Thinking Outside The BoxGaining Employment Using
Volunteer Experience
Presented by: Angela Neal, Tracy Steele, and Julie Jacobs
PURPOSE
WHAT
Purposefully volunteer, gain experience, network, build resume
= GAIN EMPLOYMENT
HOW
Volunteer Experience
= Marketable Skills
WHY
Frequent moves &/or living in remote locations
= Employment Challenges
Employment Goal
Visualize Goal
Gain Experience
Network
Write Your Resume
Land Paid Employment
Value in Volunteering
Network
Fill resume
Gain transferrable skills
Find YOUR purpose
Your time is valuable
Use it wisely
You are worth it
Discover Your Marketable Skills
RESUME: Developed a multi-faceted
marketing campaign including digital
and print advertising which reached
over 200 people and increased
attendance by 10%.
Have you
tracked how
many views
from post and
how many
attended?
Have you
printed flyers to
advertise an
event?
Have you created
a flyer and posted
it on Facebook for
an event?
Building Your ResumeWITH VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Environmental Scientist Excerpt Job Summary – Environmental Scientist
• Draws conclusions and makes recommendations based on analysis.
• Interprets and records data, conducts analyses, compares findings to
relevant studies and local, state and federal regulations to ensure
compliance.
• Works under general supervision.
• 3+ years of experience in related field, preferably environmental
consulting for Federal, State, or private clients.
• Demonstrated knowledge and successful experience in planning and
implementing remedial investigations and designs.
Excerpt Job Summary – Environmental Scientist
Environmental
Scientist3+ years of experience in related field, preferably environmental consulting for federal, state, or private clients.
Demonstrated knowledge and successful experience in planning and implementing remedial investigations and designs.
Interprets and records data, conducts analyses, compares findings to relevant studies and local, state and federal regulations to ensure compliance.
Volunteer Opportunities for
Science Fields
▪ Environmental Department – Camp Foster
▪ Environmental Department – Kadena Air Base
▪ Banyan Tree survey
▪ Scope of work for a marine survey
▪ Wetland invasive species (Strawberry Guava) control
▪ GPS data collection (trails)
▪ Interpretive sign design/coordinate translation for Okuma
species
▪ Red Cross Disaster Preparedness Team
▪ DoDEA (STEM OUTREACH)
▪ Okinawa Beach Cleanup
▪ U.S. Naval Hospital
▪ Kadena Medical Clinic
▪ Health Promotions
Years of experience &
Planning investigations and
research
• Three years of experience monitoring and interpreting data related to the Strawberry Guava (wetlands invasive species) insect. Reports findings to government entity.
Works independently
• Works independently to anticipate and solve problems.
Collecting and analyzing data
• Surveyed teachers and students as related to STEM programs and made recommendations accordingly to increase program awareness and efficiency.
Transferrable Skill
or Duty
Tailored Transferrable Skill
Tailoring
Volunteer
Experience
Program Manager
Excerpt Job Summary – Program Manager• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3 years of experience in a project
management position or related environment, or equivalent combination of
education and experience.
• Demonstrated project management skills and success in leading
programmatic activities to successful completion.
• Proven ability to effectively communicate and interact with constituents at
many levels, such as program committees, esteemed pool of honorees,
members, and all levels of staff in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to address stakeholders' requests in a professional and timely manner
by responding promptly and effectively to questions.
• Plans, organizes, and coordinates outreach program and activities.
• Establishes and maintains positive relationships and partnerships with local
community leaders, college administrators, teachers, counselors, and other
parties.
• Designs and distributes to local area high schools and designated locations in
the community a variety of marketing and publicity materials, including but
not limited to college brochures and flyers, social media campaigns,
information booths, display tables.
Excerpt Job Summary – Program Manager
Program Manager
Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3 years of experience in a project management position or related environment, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proven ability to effectively communicate and interact with constituents at many levels, such as program committees, esteemed pool of honorees, members and all levels of staff in a professional and courteous manner.
Designs and distributes a variety of marketing and publicity materials, including but not limited to college brochures and flyers, social media campaigns, information booths, display tables.
