Volunteering vs. Work Classification

[Elefun]

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Hello all. I was hoping someone could help me with a question I have been trying to address before it's time to fill out and submit my AMCAS. For the past few years, I have been heavily involved in a particular organization. I began volunteering with the organization on the weekends, spending about 5-7 hours on Fridays or Saturdays. Over time, the volunteering position transitioned into a part time paid position.

I essentially have been doing the same work as when I was just volunteering (some additional responsibility), but am now being compensated. So my main question is: How do I list this? Do I simply separate it based on the time periods with the earlier dates as "volunteering" and the later dates as "work"? This gets a little hairy as there are many events that I volunteered for even after I became an employee. Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide.

 

[wholeheartedly]

Hello all. I was hoping someone could help me with a question I have been trying to address before it's time to fill out and submit my AMCAS. For the past few years, I have been heavily involved in a particular organization. I began volunteering with the organization on the weekends, spending about 5-7 hours on Fridays or Saturdays. Over time, the volunteering position transitioned into a part time paid position.

I essentially have been doing the same work as when I was just volunteering (some additional responsibility), but am now being compensated. So my main question is: How do I list this? Do I simply separate it based on the time periods with the earlier dates as "volunteering" and the later dates as "work"? This gets a little hairy as there are many events that I volunteered for even after I became an employee. Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide.

I'm not sure the best answer here but maybe

Volunteered at X,Y,Z 05/30/2013-present 300 hours maybe -"description of volunteer duties, was promoted to paid (see work activities) position though still perform some volunteer activities at a,b,c events"

Worked at X,Y, Z 06/01/2014- present 200 hours - "was promoted from volunteer position to paid position. responsible for......"

I dunno, maybe someone has better suggestions. I think you can split it though and still make it clear.

 

[Catalystik]

I essentially have been doing the same work as when I was just volunteering (some additional responsibility), but am now being compensated. So my main question is: How do I list this?

Alternatively, if you are going to be tight on spaces, you could list the activity under "Other" (since it's a mixed bag) and make it clear from the title you give the activity that it represents both Volunteer and Paid Employment for XYZ Organization. Make it evident in the description that you transitioned to employee after X amount of time, as that implies a greater level of trust and responsibility. Then you can make the header dates all inclusive and break out the subcomponents in the narrative.

Or, if either the volunteer or job positions were relatively brief, you might list everything under the predominant descriptor (Community Service vs paid Employment) and just mention the other (paid or not paid, as is the case) in the narrative.

Another consideration in making your decision: If you have no other Community Service, you should include an entry with that designation, so it won't be missed.