Volunteering is often seen as an altruistic act that benefits others in need, but it can also provide numerous benefits to the volunteer themselves. One of the most significant of these benefits is the development of important competencies that can be useful in a variety of personal and professional contexts.

In this guide, we will explore how volunteering can help individuals develop key competencies and skills that are essential to success in today’s world, while also showing how the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme can help you accomplish that.

 

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The UNV Programme – UN Volunteers Programme

First of all, let’s understand how volunteering can be your first step towards a successful international career. And this is through UN’s Volunteers Programme. The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is a global initiative that supports peace and development through volunteerism. It was established in 1970 and has since grown to become a major platform for individuals to contribute to sustainable development worldwide. The UNV programme aims to mobilize volunteerism as a powerful means of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

The UNV programme offers a variety of volunteer opportunities that range from short-term to long-term assignments in various fields such as education, health, gender equality, climate action, and many others. UN Volunteers are placed in host organizations around the world, including United Nations agencies, governments, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions. They work alongside local communities, providing essential support to help achieve the SDGs.

Volunteering with the UNV programme provides individuals with the opportunity to develop a range of competencies that are essential in today’s globalized world. Now let’s take a look at some of these competencies and why they’re crucial not only for an international career, but for ANY career at all.

Communication Skills

One of the most important competencies that volunteering can help develop is communication skills. Volunteers are often required to interact with a wide range of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and age groups. This requires effective communication skills that can help volunteers build relationships with others, explain their ideas and concepts clearly, and resolve conflicts when they arise.

Volunteering provides opportunities to practice and develop these communication skills in a safe and supportive environment. Volunteers may be required to give presentations, lead group discussions, or communicate with people who have limited English proficiency. Through these experiences, volunteers can learn to communicate effectively, listen actively, and respond to feedback.

 

Teamwork and Collaboration

Volunteering can also help individuals develop key competencies related to teamwork and collaboration. Volunteers often work in teams or groups to achieve a common goal, and this requires effective collaboration and coordination. Through volunteering, individuals can develop skills such as leadership, delegation, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

Volunteers learn to work with others, build trust and respect, and contribute to a collective effort. They also learn to appreciate and leverage the diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences of others, and work towards a shared vision or objective.

 

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

Volunteering can also help individuals develop key competencies related to problem-solving and critical thinking. Volunteers often encounter challenges or obstacles that require creative and innovative solutions. They may need to adapt to changing circumstances, respond to unexpected situations, or find ways to overcome barriers.

Through volunteering, individuals can learn to think critically, analyze complex situations, and develop effective strategies for problem-solving. They can also develop skills such as decision-making, risk assessment, and contingency planning, which can be valuable in many personal and professional contexts.

 

Flexibility and Adaptability

Volunteering can also help individuals develop key competencies related to flexibility and adaptability. Volunteers often work in dynamic and unpredictable environments, where circumstances can change rapidly. This requires individuals to be flexible, adaptable, and willing to learn new skills and techniques.

Volunteers learn to be open-minded, curious, and willing to take on new challenges. They also learn to be resilient, and to bounce back from setbacks or failures. These competencies can be valuable in many personal and professional contexts, as they enable individuals to navigate uncertainty, embrace change, and continue to learn and grow.

 

In conclusion, volunteering can be a powerful way to develop key competencies and skills that are essential to success in today’s world. By volunteering, individuals can develop communication skills, teamwork and collaboration, problem-solving and critical thinking, flexibility and adaptability, and many other important competencies. These competencies can be valuable in a wide range of personal and professional contexts, and can help individuals achieve their goals, fulfill their potential, and make a positive difference in the world.

With that in mind, check out our eBook, “Landing your dream job at the United Nations”, which will help you develop all competencies necessary to land your dream job at the United Nations System. It will introduce you to the complex world of the United Nations and it will guide you through all the stages of the selection process. Access:

eBook – Landing your dream job at the United Nations