How can I have a career in volunteering abroad?

Volunteering? Likely career path elementary education or social work?

• Hello, I'm 16 (almost) 17 years old in CT. I am a junior in high school and I'm hoping to go on the college path towards (most likely) an elementary school teacher or (less likely, but still a possibility) a social worker. I love kids and I believe that either of those options would be a good career path for me. I'm aiming to get in to Central Connecticut State University (CCSU). What would be good ways to volunteer to give back as well as boost my applications a little? Any specific ideas or programs would be greatly appreciated.... Thanks!

• Answer:

  Definitely volunteer in a school. When I was in high school and college I volunteered in the school district that I knew I eventually wanted to work in. I volunteered in all different classrooms. Our high school had a volunteer program already set up, but if yours doesn't, try calling the schools and telling them that you would like to volunteer and would like to know who to contact about volunteering. Some school websites also have a portion on their page that says who to contact if you want to volunteer. Also, if you are ever looking for a summer job, look at your local recreation department. Sometimes they have tutoring programs or programs for children with special needs that look great on resumes and they give you a lot of great experiences too. It will also give you a lot of great ideas for when you have a classroom of your own. When you graduate from college you will send out your resume, letters of recommendation and a cover letter. When you volunteer you will meet people from the schools that will possibly be able to write you letters of recommendation. It always looks good when you have someone from the district you are applying to writing you a letter recommending you for a job. Also, right on my cover letter I had written something about volunteering over 100 hours in the district. I really do feel that this helped me get an interview. Good luck!