--- title: Volunteering can make you a better candidate for the job and university of your dreams description: Discover how volunteering can be a key to unlocking your dream job or university in America! Volunteering is highly valued by American employers and universities and often deemed more significant than job experience in specific fields. Whether it’s personal growth or a competitive edge you seek, learn why volunteering should be part of your journey! image: https://blog.approachusa.org/hubfs/Fast%20track%20to%20success.png --- - [Contact Us](https://approachusa.org/contact-us/) - [Apply Now](https://approachusa.org/application-form-2/) Menu - [Programs of Study](https://approachusa.org/programs-of-study/) - [English as a Second Language (ESL)](https://approachusa.org/esl/) - [Test Preparation (TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, SAT)](https://approachusa.org/testprep/) - [Advanced Programs](https://approachusa.org/speccialty-programs/) - [ESL Teen Culture Program](https://approachusa.org/youth-programs/) - [Student Services](https://approachusa.org/student-services-2/) - [Join our Community](https://pages.approachusa.org/approachusa-community) - [Blog](https://blog.approachusa.org/) - [Academic & Career Advising](https://approachusa.org/academicadvising/) - [Student Activities](https://approachusa.org/academic-activities/) - [Students’ Success Stories](https://approachusa.org/students-success-stories/) - [Housing](https://approachusa.org/student-services/) - [Admissions](https://pages.approachusa.org/en-us/our-programs-usa) - [Apply from Abroad](https://pages.approachusa.org/applying-from-abroad) - [Tuition and Fees](https://pages.approachusa.org/tuition-and-fees) [![Approach International Student Center®](https://blog.approachusa.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Approach_USA_April2021/images/header_logo.png?height=500&name=header_logo.png "Approach International Student Center®")](https://approachusa.org/) - Call us today **[+1 617 787 5401](https://wa.me/16177875401)** - Email us **[admissions@approachusa.com](mailto:admissions@approachusa.com)** ![](https://blog.approachusa.org/hubfs/Fast%20track%20to%20success.png) # Volunteering can make you a better candidate for the job and university of your dreams Published by [Natassia Yahoub](https://blog.approachusa.org/roadmap-to-success-in-the-u.s/author/natassia-yahoub) on Oct 2, 2023 1:17:43 PM In America, volunteering holds a special importance in both work and education. It can often be more significant than regular job experience in a specific field, unlike many other countries. American employers and universities highly appreciate the dedication to community service and making a positive impact. Volunteering can make you more valuable to employers, especially for certain careers or college programs, compared to only having work experience.  According to the University of Wisconsin Madison’s website, here is what they are mainly looking for in their applicants, > “First, we focus on academic excellence and preparation. Beyond academics, we look for qualities such as leadership, contributions to your community, and achievement in the arts, athletics, and other areas.” So, if you want to have a more competitive edge when applying for jobs or university, consider donating your time and efforts to help the community. In the long run, this experience will help you make your way through your Roadmap to Success and achieve your final destination faster. **Other major benefits of volunteering:** - **Recommendations:** When you volunteer, you can get strong endorsements from supervisors and community leaders who appreciate your dedication. These recommendations boost your reputation in academics and work. - **Leadership Showcases:** Volunteering lets you demonstrate proactive leadership. Taking charge and making positive changes in a community or organization speaks volumes about your capability to lead, which is a big plus on resumes. - **Well-Rounded Profile:** Colleges and universities appreciate volunteering as it shows dedication to personal growth, community service, and social responsibility. It sets you apart from other candidates. - **Networking Opportunities:** Volunteering connects you with professionals from various fields. This can lead to internships, mentorships, and even job opportunities. It's a great way to expand your professional circle. - **Practical Learning:** It goes beyond textbooks. Volunteering allows you to apply what you've learned in real-world situations. This connection between theory and practice enriches your learning. - **Hands-On Skill Development:** Volunteering is a hands-on way to learn. You develop critical soft skills like communication, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. This practical experience enhances your academic journey. - **Cultural Competence:** In a globalized