Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice important skills used in the work place. If you’re considering a new career, volunteering can help you get experience in your area of interest and meet people in the field. You might feel more comfortable stretching your wings at work once you’ve gain these skills in a volunteer position. Volunteering offers you the chance to try out a new career without making a long-term effort. It is also a great way to gain experience in a new field. You can volunteer directly at an organization that does the kind of work you're interested in. Your volunteer work might also introduce you to professional organizations that could be of benefit to your career. Volunteer work is unpaid, but this does not mean the skills you learn are basic. Many volunteering opportunities provide a wide range of training. Volunteering can also help you build upon skills you already have and use them to benefit the greater community. For instance, if you hold a successful sales position, you can further develop and improve your public speaking, communication, and marketing skills.