Skip to main content
SFU Student

Person writing in a folder
These personality traits are also great skills that employers look for in prospective employees.

Here are five personality traits that I personally think that every volunteer should have and why:

1. Generous

Naturally, volunteers are generous people who are glad to take some time out of their busy lives to help out (without a monetary incentive!) Generosity is a vital trait to have because volunteering is all about giving back to the community and helping others out.

2. Responsible

Volunteer shifts can often be equated to shifts at paying jobs; both require individuals to demonstrate responsibility. For instance, as a volunteer, one should expect to show up on time, complete the assigned tasks/take on the assigned role and act in a respectful manner.

3. Energetic

Volunteers should have a lot of energy and be enthusiastic about the organizations that they may be volunteering for as well as the task at hand. Plus, being energetic guarantees that you will have fun volunteering!

4. Approachable

Often times, many volunteer positions require individuals to work with fellow volunteers or the public. That being said, being easy to approach is a great characteristic to have.

5. Team-Player

Again, volunteering will most likely require one to work with many other people. Having a team mindset will guarantee that one will be able to work well in a group setting, completing the tasks/fulfilling the roles at hand (all while making new friends!) 

These personality traits are also great skills that employers look for in prospective employees. Volunteering will allow you to show off these G.R.E.A.T. traits of yours, all whilst building that resume! :)

SFU Student
visibility  109
Mar 25, 2014

You Might Like These... Volunteering, Sustainability

Iceberg Melting
What’s Your Cause? Polar Regions, Climate Change, Cultural Awareness, New Immigrant

Over the course of the past semester, SFU Volunteer Services set out to learn what causes motivate SFU students to get involved in their communities–either on campus or beyond. We collected information through the ENGAGE blog and want to highlight some now in hopes of inspiring others to think about what their cause is and how they can contribute!

Children playing hopscotch
An SFU student perspective on the Big Sisters Study Buddy program

You may have heard of them–you may even have an idea of what they do. But have you ever thought of being one? Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland has been serving girls in one-to-one mentoring relationships since 1960, with the mission of “enhancing the confidence, self-esteem and well-being of girls through supportive friendships with caring women”. Each Big and Little Sister match gets together once a week for at least one year. 

Mubnii smiling with her hands in an open position, in front of an aquarium
Health Sciences Student Profile: Mubnii Morshed

Heath Sciences offer students one of the most comprehensive and diverse programs, focusing on everything from epidemiology, molecular biology to political science anthropology. These days, there are many volunteer opportunities associated with the Health Sciences.

You Might Like These... Personal Development

The photo shows a yin and yang symbol.
Take a Holistic Approach to Your Education

I am sure you have heard of the concept of taking a holistic approach to health.  I first learned about this concept when I took an elective course in Kinesiology at SFU during my undergraduate degree. A holistic approach to health examines the physical, social, emotional and mental needs of a person to determine one’s overall wellness.

Photo of Victoria at the SFU Surrey campus
How Co-op Inspired Me to Get More Involved During my Undergrad

As a communications assistant on campus, Victoria San Martin learned about the value of volunteer work in strengthening soft skills and finding community. Read about how her work term inspired her to seek out more involvement opportunities at SFU.

a part of the Kolkata city line
Arrival in Kolkata, India

Kali Penney had three missions when she left on her volunteer co-op to India; to survive living in a developing country for 3 months, to learn about major health issues in Kolkata, India, and to complete work that will have a continuing impact long after she has left the country. In her first article, Kali recounts her arrival in India and introduction to the local culture.