MSEJ May 2015 | Page 30

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30

ASK the Expert

Have Questions? email us:

[email protected]

By Amy Rossi

HOT JOBS

1. How can I find volunteer positions where I can use my academic and professional background?

Opportunities to get involved and help the community are endless! Most installations and organizations have a Volunteer Coordinator and ALWAYS need help in various roles. So, focus on finding positions and missions that matter to you.

You should be passionate about work that you would do for free. If you are willing to volunteer in a role (do it for free and wake up excited to do it again) then you might have found your TRUE CAREER PASSION, when your knowledge and natural talents are used in a professional capacity. The opportunity to explore your career passion is rare, so enjoy it, and you might find your next career.

2.I’ve been volunteering. How can I use my volunteer experiences to position myself for a paid position?

First, start where you volunteer and express an interest in finding a paid position and using the new skills you have learned. Ask for a mentor in the organization to help you with your resume and learn as much as you can about the potential paid role and responsibilities. Make sure it lines up with what you are interested in doing.

Most people want to see you succeed. If they don’t have a paid position available in the near future, they might know of another organization hiring and provide you a reference. Volunteering is an opportunity to build your network and prove your skills are current.

Volunteering offers an opportunity to build your network and prove your skills are current.

A few places to search volunteer opportunities:

• Local Volunteer Coordinator (Installation/Community)

• http://www.msccn.org/WhoWeAre/CareerCorps.html

• http://www.pointsoflight.org/

• https://www.volunteermatch.org/