Volunteering while at university

ttc123123

Hi, I am volunteering at a historic house (not quite the same as its only a few hours during holidays and on weekedns etc) with a uni course. But when I mentioned this to one of my lecturers last year he said that it was fantastic because it is relevant to my course and it is a brilliant way of getting the experience as when you come to getting a job in the area you want it will help you to stand out from other candidates as you have experienced it. Where I volunteer they have also said to me that if there any modules that I have that need projects doing, case studies or if I need a work placement I can use them so I know I have something to use if I need to.

I would go for it, its a brilliant way of getting the experience that you need in the future and as it is relevant to your course you will find it really helpful as you can relate to experiences that you have had whilst volunteering.

Good Luck! x

mishelly

You will certainly have the time to do it and it always looks good to future employers that you are taking a practical interest in the subject you are studying (shows you have hands on experience and you arent all just theory!)

I have volunteered in both my first and second years and am carrying on in my third this year. I also run my own business and bring up two children so I am speaking from experience here

lucylollipop

I'd go for it - especially during the first year! The only thing I'd probably suggest is getting in touch with your Student Union, to see if they have a Volunteering Co-ordinator or similar. At my uni, we were asked to keep records of volunteered time, and submit them to the Co-ordinator, even if you weren't involved in projects that the uni organised. We had termly "thank-you" nights, where the SU team would put on a buffet and free drinks etc, and at the end of the year, everyone was presented with certificates for the number of hours they'd done (so you've got something to put in your CV), and there were awards for various things as well.

Ooh, and while you're recording hours, look into "V Inspired" too - they used to be Millenium Volunteers - but they run an award that's based on hours contributed, which looks great on the CV!