In this article:

My campus life in my first year was hectic. I had thought school was just about getting good grades and securing a great job afterward, assuming all things being equal.

Little did I know that, as important as good grades were, networking, making valuable connections, and volunteering would make my university experience more enriching. These aspects expanded my network and equipped me with valuable skills that would aid my career prospects in the future.

Hi, I’m Ndubuisi Marvellous, a student at the Federal University Of Technology Owerri, Nigeria. In this short article, we will explore the remarkable impact of volunteering and giving back to the community. I’ll illustrate the sense of fulfillment derived from selflessly giving back through real-life anecdotes, and provide insights into how students can get involved, from participating in local events to engaging in community service projects. Additionally, I'll share my personal growth journey from my first year to my current final year.

Volunteering: What is it?

Giving back by volunteering entails putting your time and energy in a project, group, or idea without expecting anything in return. It's comparable to offering a helping hand, making positive impact, and joining something bigger than oneself.

Why should you volunteer?

There are numerous compelling reasons to volunteer. You can make a difference in someone's life or a cause, positively impact your community, forge lifelong friendships, and much more. Let's explore a few key justifications:

1. Discovering new interests & developing skills: Volunteering can uncover interests or passions you never knew you had. For example, I discovered my talent for content creation while volunteering with Enactus FUTO, which has now become my job and a source of passive income.
2. Sense of fulfillment: Volunteering rewards you with an immediate sense of fulfillment. That warm feeling you get when you perform a generous act is priceless.
3. Building your network & expanding perspective: Your network is your net worth, and many job opportunities are hidden in connections. Volunteering allows you to meet people who share your interests, expanding your network of diverse mentors and peers.
4. Learning new skills: Volunteering is an opportunity for personal growth. It allows you to develop transferable skills, both hard and soft, that can be applied to various positions.
5. Gaining a new perspective: Volunteering often exposes you to new perspectives and ways of thinking, broadening your horizons.

Where to volunteer

It is simple to choose where to volunteer. Just find a cause you are enthusiastic about first, then a group or organization that shares your interests. Research them and join them.

• School Clubs and Organizations: This semester, there will be a lot of campus activities, some of which might need volunteers.
• Events and Communities: Your school probably offers clubs focused on charitable work or other causes. A great place to start is by joining one of them. I wholeheartedly endorse ENACTUS.

How NOT to volunteer

Although volunteering is wonderful, there are several mistakes to avoid. For instance, engaging in multiple volunteering activities without gaining significant value from each one can be counterproductive.

• Overcommitting: Don't take on more than you can handle. It's better to do one or two things well than to do several things poorly.
• Not following through: When you commit to volunteering, make sure to follow through on your commitments. Don't leave your team hanging.
• Not taking it seriously: While volunteering can be fun, it's still important to treat it with respect and professionalism. Show up on time, be prepared, and give it your best effort.

Conclusion

In summary, volunteering is about more than just giving; it's also about getting in return useful experiences, relationships, and skills. Making an impact both externally and internally is the goal. Hope this is helpful.