As a current student or a recent graduate, I\u2019m sure you have heard all too many times the key to getting a graduate job is \u2018experience, experience, experience\u2019. But with the pressures and demands of life, balancing a part time job, exam preparation, essay deadlines and of course a social life, it may seem as though you have no time to fit this in. However, if you can find the time, even if it were just a couple of hours a week, it would help to raise your graduate profile and develop your transferable skills. One way to do this is through volunteering. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and skills, helping you to stand out to recruiters in a competitive job market.<\/p>\n
So, why volunteer?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 1)\u00a0You can fit volunteering around your schedule, committing to just a few hours out of your day. This is your time you are investing in volunteering, so make sure it not only works for them but for you too.<\/p>\n 2)\u00a0There are many opportunities out there, all you have to do is look! If there is a specific career path you are interested in taking, volunteering is a perfect way to test it out. For example, if you would like to work as a journalist try contacting your local news offices for work experience. You can also browse voluntary vacancies through Kent Union<\/a> and the Careers Vacancy Database<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\n You can also volunteer through a society,\u00a0opportunities include first aid, homeless outreach, fundraising and volunteering with children.<\/p>\n 3)\u00a0It\u2019s a great way to network and gain valuable contacts.<\/p>\n 4)\u00a0It will enhance your CV, contributing to your personal development, whilst giving you the chance to do something you care about.<\/p>\n 5)\u00a0You can get involved in the local community, supporting projects which benefit individuals, the community and environment.<\/p>\n 6)\u00a0You can explore different career paths and work with people from different backgrounds.<\/p>\n Remember\u00a0\u2026<\/p>\n Check if the opportunity covers out-of-pocket expenses, it shouldn\u2019t cost you to volunteer.<\/p>\n If you have undertaken an unpaid work placement, you may be eligible for a B:KEW bursary<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you do take on voluntary work, log your hours on the Kent Union\u2019s Toolkit<\/a> and you may achieve an award through the Kent Student Certificate in Volunteering.<\/p>\n