Serious question. I'm going through LinkedIn and see that a good number of people are involved in some volunteer program.
Why do you volunteer?
To feel good?
To make 100 cringey LinkedIn posts?
Business School apps?
To pretend to be sanctimonious and virtuous?
Other?
Personally, with such little free time I have, the last thing I'd want to do is give it away.
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Because there are people in the world who have it way worse off than me, and the world can use a little more kindness. You should try it sometime
yes
Based on the most helpful WSO content, people volunteer for a variety of reasons, and it's not always about padding their resume or LinkedIn profile. Here are some genuine motivations behind why individuals might choose to volunteer, especially in the context of aiming for high finance or M7 programs:
Personal Fulfillment: Many find volunteering deeply rewarding on a personal level. It offers a sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from helping others. This is beyond just feeling good; it's about making a tangible difference in the lives of people or communities in need.
Networking Opportunities: Volunteering, especially in programs related to one's professional field, can open doors to new connections. It's a chance to meet like-minded individuals who share similar values and professional interests.
Skill Development: Volunteering allows individuals to develop new skills or hone existing ones in a real-world setting. This can be particularly appealing for those looking to break into a new field or sector, such as transitioning from a different career into finance.
Leadership Experience: Taking on volunteer roles, especially those that involve planning, organizing, or leading initiatives, can be a great way to demonstrate leadership capabilities. This is valuable not just for business school applications but also for career advancement.
To Stand Out in Applications: Yes, for some, volunteering is a strategic move to enhance their business school or job applications. Unique volunteer experiences, like cuddler volunteering mentioned in the WSO Dataset, can set an applicant apart by showcasing their compassion, leadership, and ability to impact positively.
Genuine Desire to Give Back: Many individuals volunteer simply because they have a genuine desire to contribute to their community or support causes they care about. This altruistic motivation is often driven by personal values or experiences.
While it's true that not everyone has the time or inclination to volunteer, for those who do, the reasons can be varied and deeply personal. It's not always about the external recognition but rather about the internal satisfaction and growth that comes from giving back.
Sources: Volunteer suggestions for M7 programs, Accepted to HBS 2+2: Q&A, Anybody else feel this way?, Resume and cover letter - a reviewers perspective, Selfish Ask for Help in Situation
As stupid as it sounds, I volunteer with my local Parks and Rec organization in their tree program to help plant trees around the city. It is partially, because it is good for the city, partially good for the environment, partially just fun to do a little manual labor every now and then.
Yeah I like manual labor and I love nature and being outdoors - I help out with my church in the garden.
I volunteer with a program that pairs working professionals 1:1 with a highschool junior in lower income neighborhoods. We're paired with them until they graduate, and our goal is to help them navigate the college application process and explore various careers that interest them.
I prefer to work 1:1 like this versus a foodbank, because real change and growth happens on an individual basis. That's my belief anyways.
We all know that there is a lack of male leadership in these types of neighborhoods / schools, so I'm trying to do my part and be a good mentor / influence for these kids. It's been rewarding developing a friendship / mentor relationship with my kid over the past year. I wouldnt really say my motive is to feel good, but rather to try and help shape 1 persons life in a positive way.
I'm doing something similar and I agree with your take. I would add that, selfishly, it gives more purpose and fulfillment to my own life, knowing that I am positively influencing a young man's life in a way that he probably never would've experienced; I helped put his life on a better trajectory by sharing who I am and forcing myself to grow and be better, for him.
Incoming analyst in NYC - I also want to volunteer, not for the LinkedIn, B-School apps, any of that bs, but just to feel like a good person.
Does anyone have any recommendations? Obviously understand that it probably has to be on the weekends with a high chance of cancelling, but I would still like to use whatever free time I have to give back a little.
Thanks!
I think joining some kind of mentorship program is the most enriching form of volunteering because, as Kiwi said, it's 1:1 where the change happens.
That said, sounds like you can't commit because of other obligations, so your joining would probably actually be counterproductive. I'd suggest joining something you can drop in on without being/feeling responsible for not showing up (though shouldering responsibility is where a lot of purpose comes from).
Maybe try a boys and girls club that could benefit just from having good people around; someone correct me if there are roles/it's more structured than that. Otherwise, food bank is never a bad idea and is always a good idea if you don't have any other avenues to volunteer.
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