Work experience

Starting out on a new career is always tough, and in a global recession, it's even tougher. With youth unemployment nudging 1 million, its young people who are bearing the brunt of the economic downturn, with even graduates struggling to find employment.

In a competitive jobs market, volunteering could help to make your CV stand out above the rest. It's an ideal way to pick up solid experience of using the kind of skills employers say they want, including communication, leadership, team-work and problem-solving.

Employers on volunteering

A recent survey of 500 employers found that:

• Three-quarters (72%) of employers agreed that volunteering placements can have a positive effect on an individual’s career progression
• Nearly half said that candidates with volunteering experience are more motivated than other candidates
• More than a third of employers who’ve volunteered agree that it taught them that “going the extra mile was worth it.”. 

Rebecca Wainwright, from KPMG, says: "The majority of students applying for graduate jobs won't have a great deal of work experience. By volunteering, they can demonstrate evidence of some of the skills employers are looking for. Furthermore, with increasing importance placed on Corporate Social Responsibility, it makes sense for applicants to match the employer's values by giving something back."

Hannah Slaney, Graduate Programme Manager at The Co-operative Group, says: "Volunteering provides graduates with an invaluable set of skills and competencies which cannot be rivalled by other experiences, even in the commercial sector."

Looking for careers inspiration

If you're not sure what career you want, volunteering could give you the opportunity to try something different. Tim Dye, President of the Student Radio Association, says volunteering has changed his outlook. "When I was at uni I was doing a science degree. I didn’t know what to do and then I got involved in Student Radio. Now I see my career going in that direction... Being involved in student radio has given me skills that my university career could never have done."

Developing skills

Rui turned to volunteering to help his performance at interviews. Now he's caught the bug, he's keen to continue. "I had good communications skills, but nothing tangible to back it up with.  Other people had more experience... I wish I’d started volunteering earlier.  The transformation in a year is amazing!   I’ve learned so many skills, like how to manage money, and I've made great contacts.  Once you get involved, doors open.  If you sit around waiting, nothing will happen."

Making contacts

Rosie, 24, an aspiring journalist, volunteered in a PR and events role at this year's vinspired Lake of Stars festival. She says: "I liaised with media and PR contacts, collated all media coverage, interviewed artists and volunteers, attended gigs and researched new ideas for the festival to progress, among many other things! I’m using the experience and contacts gained to help me get a job.

"Volunteering has not only opened doors for me to help me build my future career, it has also been a lot of fun. The experience that vinspired Lake of Stars has offered me is invaluable – I’m gaining contacts and advice from industry professionals that money can’t buy."

Best of all, whatever their motivation, volunteers often get more than they bargained for, as Sandeep Kandola discovered: "The really precious thing I have gained [from volunteering] is the drive to help people... The feeling you get after helping someone is the most rewarding and satisfying thing anyone could hope for."

Get started

It's easy to find a volunteering opportunity that's perfect for you and fits around your life. Click here to search for a volunteering opportunity to suit you.