compensation from the links on this page should you use them to purchase the items/services listed. Any prices/fess referenced on this page regarding the items/services published were accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication and are controlled by the provider of said items/services.