can I leave a volunteer position with a not-great manager, but stay involved with the organization? by Alison Green on July 31, 2015 A reader writes: I’m hoping you could help me with some questions I have about a volunteer position I’ve been doing for about 1.5 years now. It’s a newsletter/communications position for one of the departments (Department A) of a local nonprofit that I really admire. I developed the newsletter program and it was a great […] Read the full article →
are there legal issues with volunteering at my yoga studio in exchange for free classes? by Alison Green on January 26, 2015 A reader writes: I volunteer a few hours a week at my local yoga studio as a front-desk worker, and was recently made aware of an opportunity to pick up a part-time manager position at the yoga studio. When discussing this with the owner, I stated that I would want some sort of compensation for […] Read the full article →
what kind of volunteering is most helpful? by Alison Green on October 24, 2014 A reader writes: I know you’ve spoken extensively about how volunteer work is important and can lend a substantive note to your resume and work experience. But can you discuss a little what kinds of volunteer work are more “important,” skills-wise, for employers? Is ten years of driving for Meals on Wheels going to be […] Read the full article →
how to find a great volunteer job by Alison Green on August 6, 2012 You should volunteer. First, you should volunteer because it’s a good thing to do in the world, but secondly, you should volunteer because it can be good for your career: You’ll expand your network, get new things for your resume, and potentially learn new skills. I got my first real job by volunteering! It sucked, […] Read the full article →
what can we do about a rude volunteer coordinator? by Alison Green on August 5, 2012 A reader writes: My wife and I volunteer extensively at our church, especially with the children’s activities. We have a small issue with the staff member in charge. We have been professionals for quite a few years, yet, this person treats us like high school students working at a fast food restaurant. For instance, we […] Read the full article →
why you should volunteer by Alison Green on April 4, 2012 If you’re searching for a job, here’s one strategy you may have overlooked: Volunteer. Volunteering for a nonprofit organization in your community isn’t just a way of doing good – although it’s certainly that. It’s also a way to keep your skills up-to-date, expand your network, and possibly even get a paying job. And there […] Read the full article →
am I being exploited as a volunteer? by Alison Green on December 14, 2010 A reader writes: I moved to a new city back in August to be with my fiance. I knew I was taking a chance moving to a new city with few contacts in a down economy; however, I am a very resourceful and driven person and cannot abide sitting around and doing nothing. In September, […] Read the full article →
should you work for free? by Alison Green on October 22, 2010 Should you work for free? I want to know what you think. But wait, it’s not that simple. Here are six separate scenarios. Would you work for free in any of these situations? Why or why not? 1. Doing some work for free, for a limited time period, in order to get experience in a field […] Read the full article →
should I work for free to get experience? by Alison Green on September 30, 2010 A reader writes: I’m an engineer with a technical job in the pharmaceutical industry. However, I really want to work as an engineer at a large corporation that produces chocolate and confectionery products. I have some relevant training and plenty of transferable skills, but no direct experience in the food or confectionery industry. I am […] Read the full article →
update from reader despairing over job market by Alison Green on May 3, 2010 Do you remember this reader from December? She was a recent grad who wrote in despairing over the job market. She’d done everything right and still wasn’t finding a job. Here’s an update from her: I know you always post updates about people who have written in. I wrote to your blog in December 2009 […] Read the full article →