University College Plymouth St Mark & St John

Student volunteering builds employability skills such as leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, initiative and self-awareness and virtually every paid job can be mirrored by a volunteering opportunity. Volunteering can give direction and focus to your career. It also has priceless benefits of adding value to assignments, boosting your academic skills together with the real-life ones that employers really rate, which look great on you CV.

There are a number of aspects of volunteering to think about before you start and we want you to have the best possible experience as a UCP Marjon volunteer.  Please use these helpful hints and tips below as a reference to get you started.

• It is best to think about the type of voluntary work you would like to undertake. You will find that volunteering it is the perfect way for you to road test possible career opportunities that could lead you to your perfect job. You could get involved with a project that specifically links to your degree or you try something completely different. Volunteering gives you the perfect opportunity to find out what makes you tick.
• Make an appointment to meet with the UCP Marjon Volunteering Co-ordinator to discuss your volunteering interests.
• Visit our online jobs and volunteering service
• Fill out the volunteer registration form so the volunteer co-ordinator is able to make contact with you. This form can be found in Student Support or through the link above. Please return it via email to volunteer@marjon.ac.uk or through the Student Support Advice Desk.
• Don’t be put off with regards to the organisations geographical location and many organisation will pay for your travel expenses. If it’s the right opportunity, go for it.

Below are a list of some helpful paper based and electronic resources, which will be able to give you an insight to the vast variety of opportunities available to you.

1. Volunteering resources in the Student Support resource area.
2. www.do-it.org.uk
3. www.csv.org.uk
4. www.volunteering.org.uk
5. www.vinspired.com
6. www.guidestar.org.uk
7. Give to Sport

If you want to find out about more local volunteering opportunities please make an appointment to see the Student Volunteering & Employability Co-ordinator by email to volunteer@marjon.ac.uk or by ringing  01752 636893

Volunteering will show potential employers that you are keen and committed to a career that interests you. Volunteering will make you stand out in a crowd, act now, not just before you leave.