Volunteer Opportunities for
Program Managers
▪ Gift Shops
▪ Thrift Shop
▪ Board Positions
▪ PTO
▪ Red Cross
▪ Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
▪ Help Oki
▪ MCCS Marketing Department
▪ USO
▪ L.I.N.K.S. Mentor
▪ Key Spouse
▪ Command Team Advisor
▪ Ombudsman
▪ Scout Leader
Years of experience &
Planning events
• Three years of experience coordinating, planning, and implementing large- and small-scale events working with internal and external stakeholders.
Multi-level communications
• Utilized various means of technology to improve communication to all demographics served and reduce communication lag.
Collecting and analyzing data
• Grew customer base by creating engaging social media posts and content resulting in an increase of followers by 56% year-over-year.
Transferrable Skill
or Duty
Tailored Transferrable Skill
Tailoring
Volunteer
Experience
Training & Curriculum Specialist
Excerpt Job Summary –Training & Curriculum Specialist
• A 4-year degree in Early Childhood Education or Child/Youth
Development or a related field such as Elementary Education,
Special Education, Family and Consumer Science (Early
Childhood emphasis) AND 3 years of full-time experience
working with children and/or youth.
• Knowledge of adult learning techniques and strategies and
experience training adult learners.
• Must have the ability to supervise and provide guidance and
leadership to employees and providers.
• Assists Program Assistants and Leaders by documenting
observations and assessments, evaluating classroom
environments, approving weekly lesson/activity plans, and
providing additional training when needed.
Excerpt Job Summary – Training & Curriculum Specialist
Training & Curriculum Specialist
Assists Program Assistants and Leaders by documenting observations and assessments, evaluating classroom environments, approving weekly lesson/activity plans, and providing additional training when needed.
Knowledge of adult learning techniques and strategies and experience training adult learners.
A 4-year degree in Early Childhood Education or Child/Youth Development or a related field such as Elementary Education, Special Education, Family and Consumer Science (Early Childhood emphasis) AND 3 years of full-time experience working with children and/or youth.
Volunteer Opportunities for
Training & Curriculum Specialist
▪ Board Positions
▪ PTO
▪ Red Cross
▪ Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
▪ USO
▪ L.I.N.K.S. Mentor
▪ Key Spouse
▪ Command Team Advisor
▪ Ombudsman
▪ Scouts
▪ Chapel/Church
▪ English Discussion Classes
▪ Teen Center
▪ DoDEA
Years of experience
• Three years of experience coordinating youth ministry education activities for 20 children on a weekly basis.
Supervise and coordinate training
curriculum
• Trained volunteer Board Member utilizing adult learning techniques and ensured comprehension via teach backs.
Coordinate and develop curriculum
• Led English Language Class serving low-income students at an after-school program in Japan. Developed all curriculum, documented assessments on progress, and performed evaluations.
Transferrable Skill
or Duty
Tailored Transferrable Skill
Tailoring
Volunteer
Experience
Resume Building Using Volunteer Experience
Tailor Resume to Job Description
Volunteer Work as Professional
ExperienceQuantify
Specific Language
Demonstrate Abilities and
Highlight Strengths
Volunteer For Career Change
R.N.
PAST SELF
Strategically Volunteer
Grow Network
Write the Right Resume
Training & Development
Specialist
FUTURE SELF
TAKING ON BOARD POSITIONS: PRESIDENT
RESUME BULLETS
Presides over monthly meetings; collaborates with Executive Board to make
budgetary and governing decisions.
Manages non-profit organization with annual budget of $140,000 and membership of 100
people.
Ambassador for the organization, leading delegations with community leaders and
elected officials.
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Public speaking Financial management Personnel managementAmbassador with community
relations
POSITION DUTIES
Presides over meetings Custodian of bank accountsLeads strategic planning for
organizationPublic face of organization
TAKING ON BOARD POSITIONS: ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR /SECRETARY
RESUME BULLETS
Organizes and manages a centralized database of organizational records using Google Drive to
efficiently disseminate information.
Builds and maintains strong working relationships with board members, community leaders, and vendors.
