Volunteering and Internships Aren't Just for Résumés"
When it comes to college applications, extracurricular activities are more than just an item to check off. They’re opportunities to showcase and develop character, skills, and readiness for both college and one’s career. Not all experiences are created equal, though. Volunteering and internships (or externships) stand out as potentially transformative experiences that not only boost résumés but also tend to facilitate meaningful personal and professional growth.
Volunteering consists of unpaid work, often for non-profit organizations, and include a wide range of activities, including internships and externships. They may or may not require any special or well developed skills, and they can be a “one-off” experience or an extended commitment. They may or may not involve a professional environment.
Internships, on the other hand, are extended experiences that often require a modest degree of skill in certain areas, and they almost always involve a professional environment. Externships are similar to internships but they are usually of shorter duration and more observational in nature, but they still usually take place in professional settings.
Why Internships and Volunteering Matter
Volunteering and Interning (or “externing”) are about more than fulfilling community service hours or checking off a college prep checkbox—they help students make a meaningful impact upon others while developing essential skills and experiencing meaningful impact themselves. They are hands-on experiences in real-world settings where students apply their skills and academic learning in semi-professional contexts, which can be particularly impactful for students exploring potential career paths. Here’s how they help:
Leadership Development: Many volunteer and internship opportunities require students to take initiative, organize activities, or even lead a team. These experiences help build confidence, problem solving skills, and responsibility.
Empathy and Perspective: Working with others outside their normal contexts exposes students to different experiences, perspectives, and challenges, all of which foster understanding and compassion.
Commitment and Reliability: Consistent volunteering and long-term internships challenge and demonstrate a student’s ability to sustain commitment and their dependability.
Skill Acquisition: Internships and many volunteer roles require students to develop practical skills, from coding to customer service, that can’t always be learned in school.
Major/Career Exploration: Students can “test-drive” industries or roles to see what aligns with their interests, competencies, and goals.
Networking Opportunities: Internships and Volunteer experiences often connect students with mentors and professionals who can guide and support their future endeavors.
For example, a student interning as a tutor for younger children at a community center not only helps others but also develops or strengthens their patience, communication, teaching abilities, and offers an opportunity for the student to develop connections with professionals.
How to Find Opportunities
Finding meaningful volunteering and internship opportunities requires effort and strategy. Here are some tips to get started:
Tap into Local Resources: Nonprofits, community organizations, and small businesses are often eager to involve enthusiastic young people.
Use School Connections: Career counselors, teachers, and school clubs can provide leads on available opportunities.
Explore Online Platforms: Websites like Handshake, LinkedIn, and local job boards are excellent for finding internships that match your interests.
Leverage Personal Networks: Ask family friends or neighbors if they know of opportunities within their professional circles.
Making the Most of These Experiences
Once students secure a role, it’s essential to approach it with intention:
Set Goals and Challenge Yourself: Identify specific skills or outcomes you want to achieve.
Take Initiative: Don’t wait for instructions; look for ways to contribute and solve problems.
Reflect and Document: Keep a journal of accomplishments and insights. This reflection will make it easier to articulate your experience on résumés and in interviews. The challenges, growth, and problem solving can also provide great material for college essays!
Why These Experiences Matter to Colleges
Admissions officers are looking for students who not only excel academically but also demonstrate maturity, growth, depth of character, initiative, and an effort to contribute to their communities. Volunteering and internships often signal that a student is involved, committed, and eager to grow—qualities that can set them apart in the application process.
By thoughtfully integrating volunteering, internships, and externships into their high school years, students can create a résumé that tells a compelling story of growth and purpose. These experiences aren’t just about getting into college—they’re about discovering passions, building skills, and preparing for a fulfilling future.