Editor’s note: Make It Missoula is collaborating with the Missoula Job Service to help people find local jobs so that they can move home to Missoula or continue to call Missoula home.
We’ll be regularly posting both job listings and job hunting and interview advice. Be sure to watch the Make It Missoula Facebook page for new job listing announcements.
By JENNIFER LODINE-CHAFFEY
Are you looking for ways to break into your dream career? Perhaps you should consider volunteering. Missoula offers a wide variety of hands on learning opportunities that could lead you to a job, improve your chances of finding work in a specific field, or even just allow you to give back to your community in a meaningful way. Volunteer opportunities abound for students, baby boomers, and everyone in between!
If you are currently a student or graduate of the University of Montana, numerous internship opportunities await you. Plug yourself into the college’s career services to find out about internships in your field of study.
Are you interested in volunteering abroad? You can also check out international internship opportunities! Many of these internships allow you to gain academic credit while learning valuable skills in a foreign country. Not only will you gain insight into daily aspects of your field, you will also discover the world beyond our borders. College graduates may also want to check out the Peace Corps. With their mission to promote world peace and friendship, the Peace Corps allows dedicated individuals a chance to serve the global community in a diverse range of volunteer positions, including education, health awareness, agricultural development, and information technology.
If you are not affiliated with a university, there are numerous opportunities to volunteer in your community. Check out the following sites to learn more about how you can help Missoula and your local community:
- Check out Volunteer Match, a searchable database of volunteer opportunities across the country. Volunteer positions in Missoula listed on this site include assisting youth, promoting literacy, and preparing meals at a local shelter.
- The Western Montana Volunteer Center (a partnership between Missoula Aging Services and the Office for Civic Engagement at The University of Montana) lists local volunteer opportunities Missoulians can peruse and apply for online. The opportunities are diverse and unique. Perhaps you’ve wanted to be part of a neighborhood council or would like to administer a webpage for a non-profit dedicated to animal rescue? Maybe you would enjoy coaching a youth sport? Check out the amazing opportunities listed on this site!
- If you are 55 or older, check out the volunteer opportunities available through Missoula Aging Services. You can choose how many hours you can devote to volunteering and what types of projects you want to be involved in. Volunteers through Missoula Aging Services play an important role in our community helping home bound seniors obtain healthy meals, serving as foster grandparents, and even leading disaster relief drills.
Through interning and volunteering, you learn new and important job skills, discover fresh approaches to life, and improve your chances of finding a job. More importantly, however, you make a positive difference for others.
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Learn about the Peace Corp. WARNING: The next 13 minutes could change your life!
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Looking for a job in Missoula? Be sure to check out our Missoula Job Listings. Be sure you “LIKE” the Missoula Job Service Facebook Page for daily post on job opening. You’ll also find Missoula-area information on Job Hunting Resources, Job Hunting Tips, Job Interview Tips, tips for writing Cover Letters and Resumes.
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Jennifer Lodine-Chaffey was born in Missoula and received an MA in History from the University of Montana in 2006. She currently works as an Employment Consultant at the Missoula Job Service, an organization that offers programs and services to assist employers and job seekers alike. Those looking for employment can view job openings on our job board, website, and social media outlets. Employment Consultants provide résumé reviews, conduct practice interviews, and offer skills testing.
The Job Service also provides a self-service area where job seekers have access to phones, a fax machine, a copier, and computers. Our qualified staff also offers business consulting services, including employee recruitment and retention assistance. Additionally, we provide financial support for businesses looking to train both new and current employees.
We are here to help our community!