Ask someone why they volunteer and they will typically explain with enthusiastic detail their passion for giving back to the community and how hugely rewarding it is. Whilst there is no doubt this is true, scratch a little deeper and there is often another reason for volunteering that people don’t always admit to… that volunteering your skills can be a super springboard for your professional career!
However, there’s no reason why this should be a secret - time and time again it’s been proven that volunteering is a win for the volunteer as well as the charity in question. In fact we should be celebrating this to inspire more professionals to volunteer their skills - particularly given the financial challenges currently facing non-profits and the ongoing decline in volunteering levels.
So the team here at Charterpath are happy to share with you how volunteering your financial skills will boost your CV and career prospects - whether as a graduate seeking your first professional role or an experienced executive hoping to take on a non-executive position…
Skills and personal development:
Volunteering allows you to develop and practice (or refresh) your financial and soft skills in a real-world setting. Whether you're assisting with budgeting, financial planning, fundraising campaigns or investment decisions, you'll gain hands-on experience that goes beyond theoretical knowledge. Moreover, volunteering often exposes you to new challenges and situations, honing your adaptability and problem-solving abilities that are so highly valued in the professional world.
Additionally, volunteering exposes you to diverse perspectives and experiences, promoting empathy, cultural awareness, and interpersonal skills that are invaluable in both professional and personal settings - with a recent report from Education for Employers, highlighting that 80% of volunteers report improved communication, influencing and relationship skills.
Networking opportunities and professional reputation:
One of the most significant benefits of volunteering your financial skills is the networking opportunities it presents. By engaging with charitable organisations or community groups, you're likely to connect with a fascinating array of people from diverse backgrounds in terms of their expertise and experience - including fellow volunteers, board members, and donors. These connections can provide valuable advice or open doors to new career opportunities, mentorship relationships, commercial opportunities and collaborations that wouldn't have been possible otherwise.
As part of this, by actively contributing to meaningful projects and initiatives, you actively position yourself as a committed and capable professional - increasing your visibility and reputation within your industry to potential employers, collaborators, and stakeholders.
CV building and career opportunities:
Volunteering offers a low-risk way to obtain first-hand experience of new tasks directly or indirectly related to your financial skills - for example overseeing the delivery of a major capital project or chairing a finance committee within the charity. Through this experiential learning, it will help you make informed decisions about your future career trajectory, gain insight into various roles and industries - and importantly identify new areas of passion and interest.
Adding this volunteer experience to your CV also showcases your commitment to community involvement and personal development. In this highly competitive job market, employers appreciate candidates who demonstrate initiative and a willingness to go above and beyond their job responsibilities. The same Education for Employers report found that more than a third of volunteers said volunteering had helped them apply for different or more senior roles.
Highlighting your volunteer work not only sets you apart from other applicants but also provides concrete examples of your skills and accomplishments outside the workplace. This is particularly relevant if you’re making the transition from an executive to a non-executive role where Boards often seek individuals with previous experience as non-executives, so volunteering as a trustee on a charity board is a great way to get started.
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Volunteering your professional skills is more than just a selfless act—it's an investment in your career. Whether you're a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or someone in the midst of a career transition, volunteering offers invaluable opportunities for skill development, networking, and CV building. So, let's celebrate the dual benefits of volunteering—both for the individual and the non-profits they support. With over 100,000 trustee vacancies in the UK right now, what are you waiting for? Seize the opportunity, get involved, and let volunteering be a springboard for your future success.
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If the idea of volunteering your skills with a non-profit has caught your imagination - follow these 3 simple steps:
Follow Charterpath on LinkedIn for all the latest news, inspiration and roles
Have a look around our website at www.charterpath.org.uk for case studies, helpful resources and live volunteer opportunities
Sign the Charterpath pledge to show your support for our mission and volunteer your skills for at least 2 days each year
Charterpath CIO is a UK registered charity (1207509) on a mission to chart a path between non-profits and volunteers with financial skills. Charterpath was co-founded by Alice Clementi and Alex Marsh, both chartered accountants with extensive volunteering and fundraising experience alongside their professional careers. They were inspired to start Charterpath in 2020, after seeing first-hand the unprecedented financial challenges facing the non-profit sector from pandemic.
Inspired to support our mission? Follow Charterpath on LinkedIn and join our community at www.charterpath.org.uk to access our newsletter, exclusive events and volunteer roles!
Do you lead a finance team or accountancy practice - ask Charterpath to join a team meeting (virtual or in person) and present directly on the benefits of volunteering and how to get involved.