What next?

Before you get involved in volunteering, it’s important to think about what you want to get involved in and why? Is it to gain new skills or develop existing ones, meet new people, or giving something back to your local community?  It doesn’t matter what your reason is for volunteering, but it’s important to make sure you make the right choice.   Many organisations can give you practical experience to help you get a job.  This is great for helping you to chose your future career and to show potential employers the wide range of skills and experience you have gained.  It can also help put the knowledge you have gained through your course into practice.   As an IT student for example, you may help an organisation to develop their website, which will give you excellent hands-on practical experience that you can show potential employers. 

You will also need to decide what level of commitment you are able to give. Would you prefer a short term opportunity, perhaps a one-day opportunity, or would you like a more regular opportunity to commit to?  Will you be able to volunteer throughout the year – including holidays?  Each organisation will be able to tell you what they require.  Some can be very flexible in terms of time commitment, however, require others may require a regular commitment to work with them, particular if training is involved.

There are other important issues to consider such as location of opportunity – can you get to the organisation?, are travelling expenses provided? What  support and training is provided?  The voluntary organisation will be able to answer all these questions and more, so don’t be afraid to ask. 

You may have a very clear idea about the sort of opportunity you’re looking for.  However – try to keep your options open as far as possible.  You may find an ideal opportunity in the most unlikely of places!   You can also talk to

a Careers Adviser or to your course tutor, either of whom should be able to able to recommend activities/roles, which might enhance your skills and experience.  The Volunteer co-ordinator is also available to talk through the opportunities available.