Many students think that to have a CV that is appealing to employers that you must do some kind of volunteering while at university. Some students may see this as an extra workload on top of their studies, but doing volunteering can be invaluable. I have volunteered as a mentor for school children, a StAR and writing this blog for the careers department! Here are a few benefits I have found:
Gaining experience of a role. One of the main barriers students find when going for their first graduate job is lack of experience. It is always a Catch 22- you need a job to get experience, but can't get the job without experience! This can be resolved through volunteering.You can gain the necessary skills and competencies needed to make good job applications in the future.
Volunteering could lead to paid work. I have found that many of my volunteering positions have lead to paid work or recommendations. For example, volunteering as a StAR has lead to the paid role of Institute Representative for the Business School.
You can log volunteering hours. The SU has a volunteering scheme revolving around the V-record (these can be collected from the SU reception). In this you can record your volunteering hours. This year, for anyone who volunteers for more than 50 hours; the accolade with be visible on The HEAR. This will be visible to all employers and will show them that you have done more with your time at university than just study!
Little perks! I recorded my volunteering hours with VInspired, who run a national volunteering scheme. From this I got free tickets to go and see Radio 1's Hackney Weekend.
Oh and finally, you may just have fun!!
To find out more about volunteering opportunities visit:
http://vinspired.com/
http://www.do-it.org.uk/
http://www.worcestervolunteercentre.org.uk/
The university also has strong links with the YMCA, visit First Point for more information!'
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