CREDIT: SMARTCOMMUTEHAMILTON.CA
Volunteering your time can help open doors to career opportunities by not only enhancing your resume, but by being able to meet like minded people.

Deciding to work for no pay can be a difficult decision for anyone to make, especially students who have debt, food and school expenses to worry about. But, the value in volunteering is priceless. The following are quotes from former students who have discovered extraordinary benefits from their volunteer work.

CAROLINE CAMERON

Graduated from: Media, Theory and Production — Broadcast Journalism (Western/Fanshawe)

Current job: Sportsnet On-Air Talent, Toronto

Volunteer work: "While in school I volunteered at RogersTV in London, which allowed me to work with industry professionals and get tons of experience on-air and behind the camera producing."

Why volunteer? "The volunteer work that I did while I was in school helped jump-start my career. Volunteering is great because it allows you to develop your skills and get practice in a fun environment. But with volunteering, you need to put the time in to get results. Without the experience I gained at Rogers, I wouldn't be where I am now."

JAMES INWOOD

Graduated from: Business Insurance (Fanshawe)

Current job: Sales Broker with Neziol Insurance, Brantford

Volunteer work: Public Relations Coordinator for Rotaract Club, Brantford

Why volunteer? "To get your name out there within the community, especially if you're discovering a new city after college. You meet other similar-minded and motivated individuals. When you're trying to make a name for yourself to further your business career, volunteering can spark that community involvement you've been looking for."

VERONICA BARAHONA
(Former Fanshawe Student Union President)

Graduated from: Corporate Communications and Public Relations (Fanshawe)

Current job: Communications Manager at College Student Alliance, Toronto

Volunteer work: "During my time at Fanshawe, I volunteered at the Children's Aid Society and other organizations through the Fanshawe Student Union. In my last year of school, I interned for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southwestern Ontario and helped organize the Go Blue Go Bald and Sweet Dreams campaigns."

Why volunteer? "Volunteering not only helped my community but helped me pick up some valuable skills. Employers are always looking for extracurricular involvement to see what other skills you can bring to the table. Take every opportunity to give back; it doesn't take much and it's a rewarding experience in so many ways."

ANGELA PATRICIA

Graduated from: Film Studies (Fanshawe)

Current job: Signed Model/Actress with Karisma Talent Group, Toronto

Volunteer work: "When I first started, I did a TFCD (Time for CD) shoot with photographer Mark Allan who has worked and shot other Canadian talent such as Avril Lavigne. He was really impressed when we first worked together and offered to manage and represent me and has been ever since."

Why volunteer? "To gain exposure, make contacts, expand and better your portfolio and gain experience ... you are given great opportunities."

BRAD DANKS

Graduated from: Bachelor of Arts, Political Science (Western)

Currently: Travelling Europe

Volunteer work: "I volunteered with the Making Waves program in London as a swim instructor for kids with special needs. I did it throughout my entire university career and loved every minute of it."

Why volunteer? "Besides the fact that it was very rewarding to see how kids would progress throughout the years, seeing the smiles on their faces made the work all worthwhile. I would say that volunteer work is valuable because it can open someone's eyes to find out what they really love to do. When people aren't motivated by money, they are doing the work because they truly enjoy it."