Why Volunteer?
Volunteering is an unpaid activity with a charity, community group, or a non-profit organisation which makes a difference to the community whether on a local, national, or international level. But why should you volunteer during your time at university, and what's in it for you?
Whilst at university you will find yourself with a lot of free time outside of your studies. Although it may be tempting to spend all of this time browsing the internet or playing pool, it may be worth dedicating some of your free time to volunteering. It could be a long term commitment or just a one-off volunteering event, but all are guaranteed to develop your skills, your CV and your karma.
Personal Development
Many students find that volunteering allows them to build on their skills by allowing them to get involved in situations and projects they wouldn't usually have access to. Our previous volunteers have seen a huge increase in confidence and communication skills as well as support from Volunteer Central and our partner organisations. Creating a profile with Volunteer Central also means you get access to our training courses to help you be the best volunteer you can be.
If you would like to volunteer on a wider level, there are also volunteer opportunities at national events! Sports events and music festivals are always looking for volunteers and it is a great way to boost your CV whilst having an amazing time.
Employability
In today's climate a degree is no longer enough to guarantee a job, with a growing amount of employers asking for practical experience to go along with your qualifications. TimeBank and Reed research has shown that 'over 70% of employers believe that those who volunteer have a better chance of earning a higher salary and gaining a promotion'. Volunteering is a great way to get that experience and consolidate your academic knowledge with some real world experience.
Even if you are unable to find a volunteering opportunity that links directly to the career you want, the transferable skills you can gain through volunteering will only boost your CV and confidence when it comes to applying for jobs. A great way to add some real depth to your CV whilst increasing your skills is to lead on your own volunteering project. Click here for more information.