In the world of work, there is an asset that helps a candidate stand out when applying for jobs. This asset is known as volunteering. Volunteering is a key trait that employers value.
If you are looking for a platform to start gaining experience, look no further, your search ends here! Read more on why you should join Professionals & Coffee!
1. Portfolio Development
One of the best ways an individual can highlight their skills and achievements in any volunteer or job position is by building a portfolio. A portfolio is a great tool to have to show recruiters and employers work samples and high-quality visuals. It shows credibility as a learner or working professional who keeps their accomplishments organized. This can be made on a digital software such as Canva and it can be uploaded onto your LinkedIn profile. By volunteering at Professionals & Coffee, you can showcase your skills in public speaking during a coffee chat, your creativity in a social media post as well as blogs/articles on topics that you are passionate about.
2. Networking Opportunities
By joining Professionals & Coffee, you will have discounted access to a wide variety of discussion panels, networking events and more opportunities to collaborate with like-minded peers in the public relations industry. Networking is a valuable tool for anyone wanting to seek knowledge in their career field, such as Public Relations. For example, let’s say you are touring a public relations firm as a networking event in Toronto. At the event, you will have close access to individuals who have worked at the firm for several years as they can give you guidance on how to navigate your early career years.
Networking also gives you the confidence to be able to speak to PR professionals, hiring managers and more senior workers who can give you tips on how to navigate the industry. Not only that, if an employee catches your impressive elevator pitch while you introduce yourself, they may be able to connect you to a job position as well! The benefits of networking are endless, as you form new connections in the industry, you are also staying updated on the current news and trends happening. You can also learn about different cultures and backgrounds from various individuals as you form new friendships!
3. Reference Letter
After you have joined and volunteered with Professionals & Coffee, you will receive a reference letter from the founder and host of Professionals & Coffee based on your contributions. This will be a helpful step towards obtaining a job with an employer as you have an official document signed by the founder of PR & Coffee, Carolina Salinas.
4. Add value to your resume
According to a blog written by Heather Karbi on Niagara College’s website, volunteering is an asset that shows an impressive amount of dedication to your work and compassion for others — two positive traits that make for a great future hire. (Karbi, 2023). You can showcase skills such as teamwork, time management, social media or marketing tools you have used, communication, problem-solving and organization. These skills can be an advantage as transferable skills can be used into any future volunteer positions as well as job positions.
5. Gain and retain skills
When you volunteer with Professionals & Coffee, you will be able to develop new skills as well as update your existing skills. You will have the chance to showcase your knowledge and skills in a wide variety of positions at Professionals and Coffee, such as hosting coffee chats, becoming a blog writer and a social media content creator. This is crucial to building success as a PR professional.
6. Visibility on social media platforms
At Professionals & Coffee, we want to highlight the amazing contributions our members put into their hard work. That’s why when you collaborate with Professionals & Coffee, you will get featured on our nine social media channels. This gives a wider visibility online, and your profile might catch the attention of professionals working in the career fields of public relations, media relations, marketing, and graphic design!
Professionals & Coffee is a platform for public relations, marketing and communications professionals, international/domestic students, graduates and anyone who wants to learn and apply their knowledge to a growing community of learners. Become a storyteller to help inspire and collaborate with others!
What are you waiting for? Sign up today by emailing [email protected] to become a member and experience all these amazing benefits! As an exclusive offer for all new members, you can save 10 per cent off your annual membership fee.
Don’t delay, apply today!
Here is the post on Instagram for more information: https://www.instagram.com/p/D
Resources:
The Benefits of Volunteering as a Student
https://www.niagaracollegetoron
to.ca/blog/the-benefits-of-volunteering-as-a-student
Membership benefits