5 reasons you should consider volunteering while you're still at university

Amy O'Neill

Looking for a way to give back to your community while building up your skills and experience? Volunteering is the way to go. 

Graduating from university is a huge accomplishment – and it's only the beginning! Once you have your degree in hand, it's time to start looking for your dream job. But how do you stand out from the competition? Volunteering can help you gain the skills and experience that hiring managers are looking for.

Here are five benefits of volunteering while you're still a student:

 

You'll gain new skills

In today's job market, it's more important than ever to have a diverse set of skills. Volunteering can help you learn new skills that will make you stand out from the crowd. You might volunteer in an area that's related to your career goals, or you might try something completely new. Either way, you'll be gaining valuable experience that can help you in your future career.

 

You'll make connections

Networking is key to finding a job – and volunteering is a great way to make connections with other professionals. When you volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. These contacts could come in handy when it comes time to look for a job.

 

You'll boost your resume

Having volunteer experience on your resume is a great way to show hiring managers that you're passionate about helping others. It also proves that you're capable of taking on new challenges. If you don't have any volunteer experience, now is the time to start looking for opportunities.

 

You'll develop leadership skills

Volunteering can help you develop important leadership skills. If you're interested in a career in management, volunteering is a great way to start building your resume. You'll learn how to manage projects and work with a team.

 

You'll be giving back to the community

One of the best things about volunteering is that you're giving back to your community. You'll be helping others who need it, and you'll also be developing a sense of civic responsibility. This is something that hiring managers look for in candidates.

 

For more advice and help in building your resume and experience, visit our advice hub to find tonnes of free resources.