According to Indeed.com, many people change careers multiple times throughout their lifetime. Thus, it is common for multitudes of people to make a career transition into a new field. One effective way to support a successful career transition is through volunteering. In this article, we will explore how Walden University students and graduates can leverage volunteering to pivot their careers into new directions.

To illustrate how to find a relevant volunteer opportunity, we will refer to a sample student, Alexis, who is pursuing her MS in Higher Education. Alexis’s goal is to transition from a teaching position in the P-12 educational system into higher education. Alexis decided to volunteer in a university’s student services department to better understand the higher ed learning environment and gain skills specific to the context of higher education.

The following four steps helped prepare Alexis for a successful volunteer opportunity:   

1. Review Skills Requirements for the New Career 

A great place to begin researching skills and qualifications required in a new field is to start with the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), which lists 800+ occupations and offers general information on a variety of career fields. Walden University’s Career Planning and Development website also provides additional resources for identifying the skills and qualifications needed for the career.  For example, the Career Exploration area includes lists of career research sites, What Can I Do with This Major? external career guides, and the Career Exploration webinar.  Walden students and graduates can also schedule an appointment  with a career advisor for additional support.  Another helpful strategy is to schedule informational interviews with professionals working in the new career and ask them about the skills needed in their field.  Finally, review job listings to better understand the requirements for the role you are seeking. 

Alexis: Through her career research, Alexis learned that student-centered positions in higher education require strong communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills to successfully support learners. She identified that specific technical skills are important to know, such as educational databases and software, and that understanding data privacy is also essential.  

2. Align Transferable Skills to Skills Needed in the Future Career 

The next step is to understand the importance of transferable skills and how they can be applied to a future career. Start by reading the article, Transferable Skills: 10 Skills That Work Across Industries, and reviewing the top skills employers are seeking. Also, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) produces an annual survey where employers respond to the skills necessary for their company or organization. According to the NACE article, The Attributes Employers Look For On New Grad Resumes, these skill sets include problem-solving, teamwork, communication, initiative, flexibility/adaptability, creativity, strong writing and communication skills, and others. Consider the specific skillsets needed for the new career. These may include existing and emerging technologies, industry-specific knowledge areas, and policies and procedures. Use the Inventory of Professional and Academic Skills Worksheet to write down specific examples of skills.   

Alexis: She reflected on her transferable skills from P-12 teaching that related to student services positions in higher education. Some of her transferable skills included strong written and oral communication, active listening, problem-solving, and coaching and mentoring.

3. Find a Volunteer Opportunity to Close Skills Gaps 

Take the time to identify any major skills, knowledge, or experience gaps, then consider what types of volunteer settings can offer opportunities to close those gaps. Be open-minded about finding a volunteer opportunity by reaching out to organizations and individuals, reviewing the Volunteer Opportunities page to search for potential volunteer sites, and reading blog articles on leveraging volunteer work. When approaching a potential volunteer site, have an idea of how you can offer assistance and what you would like to learn.

Alexis: In Alexis’s case, she found a volunteer opportunity at a university department where she assisted with technical applications, marketing events, and event planning. Specifically, Alexis participated in creating, distributing, analyzing, and writing an executive summary report and communicating the results of a department assessment. Through her volunteer position, she also shadowed other student services professionals and learned about higher ed databases, technologies, and FERPA privacy regulations. Since the volunteer opportunity was online, Alexis was able to zoom with office staff and complete projects during evening hours to ensure that her volunteer work did not interfere with her P-12 teaching job.

4. Success! Add Volunteering to Your Job Search Toolbox 

Refer back to the great list of skills from the Inventory of Professional and Academic Skills Worksheet. Now, add the skills gained through volunteering to the worksheet. Also, remember to add course projects, academic skills, and any additional training completed to your job search materials, including resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles. Share the new skills you gained through volunteering during interviews.

Alexis: Alexis decided to place her volunteer experience toward the top of her resume and added accomplishment statements related to her volunteering projects. Now her resume includes relevant volunteer experience, helping to close qualification gaps and align more closely to the higher education industry.

You too can be successful in obtaining a volunteer position and applying it to your job search tools. Try these simple steps to maximize your volunteer experience and guide your next career transition.

Additional Resources: 

Career Planning and Development Website 
(Alumni who no longer have access, please contact support@mail.waldenu.edu to reactivate your Walden credentials) 
NACE Article: The Attributes Employers Look for on New Grad Resumes 
Blog Article: 6 Steps to Transition Your Academics to a Career 
Occupational Outlook Handbook 
Inventory of Professional and Academic Skills Worksheet 
Career Transition Checklist 
 

Written by Dr. Lynne Orr, Walden University Contributing Faculty   
Edited by Dina Bergren, Manager, Career Planning and Development