Volunteer work

What is it?

• Unpaid work
• Generally with not-for-profit or community based organisations both in Australia and overseas
• Can also be positions of responsibility within clubs and societies, many of which can be found on campus
• Can be related to either personal or professional interests and goals

Why do it?

• To gain valuable experience and put your skills to work in a field related to your studies
• To develop your employability skills
• To develop contacts in a field relevant to your career goals
• To make a contribution to society in accordance with your personal values
• To help your resume stand out from the crowd

Graduate employers prefer to hire 'well-rounded' graduates. This means they look for graduates who have not just performed well academically, but have been engaged in a variety of activities other than their studies.

Where do I find it?

• Thousands of opportunities are advertised on these national and international volunteering websites
• The Australian Council for International Development website lists volunteer opportunities with non-government organisations
• University of Sydney Clubs and Societies
• Use your networks to create your own opportunities in a relevant field, for example, if you are a member of a sporting club you could volunteer to create a newsletter for members or assist them with their bookkeeping