I remember my first day as a volunteer vividly. The overwhelming nerves, the worry that I would be out of my depths, but also the excitement that comes with doing something meaningful. From the community café back home in Northeast England where I started, to being the Treasurer for the Geoscience Society, I have found volunteering opportunities are everywhere and come in all sorts of forms. They’ve helped me grow as a person; in my self-confidence, my overall mental health and they’ve expanded the community of people that are around me.
The passion volunteering has given me for the issues the charities I’ve worked with tackle has also become really important to me, like the difficulties working class communities face in Britain today, many of which I’ve seen play out firsthand. Volunteering can be a great way to escape the university ‘bubble’ and be part of a community of people working towards the same goal or simply get to grips with Aberdeen as a City rather than just a University.
But the benefit I’ve seen in my employability skills has also been transformative, like in my ability to effectively communicate, work as part of a team, and eventually lead one. The issue for me and many other students is actually finding the time to take advantage of the invaluable experience volunteering offers.
Through my role as a Volunteering Engagement Intern, I’ve learnt that time is a precious thing for students. Between academic studies, part-time jobs, maintaining a social life and other personal commitments, students need volunteering opportunities that are flexible and are a ‘two-way street’; so, they benefit student volunteers as much as they benefit the charity they volunteer for. But from speaking to charities, it’s clear that this is exactly how they feel too, and they’re really keen to see more students explore volunteering opportunities with them.
If you’re able and keen to volunteer, the Volunteering Fair on the 19th February (11.00-3.00PM) is a great place to start. I’ve always found that volunteering for something you’re interested in is the best way to keep you going in the role, and with just over 50 charities in attendance, there should be something for everyone. Keep an eye out for other events like Charity Spotlight Sessions too.
Anything can motivate you to volunteer, but a quality volunteering experience will give you more self-confidence, help you develop a real passion for what you’re tackling, and boost your employability skills whilst you’re at it. Charities will do their level-best to meet you where you’re at, so if you can find the time, even an hour a week can be deeply transformative. 
