Have you ever asked yourself why people volunteer?
Whatever background you come from or whatever skill set you possess,there is without doubt a list of benefits for volunteering.
How many times have you found a job advert read “must have work experience” in the description and think, how can I have experience when I have only just finished my degree? Similarly, how many times have you thought you would like to develop skills and gain experience in a different area?
Volunteering benefits range well beyond enhancing each individual’s CV, for volunteering can boast a greater impact on the individual’s health and well being as well as that of the community around them. If you have contemplated getting involved, maybe this blog post and these reasons will be that inspiration you need. You never know, it could change your life forever.
- Work Experience and skills development
In the current job market it is becoming more and more important to have work experience on your CV. Leaving University with an Honours Degree alone does not cut it anymore. It is up to you, the individual, to gain experience, and volunteering is an excellent way to do so. Ask yourself, can you find time around your studies to do a few hours a week? Doing something related to the area you want to work in can be beneficial. That does not mean to say doing something different in order to develop other skills is out the question. Knowledge is power, experience is vital!
- Personal Development
While work experience is vital in employment, personal skills are equally important. We have all heard the phrases countless times,”I’m too shy to …….” or “I don’t have the confidence to …….” Many of us have thought it ourselves. Like most other things in life, the best way of learning is doing. Volunteering often offers a great chance to get out there and develop communication and team working skills. Before you know it, you can be out of your comfort zone, flourishing in a new found confidence.
- Creating Positive Change
Not all volunteering needs to be work related. Is there anything you are passionate about? Volunteering offers you that opportunity to go out and make that positive change. This can be as simple as gathering signatures on a petition for a local charity or raising awareness of recycling in your community. Being a part of something that you truly believe in will, without doubt, generate a sense of satisfaction and benefit your mental well-being.
- Mental Health and Well-being
Over the last two sections we have touched on making positive change and developing personal skills. These both contribute to better mental health and have been shown to help with depression. In today’s culture, many of us live stressful lives. It can be easy for work or studies to get on top of us. Taking that time bit of time out from stress can be exactly what the brain needs to recharge.
- Being a happier person!
A survey carried out by the National Volunteering Network showed that 98% of people taking part in a survey said that volunteering made them a happier person. Many factors contribute to this. For the vast majority of human beings, helping other people makes them happy. Throw that in with personal development, new achievements, positive changes, enhanced mental well-being and a great CV. What is there not to be happy about?
From this point it is up to you. Decide what you want to take from volunteering. Is it to bolster your CV? Make a difference in the local community? Or just to get out and mix with new people? There are many organisations out there that will welcome your time and help. Volunteer Scotland’s website offers more information on volunteering.
SAUWS Environment offer volunteering placements for students of the University of the West of Scotland. Get involved! All opportunities are advertised on the UWS jobs page and the SAUWS website. Alternatively, if you are keen to volunteer and think you have a skill to bring to the table, contact us at sustainability@sauws.org.uk.
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SAUWS Environment 