world, understanding different cultures is crucial. Volunteering exposes you to diverse perspectives, making you more culturally aware. This skill is highly valued by employers and academic institutions. - **Social Responsibility:** Both colleges and employers value a sense of social responsibility. Volunteering shows your commitment to the greater good, aligning with the values of institutions. - **Personal Growth and Adaptability:** Volunteering helps you grow personally and become more resilient and adaptable. These qualities are vital in a constantly changing job market. Volunteering isn't just a choice; it's a smart investment in your future. It offers opportunities to develop skills, build networks, and make a positive impact. By incorporating volunteering into your academic and professional journey, you position yourself as a well-rounded, socially responsible leader ready for success in a competitive world. Plus, you get the bonus of receiving valuable recommendations. ##### Would you like to volunteer? Here’s an opportunity to help: Some Approach students are organizing an art exhibition event that will take place in Somerville, MA on November 16, 2023. The goal is to raise funds to help underprivileged children in Africa and Northeastern part of Brazil through Baluarte USA, a non-profit organization we support. Any help is appreciated, regardless of talent or experience. [Sign up to volunteer here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1XB2Q-htSxIi-e8c_7Spl1qa4WhOB6Vez8NPaInu3M98/viewform?ts=6515cb17&edit_requested=true)!   Tags: [Roadmap to Success](https://blog.approachusa.org/roadmap-to-success-in-the-u.s/tag/roadmap-to-success) [Back to Blog](https://blog.approachusa.org/roadmap-to-success-in-the-u.s) ## Related Articles ## [Supercharge Your Journey with Approach's Mentorship Program “Fast Track to Success in the US”!](https://blog.approachusa.org/roadmap-to-success-in-the-u.s/supercharge-your-wait-time-with-approachs-mentorship-program-fast-track-to-success-in-the-us) If your aspiration is to study, work or reside in the United States, we are here to assist you in... [Read More](https://blog.approachusa.org/roadmap-to-success-in-the-u.s/supercharge-your-wait-time-with-approachs-mentorship-program-fast-track-to-success-in-the-us) ##### About Us Approach International Student Center is a well-established English language school located in Allston, MA, only 5 minutes away from Boston – one of the most dynamic student centers in the world. Surrounded by great colleges and universities such as Harvard University, MIT, Boston University (BU), and Boston College, we teach over 900 students every month ranging from 12 to 70+ years old. ##### Reach Us Boston: 196 Harvard Ave. #2 Allston, MA 02134 USA Marlborough: 11 Apex Dr B Office 101B, Marlborough, MA 01752 USA Phone: +1 617 787 5401 [admissions@approachusa.com](mailto:admissions@approachusa.com) - [Programs of Study](https://approachusa.org/programs-of-study/) - [English as a Second Language (ESL)](https://approachusa.org/esl/) - [Test Preparation (TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, SAT)](https://approachusa.org/testprep/) - [Advanced Programs](https://approachusa.org/speccialty-programs/) - [ESL Teen Culture Program](https://approachusa.org/youth-programs/) - [Student Services](https://approachusa.org/student-services-2/) - [Join our Community](https://pages.approachusa.org/approachusa-community) - [Blog](https://blog.approachusa.org/) - [Academic & Career Advising](https://approachusa.org/academicadvising/) - [Student Activities](https://approachusa.org/academic-activities/) - [Students’ Success Stories](https://approachusa.org/students-success-stories/) - [Housing](https://approachusa.org/student-services/) - [Admissions](https://pages.approachusa.org/en-us/our-programs-usa) - [Apply from Abroad](https://pages.approachusa.org/applying-from-abroad) - [Tuition and Fees](https://pages.approachusa.org/tuition-and-fees) © Copyright Approach International Student Center, Inc. 2026 All Rights Reserved [Privacy Policy](https://approachusa.org/privacy-policy/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Natassia Yahoub", "url" : "https://blog.approachusa.org/roadmap-to-success-in-the-u.s/author/natassia-yahoub" }, "dateModified" : "2023-10-02T17:17:43.809Z", "datePublished" : "2023-10-02T17:17:43.000Z", "headline" : "Volunteering can make you a better candidate for the job and university of your dreams", "image" : [ "https://blog.approachusa.org/hubfs/Fast%20track%20to%20success.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.approachusa.org/roadmap-to-success-in-the-u.s/the-benefits-of-volunteering-a-dual-path-to-academic-and-professional-success", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.approachusa.org/hubfs/2024%20APPROACH%20LOGOS%20%20(2).png" }, "name" : "Approach International Student Center" } } ```