Brushing up resume by volunteering but not sure what I want

[Ummto4]

So ... I've been out of the work force for almost 10 years now. The next school year 2016-2017, I'm planning to put all my kiddos at school so I can start brushing up my resume by volunteering. Problem is ... I'm not sure what kind of job I want, so I'm having difficulties in determining what kind of volunteering opportunity I would need.

 

I was a scientist in my past life. My last job was as a postdoctoral research fellow in one of medical school in Houston. I sort of love  research but found it pretty lonely. I loved it when I got to mentor undergrad/grad students in the lab. I love that sort of interaction.

 

SO I don't think I would like to go back to lab research.

 

Right now, I'm teaching religious weekend school - I've been doing this for 7 years. I also develop curricula for that school. This is something that I enjoy - not so much of the teaching, but more of developing curricula.

 

It seems that I like these followings:

 

- mentoring/tutoring (one-on-one interaction)

- some kind of counseling/advising/support - e.g. for disadvantaged students, cancer patients and family, refugees, etc. I feel this kind of work will be meaningful to me.

- designing training/program/curricula/scheme.

- teaching (may be -- but only at community college level, not K-12).

 

What kind of volunteering jobs I would need ?

I'm thinking of:

- volunteering tutoring in Houston Community College (yes, they have this program)

- volunteering in MD Anderson Cancer Center /Methodist/St.Luke -- they have a robust volunteering program, but not sure yet what kind of programs they have.

- volunteering tutoring at risk students. I saw a non-profit organization called Community in School which specializes in lowering the drop-out rate of at risk students. They have volunteer openings at a school district next to mine. THe cons is that whatever program they have would be after school programs, and my kiddos would be out of school. So unless I can get my husband to go home earlier, I may not be able to participate in this. Or is it possible they have day program ?

- library - but this doesn't seem to line up with my goals, right ? Unless I can get experience developing a program there.

 

Any ideas ?
TIA

 

[madteaparty]

 

All this seeming irrelevant info to tell you, cast a wide net because the decision may be made for you.

Deleted the rest bc TMi and irrelevant to boot

Edited December 10, 2015 by madteaparty

[Ummto4]

 

 

NM

Edited December 10, 2015 by Ummto4

[Ummto4]

If you enjoy mentoring/counselling, you could look for a program similar to one that runs here, where mentors are trained to support young teen mums as they continue with their education.

 

I've been reading a bit about returning to work ( 18 years out of the work force, anyone ? ) and a type of volunteering highly valued by employers is serving on boards - even if it's 'just' a school. Also volunteer work where you created something - a program, an app, an ebook, a service organization, a charity drive etc.

 

Honestly, I think putting almost anything on a resume will be better than SAHM, kwim ? It shows you are proactive, adaptable and will give you a set a current referees. So spending volunteer hours on something you enjoy makes sense to me.

 

I wouldn't bother with the library. 

 

Good luck!

 

Thanks ...

 

So what do you end up doing ?

 

[madteaparty]

Nm

Edited December 10, 2015 by madteaparty

[Joker]

I've started substitute teaching to get experience for my resume. I've stayed home for 16 years and knew it would be hard. I may just stick with substituting for a while because I keep busy and can pick the grades/classes I want as well as hours (lots of half day subbing opportunities as well).

[TechWife]

18 years out of the work force, anyone ? 

 

:seeya:

[TechWife]

I worked in healthcare administration. I am sticking my toe back in by volunteering at one of our area hospitals. I chose carefully based upon experience with the hospital (they save my son's life, no small thing), location and the number of potential job opportunities. It is a large hospital system, so I thought the chances would be higher of eventually finding a job match there. 

 

Fair warning that applying to volunteer can seem like applying for a job, at least at this hospital. The volunteers are hired to fill a specific role, and those are listed in a manner similar to their job bank listings.  I had to fill out a complete application and provide two references. Once I did that, they called me in for an interview, where I signed papers authorizing a background check. Once I passed that hurdle, I had to take my immunization records (which were actually titer results in my case) to occupational health and have them sign off on them. I had to do a TB test, since I hadn't had one since I'd been staying home. If I hadn't had records, occupational health would have done blood work for titers at no cost to me. 

 

I really enjoy what I am doing there and I will probably be able to add another volunteer role onto this one after the start of the year for some variety and to expand my experience. 

 

Wow - that was probably more than you wanted to know - I seem chatty tonight!

 

ETA: I also had to have a flu shot by the end of October - it is a requirement for all positions there. I mention it because some folks don't like having immunizations, but in healthcare, it's not negotiable - you either have titers that show immunity or you get boosters. For the flu, since it changes every year, you have to get it every year. 

