Volunteer work:

What it is and how to find it

You’ve no doubt heard lecturers promoting it, but what is volunteering really about?

Not just an activity for financially secure or retirees, volunteer work is becoming
increasingly popular for students and grads alike. And for good reason. Providing a
tonne of career benefits, and being viewed so favourably by potential employers, it’s
time to give volunteering some serious consideration.

Let’s do volunteer!
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What is it?
Volunteering is providing help or a service to a person or organisation for no financial
gain. The person who offers their time is a volunteer.

Why should I get involved?

For so many reasons!

People volunteer because it

gives them an outlet to
express an interest or
passion, or to feel a sense of
connection to their
community. It’s a sure-fire
way to meet like-minded
people and make friends,
and it provides great work-
life balance. Of course,
there’s also the ‘feel good’
aspect that most people
experience when they know
they’re helping someone
out. For students and grads alike, there’s a tonne of other reasons why volunteering is
THE thing to do. It allows you to build career skills, stay engaged and make industry
contacts all while gaining hands on work experience.

Own-use
Unpaid Volunteer Other work
Employment production
trainee work work activities
work
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What volunteer roles exist?

Too many to name!

1. Assist with a political campaign 7. Provide social support for people

2. Bookkeep for a local sports club who are aging, ill or have a disability
3. Phone counsel for organisations 8. Write for a community forum
such as Helpline 9. Provide legal advice
4. Event co-ordinate for community 10. Consult on start up ventures in your
arts, sports or emergency relief chosen field
projects 11. Fundraise
5. Garden for an aged care facility 12. Research for conservation projects
6. Provide administration support for a
charity

And the list goes on.

Why do organisations use volunteers?

The bottom line is that there’s more work to be done than money available to pay staff.

Without volunteers, many not-for-profits simply wouldn’t have the funds to build their
organisations to begin with, let alone continue carrying out their work. Having a
volunteer base means that a greater percentage of the organisation’s profits can be
used to directly support their mission (e.g. providing for disadvantaged children) rather
than paying staff wages.

Organisations also use volunteers as a way to build community spirit and awareness, and to
rally support.
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How much time do I need to give?

Whatever you can.

Every role requires a different time
commitment, so you’re likely to find a
position that works for you. While some
volunteers are required for a 5-day
camp 4 times a year, others are needed
2 days a week for 6 months. It varies
greatly.
The great thing about organisations that
host volunteers is that they often have
the flexibility to work around your
existing schedule. That said,
organisations rely on their volunteers in
order to operate effectively, so they do
require your commitment and
professionalism. Just like a paid job,
you’re expected to be reliable and
punctual.

How do I start searching for volunteer work?

Search for a role that’ll

Search for a cause you teach you a specific skill Think about your long
are passionate about. that you’d like to term goals.
master.

Looking for volunteer Build skills and

positions experience
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The 10 Best Places to Volunteer Abroad

Best Places in the world

India Working in health

South Africa Wildlife conservation

Nepal Community development

Peru Environmental conservation

Ghana Teaching

Ecuador Youth development

Kenya Climate change research

Costa Rica Marine conservation

Thailand Human rights advocacy

Tanzania Construction projects