I’m a member of the Study Work Grow team where I work full-time, but I am also a passionate volunteer. I can’t remember when or how it all started, but the first volunteering role I had was collecting stamps off mail (back in the days when people sent post by mail on the regular) which I’d send in to the Guide Dogs and they’d somehow use to generate funds to support their programs.

I’ve volunteered for roles in school, at uni, and have generally had a volunteering role throughout most of my working life. Whether it’s fundraising, working for mental health charities, helping schools through the P&F or in class, donating blood or plasma, helping conservation efforts through tree planting days, clean-up events, or helping to rescue wildlife; it’s been a constant source of happiness and reward throughout my life. Other than the main reward of helping and meeting all the other “helpers” along the way, volunteering has given me a lot both personally and professionally.

Here’s a breakdown of why giving back can be so much more than just another item on your resume, but that is also an awesome bonus as well.

Discover your passions and interests

Volunteering is a great way to explore different fields and causes that might resonate with you. Are you passionate about animals? Volunteer at a shelter. Interested in healthcare? Look into programs that let you assist at a hospital or with elderly care. Whatever the cause, it’s an opportunity to figure out what you love without long-term commitments.

Plus, volunteering can show you sides of the world – and yourself – that you never knew existed. You might find that you enjoy working with young kids, want to pursue environmental science, or feel drawn to helping people in crisis. These experiences can help shape your career goals or even lead to new hobbies and interests.

Build skills and confidence

Volunteering is a fantastic way to build real-world skills. You might learn project management, organisation, teamwork, public speaking, or customer service skills, all of which are highly transferable. Even if you’re not sure what career you want to pursue, these skills are valuable in any field. Not to mention the hands-on experience and behind the scenes experiences that will also help you learn and grow.

For example, if you’re volunteering at an event, you might learn to manage logistics, work to a budget, communicate with attendees, coordinate efforts or work as part of a larger team. These situations push you out of your comfort zone and help you gain confidence in your abilities, preparing you for bigger responsibilities in school and beyond.

Make genuine connections and improve your mental health

Volunteering can help you meet people from different backgrounds, ages, and walks of life. Whether you’re working alongside fellow volunteers or connecting with the people you’re helping, you’re likely to form friendships and gain perspectives that enrich your life.

Networking is effective no matter where you are in life. When you get involved with volunteering you just never know when someone you meet along the way will offer you an amazing opportunity. Whether it’s the chance to learn about something you’re interested in, go on a trip, take part in something fun or life changing, it could even lead to job opportunities.

On top of that, studies show that volunteering can actually boost your mood and reduce stress. When you volunteer, your brain releases chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine, which help you feel happier and more relaxed. And the sense of accomplishment from helping others can increase your overall life satisfaction. So, while you’re giving back, you’re also taking care of your own mental health!

Don’t believe me or the research? There’s a simple way to test if it’ll work for you – just give it a go.

Wrapping up

Volunteering isn’t for everyone, and that’s OK. If you’re unsure but decide to give volunteering a go, it can be a game-changer, not just for the people you’re helping but for yourself as well. So whether it’s helping out at a local food bank, tutoring younger students, or planting trees in the community getting out and doing your bit is something I’d recommend to everyone. At the end of the day what have you got to lose?

Sure if you give up some time and don’t feel it was right for you could think it was time wasted, but actually it’s still helping you to learn about yourself, you can still add it to your resume, and it might help point you towards something that is perfect for you.

Volunteering is about more than just giving your time. It’s a chance to explore who you are, gain new skills, and make meaningful connections — all while making a positive impact. So next time an opportunity to volunteer comes up, give it a shot! It might just turn out to be one of the most rewarding things you do in high school.

If you’re tempted to give it a try, check out more articles about volunteering to see what inspires you and how to get started.

Holmesglen Open Night

Open Day Thursday 28 November