Finding Volunteering Guide

FINDING VOLUNTEERING Careers and Opportunities Hub

Top tips for sourcing opportunities while you are studying

Your future starts here at Winchester Make the most of your time at university and get involved with a range of activities to enhance your employability and meet new people.

Benefits of volunteering There are many varied opportunities that offer you a chance to develop new skills, enhance your employability, contribute to your community and explore personal interests. Volunteering might take place as part of your studies during semester or alongside your studies at any time. You can: ■

Gain experience in an area of work you’re considering for your future

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Add a range of interpersonal skills and expertise to your CV and application forms

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Make a difference through community action and active citizenship

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Expand your networks and professional contacts

What you could do: There are so many roles and projects you can get involved with locally or nationally.

Take a look at CareerConnect and consider volunteering with organisations such as: ■

Spurgeon’s – welcome and support visitors to HMP Winchester visitor centre

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Community Peer Court – support youth justice in the community

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St.John’s Winchester – engagement activities with older people in the city

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Coachbright – make social mobility a reality through education coaching

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Hampshire Cultural Trust – engage with activities and visitors at heritage sites

. . . and so many more!

‘The thing I have enjoyed most is putting my skills into a worthwhile cause. Knowing that I have taken a little bit of weight off the team is really rewarding. Volunteering at Simon Says has definitely widened my career prospects.’

Aisha, Creative Writing, Simon Says Child Bereavement Charity

Your future starts here!

Ten Top Tips to help you find volunteering 1

Register with our jobs and opportunities platform, CareerConnect which advertises volunteering and placement opportunities in Winchester, local and national regions – set your daily alert choices to ‘volunteering’.

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Follow our Careers and Opportunities socials: Instagram @uowcareers, Facebook @universityofwinchestercareers for latest opportunities.

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You can volunteer with one of the many local or national charities and community organisations. To explore ideas about extra-curricular volunteering contact the Volunteering team via volunteering@winchester.ac.uk

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You might choose to take the Volunteering Module as part of your degree.

For details on next steps contact the Volunteering and Placements Team on volunteering@winchester.ac.uk

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Use specialist volunteering websites such as Volunteer First, REACH volunteering or Studenteer.

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Many organisations advertise volunteering opportunities on their websites via a ‘Volunteer with Us’ or ‘Careers’ page where you can apply directly. Or you can make a speculative application by sending an email outlining your interest, skills and enthusiasm.

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Volunteer on campus via the Student Union e.g. Fresher’s Crew, SU Executive Member, Student Academic Reps. Visit: www.winchesterstudents.co.uk

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Attend one of our volunteering events (promoted via CareerConnect) to meet with organisations who offer volunteering opportunities.

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Check whether the Winchester Employability Fund can help you with expenses such as travel costs that you might incur during your volunteering.

10 Speak with others - your friends, family, fellow students – about ideas for volunteering they may be aware of and that you might like to try!

Your future starts here!

Careers Service Support We are a friendly team, dedicated to help you to prepare for your future, to explore your options, to find work or postgraduate study, develop connections and skills, or to start your own business.

CareerConnect is our Careers, Jobs and Opportunities platform where you can: Book a careers appointment with your Faculty Employability Adviser to

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Explore different graduate career and study options

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Help you communicate the value of your achievements and skills

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Build strong online applications, profiles and statements Book a volunteering appointment with our Volunteering team to

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Access support for module and extra-curricular volunteering

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Explore ideas and information about opportunities available

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Connect with a range of organisations and community contacts Search for work and set your choices to be alerted of roles that suit you

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Part-time and seasonal opportunities

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Graduate programmes and full-time work

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Placements and volunteering opportunities View and book to attend our workshops and employer events during the year

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Keep an eye on the range of events advertised on CareerConnect Check out the resource and advice pages on a range of different topics

Visit us at the Careers and Opportunities Hub Open weekdays at SAB303 for advice on: Finding jobs, volunteering, placements, and part-time work Checking and updating your CV Searching for graduate roles and schemes and receive application advice Help yourself to our leaflets and booklets careers@winchester.ac.uk @_UoWcareers

@universityofwinchestercareers @uowcareers

Scan here for CareerConnect