How to Get Your Dream Job Through Volunteering Abroad

The Power of Volunteering to Get Your Dream Job

Scoring your ultimate dream job is like reaching peak millennial achievement—a significant game-changer beyond snagging any old paycheck. It’s about unearthing a career path that vibes with your innermost passions, sparking a serious surge of joy, purpose, and all-out fulfillment. Buckle up for an enlightening ride as we dive deep into the importance of chasing your dream job and reveal how volunteering can kick-start your journey to making those aspirations your reality. By fully immersing yourself in the dream job mindset and harnessing the awe-inspiring power of giving back, you can proactively pave your way to the professional success you’ve been dying to manifest. Volunteer, land a dream job, and level up your life!

Fun fact: 95% of career advisers agreed that volunteering “brings clarity to the job search”, and 76% agreed that it made you “more likely to get your dream job”.

Understanding the Concept of a Dream Job

Let’s dive into the dream jobs’ captivating realm and uncover what makes them remarkable inspirations for your life. Picture this: your dream job is not just a regular paycheck; it’s the magical unicorn of careers, where passion, purpose, and a sprinkle of whimsy collide. It’s like finding a pot of gold at the end of a professional rainbow!

So, what exactly does a dream job mean to you? It’s a chance to turn your career aspirations and goals into a reality, like unlocking the highest personal level of success in the game of life. Think of it as a job that lights a fire in your heart and makes you leap out of bed every morning, ready to conquer the world (or at least your corner). These are some of the questions you should be asking yourself when deciding what your dream job is:

• What was your dream job as a child? And how has it changed?
• What are your hobbies and interests?
• What job would you not mind doing for free?
• What makes you happy?
• Is work-life balance important? 
• What are your non-negotiables?
• What skills do you want to develop and use?

Once you’ve defined your dream job, it’s time to make it a reality with our step by step process below, which begins with volunteering abroad!

A Step-by-Step Process to Land Your Dream Job By Volunteering

The next most important question is: how to land a dream job? Although there is no specific answer to this, because all positions have different requirements, volunteering can massively help you land that dream job. This step-by-step process will guide you through leveraging volunteering to pave your way toward landing that coveted dream job.

Checkout out our new expeditions and volunteering opportunities now!

Enhancing Skills & Experience

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the question “how to land your dream job?,” due to the unique requirements of each job, there is one powerful opportunity that can significantly boost your chances: volunteering! So, let’s discover how volunteering can enhance your skills and experience in incomparable ways.

1. Gain valuable practical experience

Volunteering is your passport to success on your journey to land your dream job. The first crucial step in this adventure is gaining valuable practical experience through your volunteer work. It’s time to unleash your passion and make a meaningful impact in your desired field, while honing essential skills. Whether you’re lending a hand at a local nonprofit, contributing to community initiatives, or supporting causes close to your heart, every moment spent volunteering adds depth to your experience and showcases your commitment to a cause. To really maximize the practical experience, you’ll have to choose a volunteer program that aligns with your future career goals, and then truly lace up your volunteering boots and get involved in meaningful service. Explore our future expeditions in Costa Rica and South Africa.

2. Develop transferable skills

Volunteering goes beyond giving back; it’s an avenue for cultivating transferable skills that can significantly impact your dream job aspirations. As you engage in diverse volunteer roles, whether helping a local community, supporting a local conservation project, or taking on leadership projects, you’ll acquire essential skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership – all skills that employers value greatly! These transferable skills gained through volunteering can boost your employability and help you stand out from the competition, bringing you one step closer to landing your dream job.

3. Expand Your Network

Volunteering is a game-changer when it comes to forging connections and expanding your professional network. By immersing yourself in various volunteer opportunities, you can connect with individuals who share your passion and ambition. These connections open doors to hidden job prospects, mentorship possibilities, and valuable industry insights. While making a difference through volunteering, remember to network strategically, nurture relationships, and unlock new avenues toward your dream job.

For more benefits of volunteering abroad, check out our recent blog

Building a Strong Resume & Cover Letter

1. Incorporate volunteer work into your resume

Remember to unlock the power of your volunteer work by incorporating it into your resume. It’s an opportunity to showcase your commitment to social causes and your ability to make a positive impact. In your resume, make sure you include a detailed recap of your volunteer experiences, highlighting the keywords that resonate with your dream job.

2. Emphasize relevant skills and accomplishments

Whether it’s skills, like project management, leadership, or teamwork, or specific accomplishments you achieved while volunteering, make sure your volunteer work stands out on your resume. Consider the key skills associated with your dream job, and then incorporate them into your volunteer work descriptions. For example, you may want to highlight how your volunteer work has enhanced your problem-solving, adaptability, or communication skills. By aligning your volunteer experiences with the keywords and requirements of your dream job, you’ll demonstrate your suitability for the role.

3. Write a compelling cover letter

Your cover letter is an opportunity to dive deeper into your volunteer experiences and connect them with your dream job aspirations. Showcase your passion for making a difference, mentioning keywords like “dream job” and “career goals.” Share stories and anecdotes that demonstrate your dedication, the impact you’ve made through volunteering, and how it aligns with the values and mission of the organization you’re applying to. Craft a compelling narrative that shows how your volunteer experiences have shaped you into the ideal candidate for your dream job.

Highlighting Volunteer Work in Job Interviews

1. Discuss your volunteer experiences

During job interviews, be prepared to discuss your volunteer experience with enthusiasm. Share specific instances where you showcased your skills and made a positive impact. Incorporate relevant keywords that help demonstrate you didn‘t just volunteer abroad for fun, instead make it clear that it was part of your efforts to “land a dream job” and achieve your career aspirations. Don’t be afraid to discuss how your volunteer work has influenced your personal and professional growth, even if it significantly changed your plans. Knowing when to adapt your goals helps to showcase your commitment and dedication to your dream job path.

When discussing your volunteer experiences in interviews, make connections to job-related scenarios by incorporating relevant keywords into your conversation, such as “problem solving,” “adaptability,” and “time management.” Draw parallels between the challenges you faced while volunteering and those you may encounter in the job you’re interviewing for. Demonstrate how your volunteer work has prepared you to handle similar situations, highlighting the skills and experiences that make you a valuable asset to the organization.

Volunteering is a Transformative Experience That Can Help You Land Your Dream Job

Volunteering can have a profound impact on your career path. It goes beyond lending a hand; it shapes your resume with stories of resilience and teamwork. Without a doubt, employers value the dedication and adaptability that volunteering clearly fosters. Embrace the adventure and explore expeditions with Raleigh International and other reputable organizations to level up your chances of landing your dream job. Our Raleigh International Expeditions will help you gain practical experience, develop leadership skills, and make a lasting impact, which will all translate into greater opportunities for career success.

Take the first step to unleash your potential! With volunteering as your guide, your dream job is within reach.

This blog was written by Kristian Nikolov