By Katie Tegtmeier (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: July 4, 2012
Volunteer work is not only a great thing to do for your community, it also looks great on a resume. Think of it as a networking opportunity that allows you to give something back. But where will you volunteer your time? What kinds of opportunities are available? There are many out there, but for those of you who are sports-minded, The BC Summer Games are an attractive option.
The BC Games are held both in the summer and the winter. The sports vary depending on the season, but encapsulate the best athletic talent our province has to offer. This gives opportunity to athletes within our province to compete and showcase their talents. Not an athlete? Well, this is where becoming a volunteer comes in.
For most people, what drives them is making a positive impact in their community. For Janna Dicken, volunteer registration chair for the 2012 Summer Games, this was exactly the case. “My favourite aspect [of the Games] is to see how everybody in the community can come together,” Dicken said, “whether they play sports, they don’t play sports, whether they are young or whether they are older.” So no matter your age or athletic talent, everyone is welcome to volunteer.
As busy as we students can get between work, class and homework, we can still make time to give back to our community. “It’s a great opportunity to give back,” Dicken explained. “It’s fun to bring out two or three of your friends and volunteer together.” So don’t let the possibility of not knowing any of the other volunteers stop you from volunteering. Bring a friend or two and make some memories together.
“You get to learn some skills,” Dicken said, “you are trained for the jobs that you are given.” So besides making a positive impact in your community and getting a great volunteer experience to add to your resume, you get free training that could be transferrable. There are opportunities to receive training for certain sports, as part of the security team, and elsewhere. There are many opportunities that match a wide variety of skill sets, interests and career aspirations.
If you are looking to apply for a job and need a little something to jazz up your resume, this is a great opportunity for that. Employers love to see volunteer work on resumes, as Dickens explains: “…employers would look at that, you obviously took the time to be a part of the community.”
If you are interested in volunteering but the commute to Surrey is unappealing, there are still events available for you. Some of the water sports will be held at venues between Chilliwack and Hope, and part of the rowing competitions will be held in Pitt Meadows. So wherever you live, there will be an opportunity for you to be a part of this wonderful event.
Whether you are a spectator who loves watching everything from lacrosse to synchronized swimming, or you are an eager individual who likes getting involved with fun events, the BC Games this summer in Surrey are for you. Become a volunteer, build your resume, and network. Chances are you will really enjoy being an active part in your community, and be back volunteering at the Games the next time around.
