THE ROLE OF VOLUNTEERISM IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS’ PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL SKILLS IN MODERN SOCIETY

This study explores the evolving role of volunteerism in shaping students’ professional and personal qualities amid contemporary social and technological shifts. Participation in volunteer initiatives cultivates critical competences—leadership, analytical reasoning, emotional intelligence, and teamwork—that are increasingly vital in today’s dynamic labor market. Research highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic amplified the importance of volunteerism as a tool for addressing societal challenges and adapting to crises. However, structural barriers persist: insufficient formal recognition of skills acquired by volunteers, limited integration into career pathways, and uneven regional access to opportunities. To address these drawbacks, the article proposes systemic strategies, including interagency collaboration, standardized skill certification, and employer advocacy to elevate volunteer experience as a career asset. By bridging gaps between academic institutions, industries, and government, the study positions volunteerism as a strategic resource for nurturing adaptable, socially conscious professionals aligned with Russia’s 2036 development objectives. Volunteerism enhances employability while fostering civic responsibility and resilience, needed to tackle complex global challenges. The results of the study highlight its potential in aligning personal growth with societal progress, particularly in fostering innovation and ethical interaction. Through the analysis of specific cases and empirical data, an institutional framework is developed that transforms informal volunteer experience into recognized professional capital, ensuring students are prepared for the uncertainty of the 21st century labor market.

volunteerism, student life, professional skills, soft skills, hard skills, youth activism, personal development, civic responsibility, social inequality, competence building, social solidarity

Yun-Khay S. A., Korotkov Y. S. The role of volunteerism in the development of students’ professional and personal skills in modern society. Biznes. Obrazovanie. Pravo = Business. Education. Law. 2025;2(71):513—518. DOI: 10.25683/VOLBI.2025.71.1319.