If current economic conditions have taught us anything it’s this … a degree alone is no longer the ticket to the job of your dreams. In an increasingly competitive market employers are looking for something extra, and no matter what your education or professional experience, you have to think outside the box to enhance your career.

For some, that means creating video résumés and posting them on YouTube; for others, it’s leveraging social-networking sites to reach decision makers. But the really creative job seekers are beefing up their résumés and making a difference–they’re volunteering.

“Volunteering not only teaches individuals leadership skills but also helps them with relationship development and community activism” says Ana Valdez, executive director for the US based Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility. “Volunteering tells recruiters and hiring managers that you are willing to stretch yourself beyond your current role.”  Research shows that volunteering provides opportunities to demonstrate an enterprising and rewarding use of time both on your résumé and in interviews.

If possible, tie your voluntary work to your career goals. For example, volunteering with children is valuable if you want to be a teacher or educational psychologist. If you have a political career in mind, volunteer to spend time on the campaign trail.  And if you’re undecided about your career, volunteering allows you to experience a variety of areas and gives you more information to decide what career is right for you. For example, Interact, Rotaract and Rotary clubs regularly invite speakers from a wide range of vocations to talk to members on professional development and current affairs, as part of their club activities.

Just because work is not paid, does not mean it is not valuable.  It has been said that volunteers are not paid .. not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.  Not only does volunteering give you skills and experiences to enhance your résumé, it can also be significantly personally rewarding, which is why there are already more than 1 million Rotary volunteers across the world.

People will be surprised by the amount they will get out of volunteering at the same time as making a real difference in the community they live in. Volunteering makes you feel great as you aid someone in need, but there are other advantages.  You can build self confidence, discover talents you did not know you had and teach skills to others.   And in a world where who you know can make all the difference, volunteering can open up many new networks – both social and professional.

It has also been shown that your health could improve from doing such a selfless thing, as you may end up with new friends and positive relationships in your life. And when those you help observe what a constructive thing volunteering is for you, you can be an inspiration to them, motivating them to want to help out and volunteer too.

Remember – Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once every five years, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.

Visit Rotary International at www.rotary.org for information on volunteering or contact the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain at www.rotarycentralpos.org for details on local club activities.