When you’re a busy student, volunteering can feel like one more thing to fit into an already packed schedule. In a recent Countdown2College podcast, Marjorie Maas, CEO of Share Good, reminded students that giving back isn’t just about checking a box for a college application. It’s a way to grow your skills, explore your interests, and build a resume that shows who you are — not just what you’ve done.

It’s Not Just Hours

Many students start volunteering because they need to fulfill service hours for school, clubs, or scholarships. That’s totally normal! However, Marjorie emphasized that service is more than just a graduation requirement.

When you volunteer, you gain insight into the problems in your community and identify areas where you can make a positive impact. You also figure out what you’re good at, whether it’s working with kids, organizing events, solving problems, creating art, leading a team, or simply showing up consistently. That kind of discovery matters because it shapes your future choices. Volunteering helps you notice what energizes you and what doesn’t, which is exactly what college is about: finding your direction.

Pick Something That Fits You

The best volunteer experiences align with your interests. If you’re into animals, help at a shelter. If you enjoy art, volunteer at a museum or community center. If you’re considering a healthcare career, look for opportunities that involve serving patients or supporting public health initiatives. When your volunteering matches your curiosity, you’ll stick with it longer and learn more.

Marjorie encouraged students to use local volunteer databases when available, as they make it easy to search by cause, age requirements, and skills needed. If you don’t have a site like that near you, start with organizations you already know, like food pantries, libraries, schools, community centers, or nonprofits you’ve seen around town. Most have websites and contact information, and they’re usually happy to hear from motivated students.

If You’re Busy, Start Small

Not everyone has a lot of free time or easy access to transportation. Marjorie made it clear that those challenges don’t mean volunteering is off-limits. Some organizations offer short, one-time opportunities on weekends. Others need behind-the-scenes help that you can provide at home, such as writing thank-you notes, creating flyers, or assisting with social media.

And if you’re unsure what you can manage, be honest with a volunteer coordinator. Saying “Here’s what I can do” is a great starting point. Many nonprofits are flexible because they genuinely want students to be involved.

You’ll Meet People Who Help You Grow

Volunteering doesn’t just add a line to your resume — it adds people to your world. When you show up at a nonprofit, you’re working alongside adults who have careers, experience, and connections. If you’re curious about a field, volunteering can put you close to the people who do that work every day.

Marjorie shared that students often gain mentors, references, and even future job leads through service. You don’t have to network in a formal way. Being reliable, curious, and kind can leave a lasting impression.

Fundamental Skills, Real Proof

Colleges and employers love volunteering because it shows skills you can’t fake. Service teaches teamwork, communication, leadership, and follow-through. Even something as simple as helping with a food drive or sorting donations builds responsibility and patience. Taking on bigger roles, such as organizing a project or leading younger students, builds confidence and demonstrates initiative.

If you’re unsure where to start, consider your school. Events like drives, fundraisers, or community projects are easy entry points. Over time, you can move into roles that match your strengths.

How to Write It on Your Resume

When it’s time to list volunteering on an application, don’t just write “volunteer hours.” Show impact. A good description answers a few quick questions.

• What did you do?
• Who or what did it help?
• What skills did you use or build?
• What did you learn?

If your role was more general, put it under community involvement. If you led a project or used specific skills, like tutoring, design, tech, or organizing, describe it as real experience. That detail helps colleges see your growth and your potential.

The Takeaway

Volunteering is one of the simplest ways to build a stronger resume while also developing a stronger sense of self. Start with something small, try a few causes, and keep showing up. Every time you give back, you’re not just helping others; you’re learning what kind of person you want to become, and that story is exactly what colleges want to hear.