 

 

Edited December 11, 2015 by TechWife

[Catwoman]

Have you considered applying for a few "real" jobs instead of volunteering? You might be surprised and get hired, based on your past education and work experience, combined with your more current experience designing curriculum for the religious weekend school. You can also put a very positive spin on your work as a homeschool teacher and curriculum designer for your own children.

 

I guess what I'm saying is not to sell yourself short. Don't assume no one will hire you unless you keep applying for jobs and not getting them. You might be a far more valuable job candidate than you realize. :)

[*****]

You are very smart to reach out and ask the board here.  I went through the same thing last year (but didn't think to ask). I had been out of the work force for 20 years, and now that my kids are nearly grown, thinking about going back to a paid position is not an easy decision. I have a teaching certificate, but so much has changed in the last 20 years, I am not sure I want to go back. I have thought about working with the elderly, and I seem to have a real heart for that age group when I think about it.  I have begun to tutor children.  My students are being successful, so that is giving me confidence that I can still teach outside the home! 

 

I am curious about how one would go about finding a job in designing curriculum. That sounds like a good avenue for you.  Best of luck and just take your time.  It will all come together!

[Ummto4]

I've started substitute teaching to get experience for my resume. I've stayed home for 16 years and knew it would be hard. I may just stick with substituting for a while because I keep busy and can pick the grades/classes I want as well as hours (lots of half day subbing opportunities as well).

 

DO you have to have certification for this ? Like alternative teacher certification ? And is it hard to find subs jobs ? Does the district have a list of subs jobs and you can pick and choose the timing, the subject, and the school ?

[Ummto4]

I worked in healthcare administration. I am sticking my toe back in by volunteering at one of our area hospitals. I chose carefully based upon experience with the hospital (they save my son's life, no small thing), location and the number of potential job opportunities. It is a large hospital system, so I thought the chances would be higher of eventually finding a job match there. 

 

Fair warning that applying to volunteer can seem like applying for a job, at least at this hospital. The volunteers are hired to fill a specific role, and those are listed in a manner similar to their job bank listings.  I had to fill out a complete application and provide two references. Once I did that, they called me in for an interview, where I signed papers authorizing a background check. Once I passed that hurdle, I had to take my immunization records (which were actually titer results in my case) to occupational health and have them sign off on them. I had to do a TB test, since I hadn't had one since I'd been staying home. If I hadn't had records, occupational health would have done blood work for titers at no cost to me. 

 

I really enjoy what I am doing there and I will probably be able to add another volunteer role onto this one after the start of the year for some variety and to expand my experience. 

 

Wow - that was probably more than you wanted to know - I seem chatty tonight!

 

ETA: I also had to have a flu shot by the end of October - it is a requirement for all positions there. I mention it because some folks don't like having immunizations, but in healthcare, it's not negotiable - you either have titers that show immunity or you get boosters. For the flu, since it changes every year, you have to get it every year. 

 

I'm thinking of volunteering at a large hospital system in Houston also. I think my immunization is up to date (except for the flu shot).

How long does it take from applying to volunteering ?

HOw many hrs per week do you volunteer ?

I'm thinking of volunteering for different organization -- probably like: one day at the hospital, one day at a non profit, one day at a CC, one day online (certainly one can volunteer online, right ?), one day off for errand.

 

[Ummto4]

Have you considered applying for a few "real" jobs instead of volunteering? You might be surprised and get hired, based on your past education and work experience, combined with your more current experience designing curriculum for the religious weekend school. You can also put a very positive spin on your work as a homeschool teacher and curriculum designer for your own children.

 

I guess what I'm saying is not to sell yourself short. Don't assume no one will hire you unless you keep applying for jobs and not getting them. You might be a far more valuable job candidate than you realize. :)

 

My be I'll try applying for real jobs. ON top of designing curriculum, teaching, and supervising/evaluating the teaching process for the religious weekend school, I also volunteered a couple of times during Islamic conferences -- running the madrasah/children program (leader position), and also running the woman's program, etc. I used to have a business website (2004-2012) which supplemented my hubby's income substantially (at its peak it netted over $20K annually for a couple of years). All while homeschooling. So may be I can put all those in my resume. What do you think ?

 

Thing is, I'm not sure what kind of jobs I want. At least, by volunteering at hospital/CC/non profit, I will be exposed to different positions, so I will know what type of jobs appeals me. 

[Ummto4]

You are very smart to reach out and ask the board here.  I went through the same thing last year (but didn't think to ask). I had been out of the work force for 20 years, and now that my kids are nearly grown, thinking about going back to a paid position is not an easy decision. I have a teaching certificate, but so much has changed in the last 20 years, I am not sure I want to go back. I have thought about working with the elderly, and I seem to have a real heart for that age group when I think about it.  I have begun to tutor children.  My students are being successful, so that is giving me confidence that I can still teach outside the home! 

