American Red Cross

Recruiting Volunteer

January 2019 • Miami, FL

What I liked

They are very Professional, they always have interesting projects for you

What I wish was different

Nothing

Advice

You have to know Microsoft Excel, Word and Power Point

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Red Cross Volunteer

August 2020 • Modesto, CA

What I liked

I get to choose when I can go in and I have a lot of time to do homework on shift

What I wish was different

It’s boring and the nurses are rude

Advice

Bring homework with you

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Volunteer

July 2021 • San Jose, CA

What I liked

It felt good to have the role since I wasn't able to secure an internship last summer.

What I wish was different

I wish the role hadn't been remote, and that more volunteers had been my age. I felt very removed during the experience.

Advice

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Duty officer

March 2020 • Grand Island, NE

What I liked

Work on own schedule

What I wish was different

Advice

Work can be done anywhere

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Red cross

October 2019 • Fort Lauderdale, FL

What I liked

Great environment

What I wish was different

Nothing

Advice

Follow directions

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Volunteer

February 2019 • West Palm Beach, FL

What I liked

Most trainings are now available online.

What I wish was different

The pandemic put most trainings on hold abruptly.

Advice

Start as soon as possible i got to attend some cool training.

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Blood Ambassater

September 2020 • San Jose, CA

What I liked

I love the environment of the office and the working team.

What I wish was different

Adding a plastic transparent board at the front desk to protect donor's and volunteer's health and safety.

Advice

Need to be people-orientated and good customer service.

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Red Cross Donor Ambassador

August 2020 • New Britain, CT

What I liked

The people were amazing. I met several individuals who have been doing this sort of thing ranging from just recently to decades. They know the ins and outs of drawing blood. It was impressive to see and inspired me to keep on going down the path I want to go of working in a lab.

What I wish was different

I wish I could have seen the workings of the back even more because the front desk was pretty slow. However, there can be a limited number of people in the back at a time so it is understandable.

Advice

I would say go back and get names down. Get to know these people because they can very likely put in a good word for you to someone in the field and who knows where that will take you.

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Temperature Screener

July 2019 • Columbus, OH

What I liked

I liked that the experience is hands-on and practical, and that I have the opportunity to make a difference in the little way I can during during the COVI-19 global pandemic. It is truly an experience that I will not forget, as it has helped me to learn and also reach others how to keep ourselves and those around us safe in these uncertain times.

What I wish was different

I wish that the process of signing up for shifts or volunteer hours was easier. The process of scheduling for a shift is quite tedious and this sometimes discourages you from signing up for additional shifts.

Advice

Keep an open mind and be willing to learn and take corrections. Remember that no one is perfect, but your work and dedication to learn is a reflection of your values as an individual. Therefore, put your best into every task, no matter how small. Lastly, enjoy the experience. The American Red Cross consists of welcoming and kind people who are always willing to help and teach you, so never be afraid to ask for help.

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Donor Ambassadors

July 2020 • Van Nuys, CA

What I liked

Love it

What I wish was different

Have a stable location close to my house

Advice

Working for the Red Cross gives you a for filling feeling.

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Food Pantry Volunteer

April 2020 • Roxbury, MA

What I liked

The ability to provide constructed meals to tens of people

What I wish was different

I wish I had understood the bus commute routes on the way there better

Advice

Make sure to bring some sturdy gloves that can resist some wear and tear

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Disaster Cycle Services Caseworker

May 2020 • Phoenix, AZ

What I liked

I enjoy the opportunity I am presented through this position to still contribute positively to my community during unprecedented circumstances in which I am forced to work remotely, and I appreciate being able to interact with diverse members of my community who have been negatively impacted by disaster and offer both my and the Red Cross's services in devising a recovery plan through creative thinking, problem solving, advocacy on the client's behalf, and referrals to community resources which may aid in their recovery.

What I wish was different

I wouldn't change a thing!

Advice

This position requires a lot of patience and compassion on the volunteer's end, so be ready to listen with an open mind and think proactively in order to reach a solution that will be in the client's best interest - and make sure to keep them involved and aware in every step of the way!

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Donor ambassador

June 2020 • Louisville, KY

What I liked

It was a really great way to be helping people during the pandemic and it was very low commitment but good experience!

What I wish was different

I wish there were more trainings i could have attended.

Advice

I would say if you are interested in health this is a great place to get more experience and some good volunteering done.

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CovidDash.org Research and Red Cross Volunteer

May - August 2020 • Dallas, TX

What I liked

It was really cool to be able to apply what I had learned as an EMT and help out with blood draw. I was also able to apply my knowledge from biochem and chemistry classes in my research for the CovidDash.org database. It was really meaningful to be able to apply my learning to the pandemic.

What I wish was different

Honestly, I wish I had planned a little better before my internship. Time management was a bit of a struggle at first. It's important to make sure you keep yourself on track if you don't have a mentor/manager.

Advice

You can craft your own summer internship and get funded through the CCI! I would definitely recommend researching volunteering/internships in areas of interest and making your own path. I was able to volunteer virtually as a database researcher and in-person at Red Cross blood drives. Both were really valuable experiences, but I had to make my plans/schedules. It takes a bit of extra prep work, but I think it's equally rewarding to make your own internship.

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