Which looks better on a resumé: volunteering or working at a summer job (e.g. retail or restaurant)? I would love to do both but time constraints will, in all likelihood, not allow me to do so.
Thanks!
(Specifically for a university resumé)
Either one is fine…but can you work and also do some different volunteering? Most summer jobs are part time adn you should have time to volunteer
@bopper Thanks for the reply! For most of the positions I’ve looked at, you have to have a much longer commitment than just summer, and as I’m taking extra classes during the school year, I wouldn’t be able to work or volunteer until 8 or 9 on most days… So I’m forced to make this difficult decision…
What kind of volunteering?
Either choice would be fine, but I could see the volunteering having more upside b/c
a) commitment to service is universally recognized as a positive attribute for anything you will apply for (including scholarships); though this may be diminished if it’s apparent that it was done just to check a box
b) depending on the opportunity, there is a higher likelihood that you can eventually take on a larger role within the service organization you plan to work with, which would show a genuine commitment and looks impressive
If the volunteer opportunity doesn’t seem appealing at all, or if your income from working a summer job would help your family out, it’s reasonable to stick with the job
It is hard to imagine a high school volunteer job that completely prevents one from working any kind of summer job. Universities might want to see that you are good at time management.
There are many different ways you can go with this. Ultimately, it all depends on your passions and what you’re already doing.
Let’s say, for example, that you’re really into STEM and already participate in a bunch of STEM-related clubs and activities at your school. Maybe you’re specifically focused on the medical field. So, volunteering at a local hospital would be a good way to further that passion of yours and showcase that to colleges.
Alternatively, let’s say you decide to get a summer job at a restaurant. It may seem kind of random, BUT maybe you use all the money you earn to fund your own personal research project. That’s also pretty cool.
On the other hand, maybe you’re really into writing. All of your ECs relate to creative writing and journalism. Then volunteering at a hospital can seem very random. What’s the motivation behind it?
Colleges don’t just inherently prefer volunteering over a job (or vice versa). Choose something that relates to your passions, and that’ll draw them in. Your life is your story, and what you choose to do with your summer should tie into that somehow.
Thanks for the replies, everyone! @CheddarcheeseMN , the thing is that I already do have a volunteering position that I am passionate about, and I am trying to decide between taking on another position or taking on a part-time job. Once school starts in 1.5 months, I will have nearly double the typical high school course load, so I will not get out of school until late evening. Thus, given my current commitments, I have to choose between the two (unfortunately). Thanks!
^ Then I suggest that volunteering may generate diminishing marginal returns. Some volunteering is important and highly regarded. But after that, perhaps additional volunteering isn’t as impressive unless it all ties into your goals as stated by someone else above.
I would recommend the paid job unless the volunteer position will allow you to connect with people in your field or develop skills related to one of your interests. If you’re learning to program or gaining teaching experience, or you’re interested in working for a similar nonprofit organization after you graduate, it might be worth it. In other words, the volunteer work should be higher-level than what you would do at the paid job.