Students graduating with a bachelor’s degree are coming out of college ready to get their dream job, but often times many are met with disappointment. Why? Companies prefer candidates with experience. 

Good news! Volunteering increases the likelihood of being hired after graduating from college. Choosing a non-profit organization to work for during or after college can equip you with the experience and connections needed for your dream job.

Just a few hours a month will bring the needed results. Here are 5 examples of volunteer opportunities that are perfect for college students looking to add to their resume. 

Become a Kayak Naturalist

Become a volunteer Kayak Naturalist with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary’s Team OCEAN (Ocean Conservation Education Action Network) Hawai’i. This is an excellent option for someone who is in Environmental Studies, Hospitality & Recreation Management, or Communications. In this role, the volunteer learns about marine life in Hawaii and how to protect it, how to communicate with large and smaller groups, public speaking, and even basic management skills. More information about this opportunity is available here:https://handsonmaui.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=301150

Serve as a Mentor

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui is looking for adults to serve as a mentor for middle school-aged youth (also known as Littles). Middle school students and mentors (also known as Bigs) are matched in a one-to-one friendship and meet each week for an hour after school at the BBBS Mentor Center in Wailuku. This is an excellent volunteer option for someone who is majoring in Social Work, Childhood Development, or Liberal Arts. More information about this opportunity is available here: https://handsonmaui.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=477250

Help Maui’s Elders and Persons with Disabilities

Volunteer with Na Hoaloha. This non-profit agency provides support services to seniors or homebound persons with disabilities. Their mission is to help seniors live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. They strive to help prevent social isolation and loneliness for homebound kupuna through our services and programs. The multiplicity of volunteer opportunities available with this organization are excellent for a wide range of college majors including Nursing, Psychology, Communications, and Art. More information about this opportunity is available here: https://handsonmaui.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=477306

Disaster Response Team

Show your future boss that you are good under pressure and have a take-action personality, The Maui Red Cross is seeking volunteers to join disaster response teams on Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. The Hawaii Red Cross responds to disasters statewide every 4 days. Whether it’s one displaced family or thousands of disaster victims, Hawaii Red Cross volunteers are there to help. This is what the Red Cross is about – neighbor helping neighbor- down the street, across the nation, and around the world. Disaster training is provided free of charge. Volunteering with the Red Cross is not only rewarding but is a stand out experience for those who are seeking a degree in the medical field. More information about this opportunity is available here: https://handsonmaui.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=466274

Work with Wildlife

Pacific Primate Sanctuary is a nonprofit wildlife conservation organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of threatened, endangered and distressed primates. Since 1984, the Sanctuary has maintained a federally-authorized facility for threatened New World monkeys, many of whom have been donated from research laboratories and rescued from the exotic pet trade. If you are pursuing a major as a Veterinarian or even in the field of Environmental Studies this is right up your alley. More information about this opportunity is available here: https://handsonmaui.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=161911

Take Action

These are only a handful of examples of the volunteer opportunities that are available NOW to prepare you for your dream job right out of college! There are many more volunteer opportunities on our website. Feel free to browse the current volunteer needs here. https://handsonmaui.galaxydigital.com/need/