Unlocking Opportunities: The Benefits of Volunteering
Date 12 February 2024
Discover a harmonious blend of academics and part-time work in the UK with these practical tips. Whether through on-campus roles or online platforms, strike a balance that enriches your skills, financial standing, and overall academic experience.
Volunteering is a powerful and rewarding way for students to make a positive impact in the community while gaining valuable work and life experiences. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits that volunteering offers, ranging from personal growth to career development.
- Skill Development: Volunteering provides a platform to develop a diverse set of skills that are highly valued in the job market. Whether it’s communication, teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving, engaging in volunteer work allows students to enhance their skill repertoire.
- CV Enhancement: Adding volunteer experience to your CV showcases your ability to contribute beyond academic achievements. Employers appreciate candidates who show a genuine interest in making a positive impact, especially in the current climate.
- Networking Opportunities: Volunteering offers a unique chance to connect with like-minded individuals, professionals, and organisations. Building a strong network through volunteering can open doors to mentorship, guidance, and potential career opportunities.
- Personal Growth and Confidence: Stepping out of your comfort zone to contribute to a cause you care about can significantly boost your self-confidence and personal growth. Volunteering challenges you to adapt to new situations, fostering resilience and adaptability.
- Discovering Passion and Purpose: Volunteering allows you to explore various fields and causes, helping you discover your passions and interests. It’s a hands-on way to test different career paths and find a sense of purpose in making a difference.
- Health and Well-being: Engaging in volunteer work has been linked to improved mental health and overall well-being. Contributing to the community provides a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment, combating stress and promoting a positive mindset.
- Cultural and Social Exposure: Volunteering often involves collaboration with diverse groups of people. Exposing you to different cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds.
- Stand Out in Job Interviews: Sharing your volunteering experiences during job interviews sets you apart from other candidates. It demonstrates your commitment to social responsibility and community engagement, qualities that many employers highly value.
Volunteering is a pathway to personal and professional development. Remember that each contribution, no matter how small, can have a significant impact, not only on those you serve but on your own life as well.
Want to develop your social impact? Email changemaker@northampton.ac.uk to speak to our Changemaker Team in Student Futures or find out more here.
Hear from one of our students who visited Sri Lanka as a volunteering abroad opportunity.
Student Futures is a sector leader team of specialists who enable UON students to achieve their personal aspirations and career goals. We support you with gaining work experience and connecting with employers, developing your skills and attributes, and ensuring you have a competitive edge in the job market.