Career Services

This is an interview with Beth Camp, Assistant Director of Volunteer Services at Southern Arkansas University.

What was your first volunteering experience, and what motivated you to get involved?

My first experience with volunteering started at a young age. I grew up helping my parents at church, picking up trash, cleaning, and filling in wherever I was needed. I can’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t volunteering in some way. Throughout high school, I really started to enjoy volunteering more, serving many hours through church, church camps, and various other community organizations. My motivation began with getting the chance to spend time with friends, and soon turned into a desire to help and serve others.

How has volunteering influenced your personal or professional growth?

Volunteering has always pushed me out of my comfort zone! I learned early on that simply committing to show up is often the biggest step, but once I’m there, I’m all in. Through my volunteer commitments, I’ve learned accountability, adaptability, and the importance of following through on your word and promises.

What should people look for in a volunteer opportunity if they want it to lead to career growth?

I believe any volunteer opportunity can lead to career growth. Volunteering introduces you to people from all walks of life – people who could one day become future mentors, coworkers, or employers. You might be picking up trash next to someone with connections to the very job you’ve applied for. If you’re looking for career growth, seek out opportunities to serve and be intentional about building relationships while doing so.

Did any of your volunteer roles lead directly to a job opportunity or internship?

In high school, many of my volunteer experiences led to scholarship opportunities that many of my peers weren’t aware of. That financial support made it possible for me to attend SAU, where I earned two degrees and began my career.

What skills did you develop through volunteering that you might not have had elsewhere?

One of the most important skills I’ve developed from volunteering is compassion. There is no better way to learn the act of compassion than by giving your time to help others.

How do you think volunteering continues to influence your career decisions and values?

Volunteering continues to influence how I spend my time outside of work, where I connect with the community, not because I have to, but because I get to.

What advice would you give to students or job seekers considering volunteering to explore career opportunities?

Angie Waters in the Office of Development at SAU always told me, “You never know who is watching you!”. When you are selfless and spend your time helping where you are needed, others will notice. People notice whether you pick up trash that isn’t yours, or return your buggy at Walmart or Brookshire’s; those little moments reflect your character. By being present and active in your community, both professional and personal opportunities will come. Show up, give your best, serve others, and the connections will follow.