In this technological age, the professional market is no longer in the business of paper resumes and portfolios. LinkedIn is the leader in creating an optimal professional identity. With everything from a company rating to a job search engine, LinkedIn is the first place someone should start when entering the career world.

Now, LinkedIn's Volunteer Portal offers several opportunities at premier companies that anyone would want to include in their profile. While those starting out on their professional journey may be deterred by working for free, volunteering opens a world of doors and experiences that are priceless.

LinkedIn's volunteer portal is a great way to get in contact with well-known organizations or even discover new ones. Having a presence online will alert professionals of your existence and will create a communication channel between you and future volunteering opportunities. You have the power at your fingertips and with the touch of a button you can explore everything that LinkedIn has to offer to better your future.

Landing a job is no longer just about where you go to school and your degree; experience puts you over the edge against other applicants. Employers want to know that you have a feel for what you'll be doing. They want to know that you are capable of conducting yourself in a professional manner and they'll want references. Volunteering somewhere that is relevant to your job field will show employers this. When you create a LinkedIn profile, the volunteer portal will suggest opportunities tailored to your interests and past work experience.

While you won't be spending money - or making any for that matter - volunteering is an investment in your career. You never know who you might meet on your volunteer journey that could benefit you later on. Many people who volunteer in a field of their interest end up working for that same company or one related. A LinkedIn profile isn't complete without sufficient connections and skill endorsements. Through the LinkedIn volunteer portal you will find opportunities that will groom you for the workforce and maybe even find your next employer.

Volunteering requires one to have free time. Where you choose to spend your free time speaks a lot about you, whether you know it or not. Volunteering allows you to choose what you are passionate about and allows you to gain experience in something you like doing. Displaying volunteering experiences on your resume or profile will show employers that there's more to you than landing a job. They see that you have interests and you are interested in making a difference - qualities that ideal candidates should have.

As we grow, our interests change. You may think you want to work in the advertising agency and continue through the process, only to find out that it probably isn't for you. Through volunteering you can go through the necessary trial-and-error without too much investment in schooling or other professional requirements. You can see what you like, what you don't, and where you'd like to end up. Volunteering provides you with real-life examples and models to look at and decide if that's where you want to be.

Volunteer to broaden your horizons, learn about the career field and explore your interests. Volunteering can only help your resume and LinkedIn's volunteer portal is the perfect place to start.