Three local Binghamton volunteering opportunities related to healthcare

If you are a student interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, it is very helpful and important to build a strong resume. Volunteer experience can be valuable to have on your resume and it can even boost your chances as an applicant for a variety of healthcare graduate programs. No matter the field, volunteer work contributes to skill development and gaining relevant experience. Additionally, it highlights traits such as reliability, passion, and a positive attitude; traits which employers and admissions love to see in an applicant. Below are some volunteering opportunities in Binghamton, NY, which may be of interest to Binghamton University students who hope to get some healthcare related experience under their belt while rounding out their resume.

Speaking of resumes, if you need resume help, the Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development is an excellent resource. You can make an appointment with a career consultant to work on/improve your resume and update it with your new volunteering experiences!

The first volunteering opportunity I am going to share is volunteering at United Health Services (UHS.) Conveniently, there is a UHS location just across from campus. They offer several different volunteer opportunities, one of which is a shadow program where you can observe various professionals in their workplace and become informed on what they do. This can also give you insight as to what their work lives are like in their specific career field. This can help you see if you are interested in that career, and it can serve as a very valuable learning experience. To be eligible for this opportunity, you must be a qualified student attending an approved academic institution. Below are some of the main volunteer opportunities they offer:

  • Gift shops
  • Admission/discharge 
  • Ambulatory care center/pre-admission testing
  • Clerical
  • Surgical hosts
  • Dietary
  • Patient transportation

Another volunteer opportunity is at Lourdes Hospital. Lourdes is always looking for both adult and junior volunteers. They offer a variety of different volunteer opportunities throughout the hospital, including:

  • Pharmacy deliveries and retail pharmacy
  • Food and nutrition 
  • Information desk
  • Laundry services
  • Patient care
  • Clerical
  • Human resources

The third volunteer opportunity I will share is volunteering for the Red Cross. They are always looking for new volunteers and there are local chapters nearby Binghamton. They offer several different volunteering opportunities,such as:

  • The Disaster Action Team
  • Operations
  • Blood collection support

You can explore a more full list of opportunities on each facility’s website and see which is best suited for you. Be sure to make an appointment with the Fleishman Career Center to discuss how to best highlight your experience on your resume and during an interview!

By Hana Mehmedovic
Hana Mehmedovic Student Career Influencer