85 In-spire
LS
Stop The Excuses- Take Charge Of Your Life Now
A
vast number of people work in sectors different to
their educational training. This is a trend that is very
common in today's world where skills and knowledge
are becoming increasingly transferable between various
sectors. For some of us, we studied a course based on
the promises of a bright and fulfilling career, parental
influence, prestige or financial incentives but soon found
out that it was not at all fulfilling as it promised to be.
So, how can we change careers? Are we able to do this
by proactive learning and become successful in the new
pathway or is the only way to making this a reality, re-
qualification?
I can suggest a means of changing a career, I can't
promise it is one you will like or even try especially as
we live in a society where "we look after number one".
However, I am advocating VOLUNTEERING as a means
to a new career.
Before I elaborate on the benefits, I want to be certain
that I am not misunderstood.
We are familiar with the term `volunteer' or `volunteering'.
Some definitions I like are:
· To perform or offer to person a service of one's own free
will.
· To do charitable or helpful work without pay.
I am suggesting that a plausible way of changing to a
different career is by offering to work for absolutely
nothing in your chosen sector. There are benefits to doing
so to you and also to the potential employer. The first
benefit to you is being given the ability to 'test the waters'
and deduce whether it is an area for you. Volunteering
will give you an insight not just into the sector but also
the employer and whether they live up to their ethos.
You will gain vital information that will help you identify
whether or not this career path is suited to you and your
needs.
A second benefit is that you would have made a firm
statement to a potential employer. A statement of service
and diligence, it takes an impeccable character to serve
freely as though it was paid service and guess what?
When the firm is recruiting, you will be top of the list
assuming you have good work ethics and conducts and
also the fact that they've trained you and would rather
not waste money training someone else from scratch.
Thirdly, you get free training and continuous professional
development as earlier mentioned. This will enhance your
chances of making that switch in career either within the
company you're volunteering in or to its competitors.
Other benefits to the employer is that they get to know
you as an individual and check you out. They too
deserve the chance to establish whether you're capable of
performing the relevant tasks you may be one day paid to
fulfil.
I personally know a lot of people who have managed
by volunteering first, to change careers between two
very diverse fields and are thriving in it. My conclusion
to the matter is this, volunteer in the area you wish to
start in, be diligent with your service and always seek
opportunities to learn and develop. I hope you succeed in
your chosen course of action.
About the author:
Iroro Agba is the co-creator of the organisation; Elevated
Development Ltd. Providers of Educational Support Needs.
Why Volunteering is The Pathway to A New Career
Words by Guest Columnist Iroro Agba @iroroagba
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