5 Reasons Going on an Alternative Spring Break Makes You a Great Hire

For college and high school students interested in making a difference in their community and developing skills that will be useful in their professional lives, going on an Alternative Spring Break is a perfect fit. But what exactly is an Alternative Spring Break?

Alternative Spring Breakis a highly immersive week of service projects, leadership-building and relationship-building. It gives college students the chance to make an impact on communities around the U.S. and learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing the country.

 Alternative Spring Break is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that gets you involved in the community while improving your skill set. It will make for great stories and a resume booster. Here are five ways attending an Alternative Spring Break make you a great hire: 1. AdaptabilityOn most alternative breaks, you live and work in a new community which helps develop an understanding of how to adapt to a variety of cultural settings. A willingness to immerse yourself in new environments shows employers you can fit into any workplace. 2. TeamworkThe service you do with your team throughout the week and the long hours you spend surrounded by the same group of people creates team cohesiveness like no other experience can. This experience shows employers that you are a master of collaboration -- a valuable attribute for any position. 3. ResiliencyIf spending multiple nights on a cot in a crowded gym and getting ready in the morning without the comforts of home can teach you anything, it’s resiliency. Being able to thrive in varied circumstances is a key quality for every job candidate. 4. Self-Awareness Throughout alternative breaks, opportunities are given for reflection about both service and individual experiences. Reflecting on progress, identifying areas for improvement, and acknowledging your own change in thinking shows employers your commitment to both professional and personal growth. 5. Passion After engaging in an alternative break, it’s hard to walk away without a hunger to do more in your community. This passion for service shows employers you are ready to commit to causes you believe in. Choosing to trade in your beach vacation for an Alternative Spring Break helps develop skills you may never realize you had, allowing you stand out to savvy employers. Learn more about how you can give and get a lot in return during your next break by volunteering. Contact your school administration to see if they have Alternative Spring Break options, or plan your own with friends! You can find lots of service opportunities by using our Volunteer Center. This article was adapted from the blog post 5 Reasons Volunteering During Spring Break Makes You a Great Hire from the United Way Worldwide blog.