Give time, gain experience: The benefits of volunteering

Looking for ways to build skills, explore career interests, and make a difference in your community? Volunteering can do all of that and more! While many students think of volunteering as something that helps with scholarship applications or resumes, the benefits often extend far beyond that.

In a recent episode of Countdown2College, Gage spoke with Cathleen Plager, executive director of ServeNebraska, about how volunteering can help students grow personally, professionally, and academically while making a positive impact on their communities.

Why does volunteering matter?

At its core, volunteering is about giving your time and talents to help others without expecting anything in return. It is also an opportunity to become a more community-conscious and responsible person. Whether you’re helping at a local event or supporting a cause you care about, volunteering allows you to contribute to something larger than yourself while gaining valuable experiences along the way.

How can volunteering help students explore future careers?

One of the biggest benefits of volunteering is the opportunity to explore potential career paths before making a long-term commitment. Cathleen shared that many people spend years earning a degree only to discover later that the field is not what they expected. Volunteering can help students gain firsthand experience, explore interests, and better understand what a career is like before investing significant time and money in that pathway.

What skills can students gain through volunteering?

Volunteering provides hands-on experiences that help students develop skills useful in both college and future careers. Depending on the opportunity, you can strengthen your:

Leadership skills.
Communication abilities.
Teamwork and collaboration.
Organization and time management.
Problem-solving skills.
Patience and adaptability.
Professional networking skills.

These experiences help you grow in ways that are difficult to replicate in a classroom, as you learn while actively contributing to real projects and organizations.

How can volunteering fit into a busy schedule?

Many students worry they don’t have enough time to volunteer while balancing classes, extracurricular activities, jobs, and college planning. However, volunteering does not have to require a major time commitment to be meaningful. Even a few hours each month can provide valuable experiences and help you stay connected to causes you care about. When students find opportunities that align with their interests, volunteering often feels less like another obligation and more like a rewarding part of their routine.

How does volunteering create opportunities for the future?

Volunteering introduces you to new people, experiences, and perspectives. It can help you build professional connections, meet mentors, and develop relationships with others who share similar interests. These connections can lead to future opportunities in college, internships, careers, and community involvement. Employers also value candidates who demonstrate a commitment to their communities, reflecting responsibility, initiative, and a willingness to contribute beyond personal gain.

Final advice to get started volunteering.

Cathleen encouraged students to consider the causes, careers, and skills that interest them and to volunteer to explore those areas. Schools, local organizations, and volunteer platforms can all help students find opportunities that match their interests and availability. Volunteering isn’t just about adding a line to your resume. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, make connections, and leave the world a little better than you found it.

June 9, 2026 · Season 2 · Episode 45