Firstly, let’s define who a volunteer is? This is a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task or a person that works for an organization without being paid. Yep without being paid, you read that right. Some organizations offer to pay tokens but it’s not very common especially because you offered. 

I know, I know you’re probably asking how you can earn from this ? We live in an age where it’s all about the bag (money) but volunteering in organizations is a great way to help build whatever your brand is.

As much as you want to soar immediately, when you identify your skill it’s not wise to do so. It’s probably wiser to attach yourself to a body that is already involved in the service you’re interested in. 

How to volunteer?

• – Identify what skill you want to grow in: sit down and search out what skill you’re interested in and count the cost.
• – Read! Read! Read!: for a generation that has so much information at our fingertips, we barely soak in information and the internet is literally at our disposal. It is also advisable to get certified in your chosen field since it would help in resumes and professional profiles but most importantly be able to defend your certification. I mean it is one thing to be certified by Google as a data analyst, it is another thing to actually be a data analyst.
• – Search for companies or organizations offering this service: While being certified is great and all, putting what you have learnt is important at least to practicalize what you have learnt. Your certification is not complete until what you have learnt takes shape.
• – Apply everywhere and don’t limit yourself : You are called to shine, don’t let fear hide that part of you.
• While waiting make sure you continue to read and be on the lookout for opportunities, yo can even tell friends and family about what you do and they’d maybe push some opportunities your way.

The most important thing is to be true to yourself.  Start somewhere and grow from there.