Nadia Izzanee is a fourth-year Digital Media student minoring in Professional Writing. As a storyteller, she explores global youth cultures, diaspora and amplifying marginalized voices in her academic work and through creative projects.
Being a student often means juggling classes, assignments and part-time jobs. We’re go-getters, but there’s another “side hustle” that often gets overlooked: volunteering. It doesn’t come with a paycheck, but it can pay off in ways you might not expect.
Volunteering is something I've loved ever since I was a kid. To me it was always a way of giving back and feeling rooted in my community. Now I’m at that stage where I must think about how those volunteering experiences might shape my future career. Landing a job isn’t easy, and when I first started applying I realized how competitive the process can be.
Volunteering bridged that gap for me. It gave me transferable skills and opened doors that might have otherwise been tough to push through.
More than just a passion, volunteering became proof of my values and my character. What surprised me most was how much it strengthened my resume and boosted my confidence in interviews. Employers were delighted to hear me reflect on my volunteer experience—not only because I’d done meaningful work, but because they could see it was something I truly cared about.
Volunteering isn’t just finding something to do in your spare time. It’s showing everybody out there who you really are."
What volunteering teaches you
Volunteering matters because it builds skills you can use everywhere—seriously everywhere. Whether you’re organizing events, mentoring or helping with social media, those experiences translate directly into how you work within a team, communicate and lead.
Volunteering with charities and schools pushed me to adapt my communication style for different demographics—something that helps me when tailoring social media messaging for my work now. Meanwhile, volunteering at local farms and community gardens had me practising my resilience. Gritty, hands-on jobs reminded me that hard work isn’t always glamorous—it's sometimes about rolling up your sleeves, connecting with new people and proving you can get the work done.
Along with building your repertoire, volunteering can also be your backstage pass into industries you might never have imagined stepping into.
Whether it’s agriculture, health care or the arts, it gives you a chance to test-drive new fields. Sometimes, those unexpected experiences spark passions—and even career paths—you didn’t know were waiting for you.
Showcase your volunteer work proudly
Don’t hide your volunteer work at the bottom of your resume. Treat it like the valuable experience it is. Highlight the skills you gained and the impact you made. Even if you think it’s small, you'd be surprised at ways it sparks meaningful conversations while networking and in interviews!
For me, volunteering was never just a line on paper, but a story I could tell. It showed not only employers but friends and family that I care about community, that I’m adaptable and I can bring energy to a team. And honestly, it reminded me that sometimes the best side hustle isn’t about money at all. It’s about meaning and the memories you make with it.
Volunteer resources at York
Finding the right volunteer opportunity can feel overwhelming, but York offers resources to guide you. Start with the Co-op & Career Centre’s volunteer placement resource, which outlines search strategies and connects you to additional tools. You can also explore opportunities through Experience York or check out LA&PS’s volunteer hub for faculty-specific options.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the Co-op & Career Centre’s annual Volunteer Fair—it’s a wonderful way to discover roles you might not have considered.
So, if you’re looking for a way to boost your resume, connect with people and maybe even discover a passion, consider volunteering. The good karma is just a bonus!