If you’re having trouble finding work after leaving uni or school, first of all don’t worry – you’re not alone! Competition is massively fierce for graduate jobs this year, with around 50 people applying for every role. So, if you’re still trying to land that dream job, here’s a thought for you – why not try some volunteering? A poll of employers last week revealed that 90 per cent will be putting a heavy focus on your extracurricular activities, as well as your academic accolades and work experience. Volunteering will definitely spice up your CV, as well as give you a bit of space to decide what to do with your life.
Here are some of the wonderful skills you’ll gain from going abroad to volunteer:
Teamwork
Ah, teamwork, the holy grail of every job application. But how to prove you can work with others successfully? A spot of volunteering may just be the answer – even if you’re doing something on your own like teaching, odds on you’ll work with other volunteers and staff at the school to give the best possible lessons. If you’re doing something more team-orientated, like building or conservation, you’ll really be working together with your fellow volunteers to achieve something worthwhile. You’ll probably all head out on weekend excursions together as well – it may seem like good fun at the time, but all that organising and deciding what to do is also you working as part of a team. Good times!
Interpersonal skills
Interpersonal skills are, sadly, about more than just being able to natter to people… Employers often whinge about graduates coming out of university lacking ‘soft skills’, meaning they have problems interacting with people in a work setting. By volunteering abroad you’ll be able to prove you can bridge cultural and language barriers to successfully work with others.
Confidence
Job interviews are pretty scary right? How about facing a huge class full of rowdy teenagers miles away from home? Even scarier? But by taking on a huge challenge abroad it’ll make those job interviews look like a doddle – and if you seem confident in an interview, guess what – people will think you’re confident (and competent) enough to take on the job.
Being able to take the initiative
It might go without saying, but sitting around at home watching daytime TV is not going to land you the job of your dreams! By peeling yourself off the sofa and heading off to volunteer, you’ll show future employers that you’re the kind of person who makes opportunities for themselves, rather than a sitting back and waiting for things to fall in your lap kind of person.
Public speaking
Ditch the debating society if you want to get practised in public speaking! If you’re working on one of i-to-i’s conservation projects where you’re showing members of the public around, or teaching hoards of kids, THAT’S public speaking – presenting your ideas to people who may not fully understand them and getting them onside. Think how many companies will want that on-board.
Organisation
Even if you consider yourself to be a bit scatty, sit down and think about it – even before you’ve set off on your adventure you’ll have proved your organisational skills by deciding what volunteer project you want to go on, getting the money together, either through fundraising or saving, booking flights, sorting vaccinations and buying the necessary equipment. Then, once you’re actually volunteering, you’ll also be organising yourself and others – drawing up lesson plans, organising your time on placement etc. Keep track of what you’ve organised while you’re away and whack it on your CV when you get home.
Lacking funds?
If you’re still looking for a job, odds you might not have so much spare cash floating around. If you’re keen to go abroad to volunteer don’t let a lack of funds hold you back – get fundraising! Check out i-to-i’s fundraising series here: http://www.i-to-i.com/campfire/travel-guides/categories/22-Fundraising-Money. Just remember, all your fundraising efforts will look great on your CV too! Or, you could volunteer within your local community – if you’re aged 16-25 vinspired (http://www.vinspired.com/) can help you find a volunteer placement in the UK to help boost your skills.
I'm totally passionate about travel, it's been my life and work for a good few years! My travel adventures haven't really been about seeing monuments etc but far more about people and getting off the beaten track. Even in a country that has large numbers of tourists you can still find hidden places if you look hard enough, living and working in country gives you such a different perception of it and more of a chance to absorb the local culture. I would like to share my many experiences and offer a little advice if I can to fellow travellers or anyone who is just about to set off on a life changing trip!
