Here at Indiana INTERNnet, we’re all about experiential learning. Our focus is internships, but we recognize that sometimes students have to get creative and find other opportunities – especially this summer. As some internship programs have been cancelled or changed due to COVID-19, volunteer opportunities have only increased to help communities through this crisis. If your summer internship has been cancelled or shortened, consider spending some of your extra time serving!
Why Volunteer
Recent months have made us all more aware of the needs within our communities – why not help to meet them? Not only will you be making a difference during this historic time, but you’ll also be gaining valuable experience to learn from and add to your resume. Can you say win-win?!
Finding Opportunities
There are so many needs that it can be hard to know where to start. But there are several resources to help you get connected to opportunities right here in Indiana. Try to find a volunteer role that aligns with your interests and skillset. This will make you more valuable to the people you serve and will make your experience more beneficial to your career goals.
Leveraging Volunteer Experience
As mentioned above, service learning is a valuable experience to have in your back pocket when it comes time to apply for your next internship. Fellow volunteers and supervisors may be able to suggest opportunities and make great references to list on applications as well. Don’t forget that you’re always networking, even when you’re working on a volunteer basis! As for listing volunteer experience on your resume, try to incorporate it as seamlessly as possible into other relevant experiences. Then, be prepared to connect your service learning to skills and career goals during an interview.
How are you serving your community this summer? Let us know in the comments!
