Christmas is just around the corner, and seeing that it’s the season of goodwill (and rapidly diminishing bank balances), we thought it appropriate to use the holidays to tell you why you should consider boosting your CV, job prospects and self-worth through undertaking voluntary work. ‘Volunteer work’ can conjure images of soup kitchens run out of disused bus shelters by eccentric evangelists – which there’s nothing wrong with, we might add – but there are a plethora of different enterprises that require keen volunteers.

Specialist charities such as CSV have been running inclusive community schemes which require volunteers for decades, including an excellent gap year volunteering initiative. Meanwhile, many universities now encourage student participation in the community, such as the University of Manchester’s Community Sports Volunteer Scheme which trains volunteers to do sports coaching and mentoring.

Opportunities also exist outside of formal schemes, however. When I was still in the sixth-form at school (a painfully long time ago), I returned to my old primary school to take games lessons one afternoon a week. Furthermore, I also took on occasional childcare volunteering work for a friend’s mother’s charity for several years whilst finishing school and studying at University. Essentially, people always need help, particularly if it is offered for free, so don’t hesitate to approach old schools, your university halls committee or the local hospital radio station.
Now you know what’s out there, let us convince you why it’s a good idea. And remember kids, volunteer work is for life – or however long you can manage – not just for Christmas!

It’s another line on the CV…
Cynical as it may sound, one very good reason for undertaking volunteer work is that it will fill out your CV. Didn’t make the 2XI football team? Then volunteer to help run sessions for and coach local kids instead. The 21st century job market is a scary, fearsomely competitive place, so any activity that might set you apart from the next Accounting and Finance grad with a 2:1 from Nottingham is going to be useful interview fodder.

…and employers will like it
As a corollary to the previous point, prospective employers will be impressed with your drive and initiative. Final year careers seminars up and down the country will be plugging the importance of a ‘USP’ – Unique Selling Point – when applying for jobs after uni, and volunteer work could be your golden ticket. Everyone has to work for money at some stage, but volunteering not only shows employers a good team-playing community spirit, but also a conscientious, hard-working streak, and the ability to manage your time effectively whilst juggling a work and study schedule.

Builds skills
Throw yourself into voluntary work and you are likely to reap the rewards of your endeavours. My enthusiasm for helping out with football practise at my primary school meant that after the first few weeks I was essentially left to take the sessions myself. This may not sound that tricky, but managing two dozen 10 year olds is probably a tougher task than heading up a board of directors; employers will note the man-management, teamwork and communication skills you invariably gain from voluntary work. In certain vocations, such as being the Treasurer for a local club or your halls, you may also gain formal training required for the post. Another big tick on the CV.

You will enjoy it!
I had so much fun looking after kids with disabilities for my friend’s mother’s charity that I continued to offer my help for as long as time and scheduling allowed – it became a hobby rather than a chore. It’s no coincidence that many volunteers find themselves pledging more time than they originally intended. On a purely selfish basis, helping others in whatever capacity will make you feel good about yourself, building self-esteem and confidence. Finally, you will meet like-minded people and may make long-lasting friends, contributing as much to your personal as your professional development.

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