Voluntary Work
Taking a valid gap from your studies can be a daunting affair, volunteering is a great way to enhance your CV and develop essential personal skills and competences. Voluntary work can help build an array of skills in areas such as:
- Project management,
- Negotiation and planning,
- Along with developing communication and scheduling skills … and
- Goal setting abilities.
You may be frustrated because you know what career you’re looking for but don’t have the experience or perhaps you want to try something different. Many employers prefer work placement schemes rather than a travelling/holiday experience. Whilst qualifications are still very important voluntary work can help you get the experience you need.
Voluntary work need never be boring or dull and there is no reason not to take full advantage of EU citizenship and travel. Voluntary work abroad has never been so attractive! Just imagine how great it would be to say that you have already lived and completed voluntary work in a different country before you even finished your education!
In an age of more competitive markets and workforces, voluntary work can provide an alternative approach to gaining essential work skills along with the potential for positive life changing experiences. As well as the obvious feel-good factor, volunteering can provide some real benefits to your career, as you develop the ‘soft skills’ that many companies look for in their staff.