One particular element on a resume can provide an extra edge for applicants.
Volunteer experience is an element on a portfolio that employers often highlight when recruiting for potential employees.
Devin Golets is the Career Services Officer for the Faculty of Information and Media Studies at Western University and often emphasizes to students how important it is to gain experience in their field of interest. He says, “going to university is only one tool in a students toolbox once they graduate. You really need the experience to compliment that degree, whether it is with an internship or volunteering. That is what really shows employers that the skills you learned in university are applicable to the work setting.”
This proved to be true for Scott Navarro. Graduating from the Media, Theory, and Production program at Western University and Fanshawe College two years ago, Scott specialized in Broadcast Television while volunteering with Rogers for five years. “Rogers taught me so much. I was learning a lot at school, but I was able to take those skills and sharpen them each time I volunteered with Rogers.”
He strongly believes that this experience placed him in his current position, as a producer for Rogers TV. The experience with Rogers gave him countless technical skills, but it also taught him to try new things. “I learned what I liked and what I did not like, which was really helpful for me going forward.”
Devin advises those who are considering the opportunity to get involved to not be hesitant. “Don’t wait. You have nothing to lose with volunteering. Whether you end up enjoying it or not, you are learning something either way.”
