Volunteering - Get involved and improve your employability!

"Experiences gained through student volunteering are highly valued by
employers who, nowadays, put a great importance on Corporate and Social
Responsibility (CSR). The emphasis here is on giving something back to
our community." Katharina Koenig, GSP Tutor ”

The Student Volunteer Support Service is here to help give students the chance to undertake a wide range of volunteering opportunities both on, and off, campus. These provide a valuable link to, and input into, the local community.  Voluntary placements are available in a variety of areas, all of which not only help you to add some experience to your CV and build your employability skills but also escape the “West End Bubble” and see a different side to the city.

Opportunities

• Gaining experience in Primary, Secondary & Additional Support Needs schools.
• Running soup kitchens for rough sleepers in Glasgow.
• Undertaking training to provide support to sports coaches.
• Help International students to improve their English by acting as a volunteer language tutor.
• Provide support to refugee children and pupils from Eastern Europe to ensure that they don’t feel isolated in schools and are able to adapt to life in a new country.
• Offer information and empathy to callers as part of the Nightline service.

 The skills and experience you pick up by getting involved with student volunteering will be invaluable when it comes to applying for jobs and evidencing your skill sets to employers. At the same time, you will be making a difference to your local community. Student volunteering will help you gain:

• Improved communication and teamwork skills.
• Invaluable work experience in the education and voluntary sector.
• Training to support your professional development.
• Volunteering accreditation.

The value of unpaid charity internships (The Guardian, August 2012)

Browse the Student Volunteer Support Service website to find out more about volunteering opportunities and to fulfill this part of GSP. Citizens Advice Direct offers structured training and is recruiting now!