Volunteering: A Strategic Pathway to Career Growth and Leadership Development
-By Christine Ball, CPC Executive Director –
In today’s evolving world of work, volunteering offers more than just a way to give back—it’s a powerful strategy for personal and professional growth. For career development professionals and the clients we support, strategic volunteering can play a key role in building skills, expanding networks, and increasing employability.
The Career-Enhancing Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering allows individuals to develop and demonstrate a wide range of transferable skills. Whether organizing an event, mentoring others, or contributing to a board, volunteers gain experience in communication, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork—highly valuable skills in today’s job market. These roles also provide real-world experience that can help bridge gaps on a résumé or offer a stepping stone into a new industry or career path.
Strategic volunteering also helps individuals build meaningful relationships with others in their field. Volunteers naturally expand their professional network by contributing time and talent to a cause, often leading to mentorship, referrals, or job leads.
A Personal Story: Lessons from Peterborough Hospice
In my professional journey, volunteering has been a powerful teacher. My time with Peterborough Hospice profoundly changed the way I approach leadership. Being present for individuals and families navigating pain, loss, and transition helped me better understand the human side of grief—its depth, its silence, and the strength it demands.
Through this experience, I’ve developed greater emotional resilience and a deeper sense of empathy. These qualities have influenced how I lead teams, resolve conflict, and support others through change in my organizational role. I’ve learned to hold space for discomfort, listen without judgment, and lead with compassion—all critical leadership traits cultivated through volunteer service, not a classroom.
Volunteering with Your National Association
Volunteering with your professional association is one of the most effective ways to build relevant experience. Career Professionals of Canada (CPC) provides a rich platform for involvement for career development practitioners across Canada. Members can contribute by joining a team, writing content, participating in Special Interest Group Panels (SIGs), or even participating in awards and certification reviews.
Volunteering with CPC not only builds confidence and community but also enhances credibility. You gain direct experience working with a national organization, collaborate with professionals from coast to coast, and become part of something bigger than yourself. These experiences help members stay current, grow professionally, and develop leadership skills in a supportive environment.
A Pathway for Clients: Gaining Experience Through Volunteering
Volunteering can be a game-changer for clients navigating unemployment, underemployment, or career change. It offers a proactive way to fill employment gaps, gain Canadian work experience, test out a new field, or develop new competencies in a low-risk environment. Many clients may not realize the strategic value of volunteering—it’s not “just helping out.” It’s a form of experiential learning that can be leveraged to reach long-term goals.
As career professionals, we can guide clients to identify opportunities that align with their career interests and skill development needs. Whether helping a newcomer connect with local networks or encouraging a recent graduate to gain hands-on experience, volunteer work can be part of a thoughtful career strategy.
Final Thoughts
Volunteering is often viewed through a lens of generosity, but it’s equally about growth. When individuals give their time and talents, they gain confidence, insight, and capability. Volunteering is not a detour for career development professionals and the clients we support—it’s a direct path to career advancement.
Whether you’re stepping into a leadership role at your local hospice, volunteering with a national association like CPC, or helping a client find their next opportunity, never underestimate the power of purposeful service to transform lives—and careers.