How Volunteering Can Boost Your Resume & College Applications

You’re trying to build up your resume and college applications, but you don’t have tons of job experience yet.. no worries—volunteering is the ultimate life hack. Not only do you get to help people (which is already awesome), but it also makes you stand out to colleges and employers. Plus, who doesn’t love a little extra good karma? Here’s why you should get involved and how to make it work for you.

1. It Shows Leadership & Initiative

• Colleges and employers love students who take action and step up.
• Whether you organized a food drive or led a community clean-up, that’s leadership!
• Example: “Coordinated a recycling program at school, reducing waste by 30%.”
• Pro tip: If you see an opportunity to start your own volunteer project, go for it!

2. You’ll Develop Real-World Skills

• Volunteering isn’t just about showing up—it’s about learning skills that actually matter.
• Soft skills: Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership.
• Hard skills: Event planning, fundraising, social media management, budgeting.
• Example: “Managed social media for a local nonprofit, growing their Instagram followers by 40%.”

3. It Sets You Apart on Applications

• Colleges get thousands of applications—volunteer work makes yours stand out.
• It shows you’re committed, responsible, and willing to go the extra mile.
• Bonus: It gives you a killer topic for your college essays.
• Example: “Volunteering at a homeless shelter opened my eyes to systemic issues, inspiring me to study public policy.”

4. Networking = More Opportunities

• You never know who you’ll meet while volunteering—mentors, future employers, scholarship connections.
• Many organizations have internships and job opportunities for dedicated volunteers.
• Pro tip: Stay in touch with the people you meet—they could help you down the road!

5. It Proves You Care About More Than Just Yourself

• Colleges and employers want well-rounded people, not just straight-A students.
• Volunteering shows that you’re empathetic, driven, and socially aware.
• If you’re passionate about a cause, that passion will shine through in interviews and applications.

Final Thoughts

Volunteering isn’t just about helping others—it’s about helping yourself grow. Whether it’s boosting your resume, building skills, or meeting amazing people, the benefits are huge. So get out there, find a cause you care about, and start making a difference!

For more college and career tips, check out Cirkled In!