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What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Business Management and Administration cluster Human Resources Management pathway.

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"You really can come into volunteer administration from almost any background," says Katie Campbell. She is the former executive director of the Association for Volunteer Administration.

"It's a very eclectic group. Some people come from human resources, others from social work, education or community development, and others from psychology or sociology."

Ruth Mackenzie is the senior program manager for a national organization that promotes volunteerism. Historically, she says, most coordinators gained their skills on the job. But things are beginning to change. Several colleges now offer programs in nonprofit and public sector management, event planning and coordination, and community development.

"As volunteer management gains wider recognition as a career option, more and more community colleges are offering education in this area," says Mackenzie.

Many longtime volunteer coordinators have gone back to school to pursue formal education in their field.

The AVA offers an official designation known as a CVA, which stands for Certified in Volunteer Administration. Applicants go through a process that includes a portfolio review and multiple-choice examination.

Coordinator Jordi Valdes recommends public relations and public speaking courses. Computer and business courses are valuable as well. That's because communication and people skills are a must for any volunteer coordinator.

"So many times," says Valdes, "I meet other volunteer coordinators who are great organizationalists and have all the computer skills a programmer would want, but fall short on the human communication level. And when they speak, they sound as if they are talking down to their volunteers."

There's a simple way of avoiding this trap, Mackenize says. "Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer. If this is one's career of choice, the better you understand the reality of being a volunteer, the bigger difference you can make as a volunteer manager."

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OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.