So why would you volunteer?
There are so many reasons! Through volunteering you can:
- try out new types of work
- make a difference to people's lives in your community
- get experience that looks good on your CV
- learn new skills that could lead to a new job
- get training and qualifications - some volunteer organisations offer this
- network - make contacts that could lead to offers of paid work
- get references to use in job applications
- meet new people
- get satisfaction from doing something useful!
What can I do?
There's a huge range of volunteering opportunities. These are just a few examples of activities you could do:
- environmental conservation
- supporting people with learning disabilities, mental health problems or physical disabilities
- taking care of sick animals
- running community arts programmes
- fundraising
- supporting young people or older people
- helping homeless people
- administration
- befriending isolated or lonely people.
Volunteer for a new job!
Volunteering experience impresses employers. It shows you're a positive, motivated person and you use your time constructively.
In order to get into some jobs employers will expect you to have done some volunteering - for example environmental conservation, the media and social work. Volunteering gives you essential hands-on experience and shows you're committed to this area of work.
If you've been out of the workplace for a while, through volunteering you can also learn valuable transferable skills like team-working, communication skills and time management.
You've only got to read the Qualifications and Experience sections in these job profiles to see how volunteering can help you get into a huge range of jobs:
Who volunteers?
Anyone can volunteer - whether you're young or old, at the start or the end of your career, working or not working. No matter what your skills or experience, someone will value your help.
Find out more
Our advisers can tell you more about volunteering and can give you contacts to help you find opportunities in your area. Call the Careers Advice Service on 0800 100 900 anytime between 8am and 10pm seven days a week.
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