Along with helping out causes you believe in, volunteering gives you a chance to build your skills, gain experience, make a good impression on others, and potentially get leads for other opportunities (a.k.a. NETWORKING).

How can I find organizations or employers I’d like to volunteer with?

Great question!   You do this much the same way you would identify employers of interest for your full-time job search.  It’s all about research and using resources.

  • Start with basic research, using resources like WetFeet Industry Guides and CareerSearch gives you fast, accurate, up-to-date info on potential employers in a multitude of industries, including non-profit sector agencies, within geographic regions you specify
  • Advanced resources, such as field-specific journals and websites (e.g. Ad Age if you’re interested in advertising; agcareers.com if you’re interested in agriculture, food, natural resources and biotechnology) help you discover the major employers that hire in your area of interest.
  • Volunteer Match allows you to search by geographic location and/or type of organization you’d like to volunteer with.
  • To develop personal contacts, conduct informational interviews with people working in your field of interest!
  • Contact organizations of interest directly to inquire about possible volunteer opportunities.

Career Services also partners with the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement here at MSU. This office works with over 300 community agencies, as well as faculty and staff on campus, to coordinate meaningful service-learning opportunities for students.  This gives you the opportunity to get out of the classroom and into the community where you can make a real difference and learn at the same time!  Visit the Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement to get more info available positions and programs offered.  Opportunities exist at social and human service agencies, neighborhood organizations, pre-K through grade 12 educational institutions, hospitals, medical/health, senior, recreation and youth mentoring programs, environmental initiatives, and government offices.  Don’t wait, get involved now!  It’s never too early.  There are opportunities for students from all academic programs!