Coordinates and communicates meeting venue, dates, and amenities to membership
and prepares all meeting materials.
TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS
Well organized and detail oriented
Personnel relations Proficient in Google Drive Event Planning
POSITION DUTIES
Custodian of all records and documentation of organization
Records minutes and detailed record of business relations
Responsible for correspondence on behalf of the board with membership
Coordinates meeting locations and dates
TAKING ON BOARD POSITIONS: FINANCIAL OFFICER/TREASURER
RESUME BULLETS
Manages and maintains financial accounts and records with an annual budget of
$140,000.
Develops annual organizational budget offering cost saving options to optimize
financial growth.
Proficient in Excel and Google Spreadsheets.
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Meticulous financial documentation and
management
Proficiency in Excel and Google Spreadsheets
In-depth understanding of tax and audit requirements
Budget drafting and balancing
POSITION DUTIES
Manages all finances of organization to include incoming/outgoing monies and
drafting annual budget.
Reconciles accounts monthly and ensures audit and taxes completed
annually.
Provides financial explanations in a clear format for members.
FIND YOUR PURPOSE
• Marine Officers’ Spouses’ Club Okinawa, Naval Officers’ Spouses’ Club Okinawa, Okinawa Enlisted Spouses Club, Kadena Officers’ Spouses Club, North Island Officers’ Spouses’ Club Okinawa, American Welfare & Works Association, Okinawa International Women’s Club
Spouses’ Clubs
• Marine Gift Shop, Marine Thrift Shop, Kadena Gift Corner, OESC Thrift Shop & Uncle Sam’s Attic, Fleet Gift ShopGift & Thrift Shops
• Advisor, Assistant, Key Spouse, OmbudsmanCommand Teams
• Youth Sports, Library, Beach Clean Up, Tutor, PTO board, Scouting Leader, English Discussion Teacher, Dragon Boat Team Community
• American Red Cross, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Naval Hospital, Environmental, LegalProfessional
HOW TO LEVERAGE VOLUNTEERING ON LINKEDIN
Getting Started –adding a profile picture
Skills & endorsements
50 SKILLS WITHIN YOUR PROFILE
Linkedin.com/military
Adding Volunteer Experience
LOCAL MCCS RESOURCES
MCCS Volunteer Program
• www.mccsokinawa.com/volunteer
• Passport to Volunteering
• Power Hour: Volunteer Learning Series
• Volunteer Management
• President’s Volunteer Service Award
• Volunteer Service Award
• Earn FREE Microsoft Classes by volunteering
Professional Development
• www.mccsokinawa.com/mcftb
• Interpersonal Communication
• Office of the Secretary Defense (OSD) Certified Briefer
• Franklin Covey Series
• Four Lenses
• www.mccsokinawa.com/training
• Computer classes
• Presentation Skills
• Language Classes
• Cross Cultural Communications
Family Member Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP)
• www.mccsokinawa.com/fmeap
• Resumé Writing
• Federal Government Employment process
• Ace the Interview
• Career Assessment
• Professional Communication
• Job Fair Success
Case Scenarios
• MilSpouse married 6 years, 2 small children, living in Okinawa. Went to school for graphic design but has not found paid employment using her degree; has no professional experience in graphic design. Needs an income to help support the family so was able to secure part time employment as a substitute teacher.
• What volunteer roles will help her earn paid employment using her graphic design degree?
Anita Job
• MilSpouse married 17 years, 2 school aged children, living in Okinawa. Had a previous active career as R.N. but found it challenging to get work as a nurse on island so chose to volunteer in other areas of interest instead. Took on multiple leadership roles in different non-profit organizations, managing budgets and people. These roles have inspired her to seek a career change.
• What steps should Wanda take to work towards a career change?
Wanda Getpaide
• MilSpouse married 1 year, no children, living in Okinawa. Had 1 semester left of college prior to moving. Has dreams of running a nonprofit. Unsure of what employment is available on island so has taken on several volunteer positions.
• What can Phil do in Okinawa to set himself up for success?
Phil Myresume
Questions?