There are many different reasons why you could consider volunteering. You may be weighing your career ideas and wondering how to make a decision. You may have already decided on your career path, and now are thinking about ways to build some experience to help you get a foot in the door. Or you may want to make a positive difference to your community and people’s lives. Whatever the reason – volunteering can offer lots of benefits to you and those around you:
- Develop your Career Management Skills
- Try out something new
- Meet new people and grow your network
- Help people and contribute to your community
- It could give you a sense of achievement
- It helps to develop self-awareness, build your integrity and show your values
- Build experience and grow your confidence
- Develop transferable skills – it’ll look great on your CV and help you stand out from the crowd when applying for work, college or university place
- A good source of references you could use when applying for work
- Time commitment may be flexible
For more on benefits of volunteering check My World of Work here
If you think you would like try it out , there are vacancies available locally and further afield. Check out the links below to learn more and sign up for opportunities:
Volunteering for NHS:
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Over 16
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Willing to commit a minimum of 2 hours/week for 6 months.
Strive – find volunteering in East Lothian. STRIVE
Volunteer Edinburgh – opportunities in Edinburgh
Project Scotland – volunteering for 16 – 30 year olds
Gap Year: You may have heard about a gap year, or you may be thinking about a year out after school. Taking a gap year is just as an important decision as it is to decide on your other options. This is because a gap year should be a time you spend constructively and effectively so that when you decide to go to work or return to education – you come with valuable experience, skills, with confidence and a better self-awareness. There are many benefits of taking a gap year, but it won’t suit everyone. So before you leave school, gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision. A good place to start is here on My World of Work