OFTENTIMES we hear of the need to balance our lives and find time to serve the community. We hear of the fulfilment of giving back, but do we really know the long-term benefits these organisations can give us?

Mikhail Russell, sergeant-at-arms for the University of West Indies, Mona Rotaract Club, the tertiary arm of the Rotary Club, shared with Career & Education a few benefits of the service club:

1. It improves your network

Russell said it is a great platform to network and meet like-minded individuals. “It gives you the opportunity to be the difference people say they want to be in the world. People get a first-hand look at how you operate and the kind of values you have,” he said.

2. You gain experience

“You gain tremendous experience and exposure from being part of a service organisation. There are projects, meetings and opportunities to travel,” Russell said. There is also the building of teaming skills and project management and execution.

3. You become rounded

According to Russell, employers look out for your involvement in extra-curricular and community service activities. It’s always good to merge the two.

4. You become service-driven

Once you join a service-club, it’s really difficult to stop serving the community. “You branch out into community-based clubs, where you will be able to meet even more people and serve on a broader scope,” he said.

5. Service is satisfying

“It’s a truly great feeling knowing that you and your organisation helped someone. Whether you filled a tummy or read a story, or helped someone across the street; that’s what it’s all about: helping hands, touching hearts, changing lives,” Russell said.

–Kimberley Hibbert