Since securing that first job is difficult enough, volunteer opportunities are key. A 2010 study involving six UK universities found that 51% of recent graduates found volunteer work helped them secure a paid job. Moreover, volunteering also improved their university experience – 61% reported their time spent at university was better because of volunteering and 46% reported it helped them understand their field better.
Volunteer work offers a wide range of benefits – rapid skill development, new social connections and the feeling of societal impact – to name just a few . If you’ve started those job applications you know that there’s always a section reserved for extra-curricular/volunteer undertakings, where you can showcase your passions, interests and unique selling points.
If volunteering is something you want to get involved with, here’s a quick guide on where to start in the Southampton area. With the summer fast approaching, now’s a great time to get started.
Opportunities listed below offer training and require only a few hours a month commitment.
For the social butterfly:
NHS // Southampton Mencap // KeyChange Care
For the skill-seeker:
Seacity Museum // Southampton Airport // Stubbington Ark Animal Shelter
For the art-lover:
Nuffield Theatre // Oxfam Music Store // The Art House
For the skill-sharer:
Jamie’s Computers // Robogals // Age UK
For the active:
ActiveNation // New Forest National Park
The above list represents only a small portion of the many volunteering opportunities available in the region; visit the Career Destinations webpage for more resources and to find the best fit for you.