How to start volunteering during your PhD

In my previous blog, I shared the reasons why you should consider volunteering during your PhD journey. Volunteering not only broadens your horizons and life experiences but also offers a wide range of valuable benefits. However, a common question arises: “How can I effectively start volunteering?” Here are a few steps to help you prepare for your volunteering experiences:

Before starting your volunteering journey, it’s important to find your passion. What truly sparks your interest? Consider past experiences where you felt particularly engaged or enthusiastic. Ask yourself questions such as: In what areas do I feel compelled to get involved? How do I spend my free time? This self-reflection can provide valuable insights into your core interests. Diversifying your interests is also beneficial, allowing you to remain flexible and explore various volunteering opportunities. For instance, I include interests from both my professional and personal life. This kind of approach will provide you with valuable clues about the type of volunteering you want to pursue.

Once you have identified your interests, think about how your existing skills and expertise can benefit volunteer organizations. In volunteering, it’s important to consider not only what you gain but also what you can give. Whether it’s your research skills, technical abilities, or knowledge in a particular field, offering your expertise can make a significant impact. Identifying your skills and expertise can therefore be an important first step. For example, as a PhD student, regardless of your field, your research skills and time management are probably strong. Don't be afraid to recognize and leverage these skills.

While volunteering offers many benefits during the PhD process, it’s important to carefully consider your priorities and how much time you can allocate to it alongside your PhD commitments. The amount of time you can dedicate to volunteering will depend on several factors, such as the intensity of your PhD program, the stage of your studies, and the demands of your research project. To manage this effectively, create a schedule that balances your PhD tasks with the time you plan to devote to volunteering.

Once you have identified your interests, skills, and the time that you can allocate, it’s time to search for organizations that align with them. Look for organizations whose goals align with your interests, and read reviews from other volunteers if available. Review their websites to understand their volunteer needs, and reach out to them to ask specific questions about how you can contribute. After your search, compile a list of different facilities and organizations. Your volunteering journey can take you from your neighborhood to another city, from opportunities nearby to those far away. Don’t limit yourself when it comes to volunteering!

As you move forward with your volunteering, it's important to communicate effectively with the organizations. When approaching volunteer organizations, remain flexible. When you first contact a volunteer organization, start by having a detailed discussion about their needs and your interests. Ask questions about the organization’s goals, the specific responsibilities of the volunteer role, and how your skills can be utilized. This dialogue helps you align your efforts with the organization’s priorities and ensures that you are prepared for the tasks at hand. Don't worry - it's entirely possible to navigate these conversations successfully by staying open to new ideas and approaches. Effective communication can lead to a more productive and satisfying volunteering experience, benefiting both you and the organization.

Now that you have defined your interests and determined how much time you can spare, you have a clear idea of what you want. Embrace the opportunity to meet new people, immerse yourself in meaningful activities, and explore different environments. This helps you discover a different version of yourself. Last but not least, the most important thing is to enjoy volunteering!

Based on these tips, I hope you have an insight about how you can start such an exciting experience. Wish you the best of luck!