This may be a weird question but in your opinion is it better to have work experience or to have some volunteer experience? By this I mean if you could volunteer to do the same work you could get a job and get paid for which better as far as future employers are concerned? I am in the current position where I do not need to work and so volunteering is an option for me. However I do not have much work experience within the last 5 years. So I am faced with the decision of seeking a part time job or seeking a few volunteer experiences. I just do not know if one is viewed better than the other when it comes to future job seeking?? Opinion???
I would imagine that if the subject matter is similar, employment would be better because it requires a greater level of accountability and commitment. Volunteers typically aren't placed "in charge" of things as often as employees are.
IMO getting paid for your efforts signifies a higher level of work. I know that this may not be universally true but I believe that, in general, if an employer compensates you for your work they value your efforts sufficiently and as was stated previously, they expect a requisite level of productivity and accountability. Volunteers show up when they feel like it and do what they feel like doing. No accountability, no expected productivity.
I don't disagree with the previous sentiments, but would like to add an additional perspective. The totality of the experience also matters. For example, the lab at which I am employed accepts interns from universities. This is a forensic lab and most interns are studying forensic science. These interns are not paid (volunteer) but are held accountable with grades and required research. They are required to keep regular work hours. The internship also provides very direct and relevant training and experience for them. If these interns were to get a paid position in an environmental lab it would still be relevant lab experience, but not as specific as a future employer might want. This assumes they achieve their goal of employment in a forensc lab. Sure, all things being equal the paid position is better, but how often are all things equal? In my experience, not too often.
In our (counseling) practice, time spent volunteering (even in a clinical capacity) does not count towards the salary algorithm. Nor does it count towards licensure (or other credentialing) time.
If I choose to volunteer it would have nothing to do with my counseling program directly. Just my attempt to gain some much needed experience period. My counseling program requires practicum and internships but those are not for another year. So in the mean time I was going to get some experience.
eilla05, It can be good to get your "foot in the door" so to speak. We do accept interns/practicum students and often hire the best of those we have. But their (volunteer) hours do not count toward their "work experience." Our (state) licensure requires that all staff have at least one year of employment in a clinical setting - that year of volunteer work does NOT count. If you're still fresh in your program, it might be a helpful idea to volunteer a few hours - particularly if you do so at a place that may be your practicum/internship site as they may view you favorably when it comes time to choose students to supervise. I suppose that its more about posturing at this stage of your education. Plus, it will give you an idea of what area of counseling you're most interested in working in once you've completed your degree.
