Volunteering in Canada is a cool thing! And we don’t say that in a “hippie, we should all sit together and sing kumbaya” kind of way. We say that because volunteering could play a crucial role in your journey as an international student in Canada, and we are going to tell you why!
Why Volunteer in Canada 🇨🇦
What makes volunteering in the Great White North a good idea? In addition to giving back to others and feeling good about yourself, volunteering is an excellent method to:
Build your Network: Have you ever heard the saying "your network is your net worth"? Volunteering broadens your social circle and introduces you to like-minded people.
Improve Your Skills: Build your resume and get real-world experience. Volunteering offers a wealth of abilities that are just waiting to be explored, from collaboration to leadership.
Get Some Canadian Work Experience: Having "Canadian work experience" may make the difference between an employer viewing your profile favorably or dismissing it entirely (Yeah, that’s right! Even though you are just a newcomer and that’s a silly thing to ask you to have). Thus, volunteering enhances your resume by adding relevant local work experience while also allowing you to give back to the community.
5 Ways to Get Started With Volunteering! 🚀
Online Platforms: Websites like Volunteer Canada, CharityVillage, and of course Indeed and LinkedIn, are commonly used by companies to post about volunteering opportunities.
University Bulletin Boards: Keep an eye out for posters or digital announcements on your campus. Universities often have partnerships with local organizations (or approach your school’s Career Services Department).
Local Events: Attend local events and workshops. You might stumble upon volunteering opportunities while enjoying the vibrant Canadian culture.
Public Libraries: Don't overlook your local library! A lot of companies (trust me, a lot) post volunteer opportunities on library bulletin boards, providing a great avenue for finding meaningful roles. Libraries in Canada are quite important in the community, and you can find many resources and tools that you can leverage to find opportunities. Try visiting the Vancouver Public Library, for example, you’ll see what we mean 😉.
Targeted Search: Make a list of companies or causes you're passionate about and search for volunteer opportunities directly with them. Sometimes, the best fit is just a tailored search away! So, sit down, think about this for a second, and try to come up with 10 companies (or at least 3 industries) you would like to work in. Then, search for opportunities directly in said companies or industries.
Ready to Dive In? Join Thrivve's Community! 🌟
Feeling inspired? We've got an incredible community of international students just like you at Thrivve! Join us to connect with peers, get tips, and share your volunteering experiences. Together, let's make our time in Canada even more enriching! 🌐✨
Ready to take the plunge? Click here to become a part of Thrivve's vibrant community!
Remember, every small act counts. Happy volunteering, and here's to creating unforgettable memories in the True North strong and free! 🍁✨
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