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The Value of Volunteering and Short-Term Projects for Career Growth
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Posted in Candidates, Recruitment, Training & Development on Aug 01, 2025 by Keeley Edge
When people think about growing their careers, they often focus on full-time roles or long-term positions. However, in today’s changing job market, temporary projects and volunteering can be just as valuable in helping you develop professionally and stand out to potential employers.
Whether you are between jobs, considering a career change, or looking to build your confidence, short-term opportunities can offer much more than just something to fill the gap.
Why Volunteering and Short-Term Projects Matter
Here are some of the key ways they can support your career development:
Build new skills without a long-term commitment
Volunteering or taking on a project role allows you to gain hands-on experience in areas you might not have worked in before. These opportunities often give you the chance to stretch your skills or learn new ones, whether in event planning, digital marketing, fundraising, or project coordination.
Show employers you are adaptable
Hiring managers value candidates who can adjust quickly and work well in different environments. By taking on various roles or volunteering for different organisations, you demonstrate that you are flexible, quick to learn, and comfortable working with different teams.
Turn employment gaps into something positive
Career gaps are increasingly common, but what matters is how you use that time. Volunteering or taking on short-term work shows that you stayed active, committed to learning, and continued to contribute. This helps reframe gaps in employment as periods of professional and personal development.
Grow your network
Volunteering and short-term work can connect you with people you might not meet through traditional employment. These new contacts could become future colleagues, mentors, or sources of job opportunities and references.
Explore a new career path or sector
If you are thinking about changing careers, volunteering or project-based roles provide a great way to explore a new industry without committing to a permanent move. This allows you to build experience and confidence while deciding if the new path is right for you.
How to showcase these experiences on your CV
If you have volunteered or worked on short-term projects, make sure to include them on your CV. Focus on the skills you used, the responsibilities you had, and the outcomes you achieved. Treat these roles with the same importance as your paid employment and tailor them to the types of jobs you are applying for.
Even a few hours a week helping a charity with administration, marketing, or community projects can highlight transferable skills such as teamwork, initiative, and strong communication.
Where to Find Opportunities
Volunteer Centres and Local Charities – These often offer flexible, skills-based roles that fit around your schedule.
Online Platforms – Websites such as Reach Volunteering, Do-it.org, and LinkedIn regularly list short-term and voluntary roles.
Professional Bodies – Some industries have mentoring schemes, project-based work, or voluntary board roles.
Small Businesses and Start-ups – Many are open to support on a temporary basis, which offers a great opportunity for practical experience.
