Get out there and volunteer!
by Jane Doku, IABC/Toronto student member
Presentations. Assignments. Work. A social life. How does any student have time to volunteer on top of all of that? As a Humber College post-graduate public relations student, I have come to realize that not only is it possible, but it will actually put you ahead of the pack. I recently had the opportunity to volunteer for Toronto L’Oréal Fashion Week, which exposed me to the behind-the-scenes world of fashion show production and PR. The opportunity reminded me that volunteering helps us get the most out of what we learn in a classroom setting. School isn’t just a precursor to work; it’s an opportunity to leverage your experience and make the contacts that will help make your dream job possible. With these three tips and a little ingenuity, you’ll be well on your way to realizing your potential.
Keep the big picture in mind
It’s easy to lose focus when class assignment due dates loom or you are faced with other pressures inside and outside of school. But it is equally important to remember that when it comes time to develop your curriculum vitae (CV) and your portfolio, in order to stand out, you have to go that extra mile. Keep an eye on your school volunteer board, apply to what interests you, and expose yourself to different opportunities. Take the time to gain valuable experience, and to network.
Have a passion? Follow it
If you have an interest in public affairs, agency work or nonprofit organizations, try to find a volunteer job that will expose you to what working in those fields is really like. It can reinforce your verve, or help you reevaluate your focus, which can be just as valuable. Don’t write off any opportunities at first glance. If you are convinced you could never work in government, take a volunteer position at City Hall to prove yourself right or wrong. Sometimes our perceptions are challenged once we are in the thick of things.
Be strategic
Your assignments and volunteer work all have a purpose—to help you land your ideal job. In my coursework here at Humber, I’ve had the opportunity to do a couple of independent projects that would make strong entries in my portfolio. With that in mind, I made sure that their topics related to fields of work I am interested in: cultural entities, fashion, luxury brands, etc. When it comes time to go for a volunteer placement interview, I can be confident that my portfolio is diverse, but relevant to the places where I want to work.
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