Students often come to me to ask advice about how to get a job, how to perform well in an interview, how to write a resume, among a myriad of other things.
One activity that can assist students in all of these areas of their lives, as well as many others, is doing some volunteer work.
The benefits of volunteering on individuals is well documented. It can help you feel healthier and happier by connecting you to other people, giving you a greater sense of purpose, improving your social skills, as well as helping you develop new skills in areas that you might never have considered before. In addition to personal benefits, volunteering will also give you something to put on your resume and to talk about in job interviews, as well as give you references to support your job applications when the time comes. Of course, you also gain experience which will be valuable to potential employers.
Volunteering can also help you get a place at university in the course you want. Some universities, such as La Trobe, have special programs where you can get into courses with a lower ATAR if you have done volunteer work.
There are many, many opportunities available for students to undertake volunteer work if they wish to do so, so finding the right type of placement is vital. Begin by asking the following questions to help your child narrow down and consider the types of roles they might be interested in:
- Do you enjoy working with adults, children, animals, or computers?
- Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?
- How much time are you willing to commit?
- Would you prefer an ongoing role, or something shorter term?
- What skills do you have that might be useful?
- What causes are important to you?
Once your child has a sense of the type of role they might like, check out the different organisations that might have a suitable position for them. The following links might be helpful, and might give you a place to begin:
For more information, or for help finding a suitable opportunity, your child can make an appointment to see the Careers Counsellor.
Melanie Hayek - Careers Counsellor