v
olunteering:
getting involved
Volunteering is all about getting involved Volunteering overseas
and making a valuable contribution to
Undertaking volunteer work overseas is a great
individuals in need, to society as a whole
way to experience living in a different country/
and to your own development.
culture and gain work experience at the same
time. You also have the opportunity to contribute
Being a volunteer can open up a world of
your time and skills for a cause, community or
opportunity on both a personal and professional
issue that is important to you on a personal level.
level. Assignments can take you from teaching
Not only can the whole experience contribute
hip-hop dance in the Australian outback, to
to your own personal development and self-
improving habitats for endangered wildlife, or
confidence, overseas volunteering looks great on
building a new school for children in Ecuador.
a resume. Employers recognise the many valuable
It can be a one-off experience or an ongoing
qualities that OS work experience demonstrates
commitment, but either way volunteering is
and cultivates, such as initiative, passion, curiosity
guaranteed to change the way you view the world
and moral vision.
and your place in it.
There are many formal and informal programs
In terms of improving your employment
which assist Australian students and graduates
prospects, potential employers know that
who would like to volunteer OS. These programs
volunteering requires commitment, motivation
range from two-week work camps to two-year
and energy, so they look favourably on applicants
professional placements. The opportunities
who have volunteered.
available to you will depend in part on your
Volunteering often involves working within small
skills, current demand and the countries you are
organisations with limited resources. It is in just
interested in or willing to travel to.
such organisations that you have the opportunity
The right skills
to learn valuable lessons about:
Volunteer skills that are often in demand OS
• Taking initiative and showing leadership
include building and restoration, national park
• Finding solutions and pushing projects forward
track maintenance, teaching English, agricultural
• Dealing with a wide range of people
work, childcare, nursing/health care and scientific
• Handling pressures and deadlines
research. Volunteering organisations and your
• Team work
university careers services will be able to assist
• Identifying priorities
you to match your skills with potential overseas
• Liaising with different people and organisations
volunteering opportunities.
One of the positives about volunteering is that
you are often given opportunities for leadership
and initiative that would not be available in a
Employers recognise the valuable
permanent, paid position.
qualities that OS work experience
cultivates, such as initiative,
passion, curiosity and moral vision.
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