Pro bono or skills-based volunteering involves companies and industry professionals who offer their expertise to assist nonprofits with enhancing their businesses. Some people help companies raise funds by volunteering as Event Planners or Project Coordinators while others may choose to assist organizations through virtual platforms as Webmasters or Freelance Bloggers. All of these leading roles serve a purpose, and highlighting them on your resume shows employers you’re a winning candidate.

The key to successful skills-based volunteering is versatility. Take a few pointers from the pros. Athletes are champions at pro bono volunteering. Pro tennis player, Andre Agrassi uses this analogy to describe tennis and life.

Advantage, service, fault, break, love, the basic elements of tennis are those of everyday existence…Points become games become sets become tournaments, and it’s all so tightly connected that any point can become a turning point.

Agassi uses his athleticism and celebrity to promote awareness for improving policies for public education. He continues to develop his skills set on and off the court by managing his nonprofit organization through his professional networks. Another advantage of skills-based volunteering is occupational advancement.

As you continue to advance in your profession, your turning point may be transitioning to a different career field or returning to the workforce after raising a family. Whether your status, use your skills set to service others. In return, you gain professional experience, showcase your talents, and increase your marketability. Volunteer and take a proactive stance in building not only your resume but your future. Remember, you are your best advocate.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. – Arthur Ashe, pro tennis player