The link between volunteering and personal growth

Volunteering is not just a way to help others; it is also a powerful tool for personal growth. Many young people across Europe participate in volunteer activities, gaining important skills and opportunities that help them take their first steps in their careers.

Key Motivations for Youth Volunteers

Youth volunteering is becoming increasingly important as it provides young people with unique opportunities for development. According to the research of SNAC (Mapping and Analysis of Research on Youth Volunteering in Europe), the most popular motivations for volunteers include the desire to use time between school and further education in a purposeful way and for personal growth (40-50% of respondents), getting to know a specific professional sector or work environment (30%), and the wish to learn something new (30%).

Additionally, the most important motivations for young people in volunteering are personal growth, the desire to help others, and the quest for new knowledge. The most significant factors for young volunteers are self-development (19%), helping others (18%), and gaining new experiences (18%). This emphasizes the importance of volunteer work not only for society but also for the volunteers themselves.

Experience Gained through Order of Malta in Estonia Projects

Volunteers participating in the projects of the Order of Malta in Estonia can gain a wide range of experience that will be valuable in their first job. For example, involvement in projects supporting the elderly or assisting those in need helps develop interpersonal communication and emotional intelligence skills, which are essential in any social or customer-facing role. Volunteers can also gain experience in event organization and team coordination, which is crucial for careers in project management and leadership. Projects related to crisis response and emergency services teach volunteers how to work under pressure and make quick decisions, skills particularly useful in healthcare, social support, and management sectors. These skills and experiences give volunteers a competitive advantage in the job market, helping them successfully launch their careers.

The Value of Volunteer Experience for Employers

Today, many companies value candidates with volunteer experience because it demonstrates their ability to adapt, solve complex problems, and work in teams. Furthermore, volunteers often gain access to training and professional development, which significantly enhances their employment prospects. Although the Order of Malta in Estonia has not been operating for long (we celebrated our one-year anniversary in May 2024), some of our young volunteers have already gained valuable experience, and we see real interest from employers in Tallinn.

Volunteering as a Gateway to Career Success

Volunteering is a unique opportunity for young people not only to help others but also to acquire valuable skills that will assist them in building their careers. Participation in such initiatives opens new doors for personal and professional growth. No matter what field a young person is interested in, volunteering can always be an excellent starting point for a successful career.