The VALUE of Volunteering

Hey, Roadies! 

Happy Friday! Try to have a snack in a park with a friend while the weather’s nice (and we hope it’s nice where you are). 

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Friday Tip: Volun-Networking

RoadMap provides insights about growing your career inner circle – this time on how you can use time volunteering to enhance your network

In college, it’s generally easy to meet people. Between classes, extracurriculars, and socializing, expanding your network is part of day-to-day life. But in post-grad adult life, it takes effort and intention to meet, and then get to know, new people.

One great way to do it is volunteering. It’s possible to develop a closer connection with your community and do some good for the world – but as an added bonus, you’ll gain contacts. 

You can also use volunteer roles as a way to test out potential career paths. Are you interested in Public Relations? You could try helping a charity organization promote its events or services to see if you have a knack for it. Thinking of pursuing a Sales career? Time spent helping a nonprofit raise funds will help hone the people skills you’ll need to close deals later. 

Here’s what to do now: 

• Look up volunteer opportunities wherever you’ll be located this summer and see if there’s a way to work it into your free time. You can look for organizations that are oriented toward causes you’re passionate about, whether that’s animal welfare, social justice, or environmental advocacy. 

Starting Points: Getting Graphic 

In this section, we describe entry-level roles in various fields, so you know what’s out there 

Many people study art or design in college, but don’t want to go the penniless, suffering artist route. Fortunately, you don’t have to! 

The business world is brimming with demand for people who can arrange shapes, photos, and visuals in a pleasing way…i.e., design. If that’s you, you should consider graphic design roles. 

This is a role that exists at many different companies, and the expectations are different at each. Technology companies will want you to help lay out apps, ads, emails, and other digital products. A real estate firm may want you to design their website and promotional pamphlets, and maybe even help with staging furniture. 

Here’s what to do now if these seems like a potential path for you: 

• Browse job listings online for graphic design roles at different kinds of companies. Think through what kinds of design work you might enjoy doing most.  

Level Up This Weekend: 

We send you into the weekend with resources on how to tackle an important part of adult life 

We know it’s only May, but this is a big election year, so you’ll want to make sure you’re registered to vote where you live – and you know where your polling place is (that’s where you will go to vote). 

While the presidential contest won’t take place until November, there are lots of primary and special elections in different parts of the country happening earlier. You should do your best not to miss out on those. 

What to do now: 

• First, make sure you’re registered to vote at Vote.org 

• Then, find out about any elections happening in your area prior to November using Ballotpedia