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  110
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... Volunteering

friends standing together having a good time
From Recreation to Mentorship: Getting Involved with People with Disabilities

Working with people with disabilities can enable you to understand their experiences better. What better way to do so than having fun at the ocean or in the mountains? Here are some ideas for volunteering with those with disabilities. 

Picture of Raisa
How Volunteering Can Help You Find Your Dream Career

Panicking because you’re still undecided or unsure of your major? Keep calm and apply for a volunteer position! It can help you in more ways than one. Here’s how.

word no handwritten on brown paper
Learning To Say No To Opportunities

Scouring the internet for volunteer opportunities, I realize there are a lot out there. I make a possible schedule, trying to fit in existing commitments with new opportunities. Eventually, I conclude that if I get so much as stuck in traffic my tightrope of a schedule will fall apart. With so much out there, how do you choose? When do you say no?