 

I am curious about how one would go about finding a job in designing curriculum. That sounds like a good avenue for you.  Best of luck and just take your time.  It will all come together!

 

How do you start off tutoring children ? DO you tutor out of your home ? Or do you apply at tutoring centers ?

 

About designing curriculum -- do you know that there's a master degree in instructional design and there's a job called instructional designer ? Nowadays it's mostly needed by online learning providers and by any organization which needs their employees to be trained. MOst of instructional designers don't have a specific degree - they learn it on the job (usually they're HR people whose job is to train others in the organization).

Interesting, huh ?

[TechWife]

I'm thinking of volunteering at a large hospital system in Houston also. I think my immunization is up to date (except for the flu shot).

How long does it take from applying to volunteering ?

HOw many hrs per week do you volunteer ?

I'm thinking of volunteering for different organization -- probably like: one day at the hospital, one day at a non profit, one day at a CC, one day online (certainly one can volunteer online, right ?), one day off for errand.

 

I applied in late August and started the first week in October. It probably varies by hospital, though. The hospital system I work for asked for a commitment of six hours per week. At this point, my job is only two hours per week. I'll increase hours next month when I add another job. 

 

I've had the same thought of picking another organization or two and doing more volunteering, but I think I'll see what else I add at the hospital first. I don't want to overload myself, KWIM?

 

My be I'll try applying for real jobs. ON top of designing curriculum, teaching, and supervising/evaluating the teaching process for the religious weekend school, I also volunteered a couple of times during Islamic conferences -- running the madrasah/children program (leader position), and also running the woman's program, etc. I used to have a business website (2004-2012) which supplemented my hubby's income substantially (at its peak it netted over $20K annually for a couple of years). All while homeschooling. So may be I can put all those in my resume. What do you think ?

 

Thing is, I'm not sure what kind of jobs I want. At least, by volunteering at hospital/CC/non profit, I will be exposed to different positions, so I will know what type of jobs appeals me. 

 

Yes, put all of those on your resume! That is all great experience to have, I think. 

[Guest]

I can't see, are you in the US? Consider being a public member on a state board. There are often openings and it's fun and worthwhile work, while looking great on the resume and not being a huge time commitment.

[Ummto4]

I can't see, are you in the US? Consider being a public member on a state board. There are often openings and it's fun and worthwhile work, while looking great on the resume and not being a huge time commitment.

 

Thanks ... but what is it ?

 

[J-rap]

Even though you said you don't want to work in a lab again...given your science background, maybe you'd consider working with participants in research studies?  I've come to learn a lot about them through all of the research studies my husband has been in after his massive stroke/brain injury.  The doctors are barely in on it.  It's all of the graduate students and sometimes volunteers who are the hands-on part of the study.  These studies are usually already short on funds.  I'd guess that anyone with your background who is actually volunteering to help would be welcomed!  Maybe they'd even end up hiring you for a paid position.  :)

[Guest]

Thanks ... but what is it ?

 

... A state board. A regulatory body for governing professions like nursing, forestry, masseuses, architects and engineers - any licensed profession. They have a list of these on your state depart of commerce website and should list which boards have opening and how to apply. It's really excellent.

[Joker]

DO you have to have certification for this ? Like alternative teacher certification ? And is it hard to find subs jobs ? Does the district have a list of subs jobs and you can pick and choose the timing, the subject, and the school ?

Where I'm at you must have an Associate's degree but you don't have to be teacher certified. I did have to provide references and pay for a background check. Once they cleared, I was given access to a website with all the available jobs. It lists grades, teachers, dates, times, and classes if middle or high school. I just accept any I want. There is enough that I can work all week if I want.

[Jenny in Florida]

DO you have to have certification for this ? Like alternative teacher certification ? And is it hard to find subs jobs ? Does the district have a list of subs jobs and you can pick and choose the timing, the subject, and the school ?

 

I'm sure it varies from area to area, but where I am substitutes are hired and managed by Kelly Services. I just started subbing in September. Subs don't need certification, but must have at least an associate's degree. (Some schools require a bachelor's.)

 

Jobs are posted online, and we select the ones we want (day, subject, etc.).

 

We are required to make ourselves available three days a week, although no one comes knocking on your door if you don't actually book jobs all three days. And we are required to work at least two Fridays in each six-week period in order to stay on the books.

 

I can pretty reliably sub two or three days a week, and I'm fairly picky about what jobs I take.

[Jenny in Florida]

How do you start off tutoring children ? DO you tutor out of your home ? Or do you apply at tutoring centers ?

 

In addition to substitute teaching, I do some tutoring online and at a local tutoring center. 

 

I started working very part-time online while my son was still home. After doing that for about a year so that I had some recent experience on my resume (I had been home for about 17 years at that point.), I applied to the tutoring center.