Networking via Volunteering
This playbook details the process of leveraging volunteer work for professional networking. It provides guidance on how to choose volunteer opportunities that are in line with your career objectives and can help expand your professional network.
Step 1: Self-Assessment
Evaluate your professional goals, interests, and skills to ascertain the type of volunteer work that would be most beneficial for your networking objectives.
Step 2: Research
Look for volunteering opportunities that match your assessment. Research various organizations, roles, and missions to find a good fit.
Step 3: Selection
Select volunteer opportunities based on their potential to connect you with professionals and communities relevant to your career path.
Step 4: Engagement
Engage with the organization by attending meetings, participating in events, and contributing your time and skills to volunteer projects.
Step 5: Networking
Use your volunteer experiences to network by building relationships with fellow volunteers, organization staff, and any beneficiaries of your volunteer work.
Step 6: Follow-Up
Nurture the connections you've made by following up regularly, offering help, sharing information, and staying engaged with your new network.
Step 7: Reassessment
Periodically reassess whether your current volunteer work aligns with your evolving professional goals and networking needs. Adjust your involvement as necessary.
General Notes
Communication
Maintain open and effective communication with your peers and supervisors at the volunteer organization to maximize your networking opportunities.
Professionalism
Even as a volunteer, display professionalism at all times as it reflects your personal brand and can influence the network you are attempting to build.
Networking Goal
Remember that while volunteering is an opportunity to network, it is also a chance to contribute meaningfully to a cause, which should be the primary goal.