Volunteering That Actually Helps You Grow
While I was doing my IGCSEs, I remember being quite enthusiastic about building my portfolio for my university applications, and in that rush, I mindlessly signed up for volunteering and extracurricular activities. However, what I didn’t realize until my research was that volunteering without a clear aim or connection to personal growth and future career paths would be less impactful than meaningful involvement. Let’s walk through the reasons why!
To begin with, ask yourself if you would be more mentally engaged and locked in for something you are doing for the sake of appearance or for something which you are doing with a legit aim in your mind, with loads of curiosity to learn and gain experience. The truth is that when balancing between studies during boards like IG’s AS and A-Levels and extracurriculars - especially during such crucial years of your life which demand exceptional efforts and focus - by volunteering without genuine interest and engagement, you would be wasting your precious and limited time and efforts.
“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.”
-Alexander Graham Bell
Equally significant is that the university you are planning to go to also take your volunteering and extracurriculars into consideration. Majority of the admission offers at IVY league colleges only consider your participation in the areas which align best with your future career paths. What they look at in reality is the quality of your work rather than its quantity! If you’re wondering why it is so, let me tell you:
The type of volunteering and extracurriculars you do gives the admission team a direct message of what your entire plan and focus are. The volunteering you do, which is nowhere close to personal development and your future career path, usually seems to upset the officers by the image of your portfolio being regarded as deceptive and forced. To know more about the same, visit the link below!
Confused with what type of volunteering would help you grow and help you lock your spot in your dream universities?
- Firstly, narrow down the skill sets that you would require for your future career paths. For instance, if you are interested in pursuing business or finance, focus on volunteering in areas which would help you develop your leadership, public speaking, crisis management and time management skills. This would give your university confidence in your skills.
- Secondly, ensure that the volunteering opportunities directly align with your future goals. For example if you decide to pursue a career in medicine, try volunteering in hospitals, health-related camps, or taking part in science-based events. This would be a great benefit to you in the long run by giving you a glimpse of what the future of your career paths may look like, helping you grow in areas which will prove to be of help to you in future.
Volunteering and extracurricular activities make up a majority of your university applications, so make sure you get them right.
By- Meher V.