Why VITA?
The VITA Program is demanding. First you have to learn taxes, then take and pass exams, and only then volunteer a minimum of three hours a week. Seems a lot, but with great sacrifices come great rewards. Just look at these benefits and opportunities, all yours, free of charge (with some strings attached):
- Enhance your resume: You will expand your volunteer activities section on your resume. More and more employers are looking for well-rounded students who are active in their communities.
- Gain experience: Break the vicious cycle: "To get experience you need a job; to get a job you need experience." VITA counts as relevant experience because you are doing real tax returns for real people who get real dollars of refund.
- Recognition: Dedicated volunteers are certified by the IRS. The most outstanding ones are awarded by Baruch VITA and given recommendation letters. All hours at VITA also count to fulfill other community service requirements.
- Explore taxation: You may like it so much that you might decide to pursue a career in taxation. It can also assist you in finding out what does and does not suit your personality. (Our charming Coordinators will make sure you will love VITA, but there is just so much we can do about the men in black from the IRS.)
- Learn taxes: Never again let you, your family, & friends pay for simple tax return preparation. This experience will even help you in taxation classes, in planning for personal finances, and in that job you are going to land: every entity has to pay taxes!
- Develop leadership skills: There are plenty of opportunities to take the VITA experience further. Be a Site Manager or a Training Assistant and develop your transferable skills that are prized in the workplace.
- Make friends: You will be working closely with fellow students for a couple of months. Is there any better way to make life-long friends?
- Good karma: You will be helping your community and people in need.
What else could you wish for? Don't wait to sign up as slots are filling up fast.
