As I’m sure you’ve heard many times already volunteering is a great way to enhance your University experience (and your life in general). There are lots of different reasons as to why people volunteer; to give back, to make new friends, to support the local community, to show commitment to a cause they care about, or just because they enjoy doing it.
However added to this volunteering whilst you’re at University also gives you something to add to your CV. Helping you build up your ‘softer skills’ such as team work, communication skills, problem solving, time management and critical thinking. All things that future employers will look for in applicants.
Another great thing about volunteering is that you can do it anytime, and fit it around you’re course, work and social life. Whether it’s something you do regularly or more sporadically as and when you have time there are lots of different ways to volunteer.
Don’t just take our word for it, watch student Harveen’s video on her experiences volunteering, or final year Megan’s experience of looking for volunteering opportunities.
If you want to make a difference and find out more about volunteering head to the Volunteering and Social Justice Fair on Tuesday 15 October, 11am – 3pm, in Academy 1 in the Students’ Union.
Up to 100 different volunteering organisations will attend the fair from a wide range of sectors including cultural, environmental, health, sport and social inclusion, both from the wider community and within the University and Students’ Union. Each organisation provides a different way for you to get involved in the Manchester community and allows you to meet new people and help tackle important issues.
The fair is a great chance for you to talk to a diverse range of charities and not-for-profit organisations, and hopefully find an opportunity for you. For the first time this year, the fair will have a ‘Quiet Time’ from 11–11:30am to allow you to browse and get the information you need in a calm environment.
For more information about the fair sign up to the Facebook event