Plan Your Volunteer Experience - Health Careers Center, University of Minnesota

Wondering how to find a volunteer, internship, part-time job or other experience in health? Start by asking yourself the following questions:

Q. Which health profession(s) am I considering? What have I heard, read, or experienced that made me interested?

Q. Have I had any volunteer, internship, or work experience in health? Where and what were my duties?

Q. Have I had experiences where I have helped or taught people? (i.e. tutoring, summer camp counselor or recreation center activity facilitator, coaching a sport, etc.) What were my duties?

Q. What did I enjoy about the experiences? What did I find challenging or difficult?

Q. What skills did I use in my experiences? What skills would I like to work on?

Q. Where would I like to work in my next experience in health...hospital, neighborhood clinic, government agency, local non-profit organization or other places?

Q. Do I know organizations that I would like to work with? Which ones?

Q. Do I have or do I plan to get certifications? (i.e. Certified Nursing Assistant, CPR, first aid, others)

Suggested Next Steps:
Use web sites to identify specific positions and organizations you want to consider. Keep in mind that many positions require experience or training. You may have to start at a basic level and move up to more skilled work as you gather experience. Some University sites to review when seeking experience include:

Outside of the University of Minnesota:

Minnesota Council of Non-Profits

So, what's your next step? Get started by contacting a volunteer coordinator or by scheduling an informational interview with a health professional. Also, a great way to think of ideas is by brainstorming with your academic advisor or career counselor. Most importantly, write a to-do list and hold yourself accountable for making progress on it.