Volunteering

5 Ways Volunteering Abroad with GVI Can Boost Your Employability

Petrina Darrah

Posted: May 11, 2023

In today’s highly competitive job market, employers are looking for candidates with a wide range of skills and experiences. One way to stand out from the crowd and increase your employability is by volunteering abroad with GVI. GVI offers a variety of volunteer programs around the world that allow you to make a difference while gaining valuable skills and experiences that can help you in your future career. Here are five ways volunteering abroad with GVI can boost your employability.

Develop valuable skills

Volunteering abroad with GVI offers the opportunity to develop a wide range of valuable skills that are highly valued by employers. These include cross-cultural communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving, among others. By working in a different cultural context, you’ll learn how to navigate cultural differences and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. You’ll also learn how to work as part of a team and adapt to changing circumstances, skills that are essential in any workplace.

When you apply for jobs, you can highlight these skills on your resume and in job interviews, demonstrating to potential employers that you have the skills they’re looking for. This can give you a significant advantage over other job candidates who may not have had the same opportunities.

Gain international experience

Volunteering abroad with GVI gives you the opportunity to gain international experience, which can be a major advantage when applying for jobs. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with global perspectives and experience working in different cultures. By volunteering abroad, you’ll gain firsthand experience of different cultural practices, beliefs, and values, and develop a greater understanding of global issues.

Having international experience can make you a more attractive candidate for international roles, or roles that involve working with people from diverse backgrounds. It can also demonstrate your willingness to step outside your comfort zone and take on new challenges, qualities that are highly valued by employers.

Build a professional network

Volunteering abroad with GVI can also help you build a professional network of like-minded individuals and potential employers. You’ll work alongside people from different backgrounds, including other volunteers, local staff, and community members. By building relationships with these people, you’ll have access to a wider network of professionals who may be able to help you in your future career.

In addition, many GVI programs include opportunities to meet and work with professionals from different industries, such as conservation, education, or public health. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can build relationships with professionals in your field of interest and gain insights into the skills and experiences that are valued in your industry.

Favorite music increases my productivity. Serious young man in headphones working on laptop while sitting at sidewalk cafe

Demonstrate commitment to social responsibility

Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and making a positive difference in the world. Volunteering abroad with GVI can demonstrate this commitment and set you apart from other job candidates.

By volunteering with GVI, you’ll be making a tangible difference in the lives of people and communities in need. Whether you’re working on conservation projects, teaching English to children, or building sustainable infrastructure, you’ll be contributing to a cause that is larger than yourself. This can demonstrate to potential employers that you’re passionate about making a difference in the world and committed to social responsibility.

Enhance your resume

Finally, volunteering abroad with GVI can enhance your resume and make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. When you apply for jobs, you can highlight your volunteering experience on your resume and in job interviews, demonstrating your skills, experience, and commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

In addition, volunteering abroad with GVI can give you unique experiences and insights that can set you apart from other job candidates. By working in different cultural contexts, you’ll have stories and experiences to share that demonstrate your adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving skills. You’ll also have a unique perspective on global issues and challenges, which can be valuable in many industries and roles.

When you’re crafting your resume and preparing for job interviews, be sure to highlight the specific skills and experiences you gained through your volunteering experience with GVI. This can help you stand out to potential employers and demonstrate the value you can bring to their organisation.

Volunteering abroad with GVI can be a life-changing experience that offers numerous benefits for your personal and professional growth. By developing valuable skills, gaining international experience, building a professional network, demonstrating your commitment to social responsibility, and enhancing your resume, you can increase your employability and set yourself apart from other job candidates.

If you’re considering volunteering abroad with GVI, take the time to research the different programs and opportunities available and choose one that aligns with your interests and career goals. When you return from your volunteer experience, be sure to leverage the skills and experiences you gained to advance your career and make a positive impact in the world.

By Petrina Darrah

Petrina Darrah is a freelance writer from New Zealand with a passion for outdoor adventure and sustainable travel. She has been writing about travel for more than five years and her work has appeared in print and digital publications including National Geographic Travel, Conde Nast Travel, Business Insider, Atlas Obscura and more. You can see more of her work at petrinadarrah.com.