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- by Charlotte King
- In Other
Posted May 2, 2014
Finding the Perfect Postgrad Volunteer Role
While securing a part-time (or full-time) job during your postgraduate study is indeed very important, you could also consider placing yourself into a volunteer programme. Not only does this look great on a future resume, but it can also provide valuable real-world experience and give you the ability to meet like-minded people in your field of choice. While these are certainly pronounced benefits, finding that perfect volunteer role can be challenging and even a bit confusing. So, let's take a look at some of the key factors that you need to consider when approaching this potentially lucrative opportunity.
Broaden Your Horizons One thing that you must first recognise is that you have the ability to think outside of the proverbial box. In other words, many postgraduate students are now contemplating taking on a volunteer role abroad. This is actually very important to consider, for the world is now becoming more interconnected than ever before. Of course, there are some basic travel concerns that should be addressed first. Still, it is actually much easier than you think to qualify for a volunteer programme abroad. You will obviously have to take into account your course of study, but such an approach is an excellent way to meet new people and to prepare yourself for the 21st century work environment.
Consider Your Availability One of the most common mistakes that a postgraduate student will make is not balancing volunteer work with their other commitments. This is especially the case if you find a volunteer role that you truly enjoy. If you are distracted from your other studies, your scholastic career may suffer as a result. So, ask yourself how many hours a week you can afford to work. Although volunteer work is undoubtedly useful for future experience, you need to carefully weigh your intended role with the demands that you can expect to be under as a postgraduate student.
Fun Versus Learning Volunteer work should be as fun as it is educational. So, try and find a situation that offers a balance of both. Never forget that you are also seeking to gain experience in the real world with any such programme. For example, a postgraduate chemistry student may do well to choose an offer that allows him or her to teach local children the basics of chemistry. Not only will this reinforce an existing knowledge base, but there is no doubt that working with kids is fun and exciting. On the contrary, try to avoid a volunteer programme that is rather "dry" and dull. If you place yourself in such a position, you may very well be burning the proverbial candle at both ends. Once again, you need to find the balance between fun and work.
Never Be Afraid to Ask for Advice Remember that you have a wealth of resources at your disposal. These can include career counsellors, teaching aids, your peers and your professors. The chances are quite high that they will be able to point you in the right direction if you feel that you have reached a dead end. These simple tips can help you find the volunteer programme of choice.
Broaden Your Horizons One thing that you must first recognise is that you have the ability to think outside of the proverbial box. In other words, many postgraduate students are now contemplating taking on a volunteer role abroad. This is actually very important to consider, for the world is now becoming more interconnected than ever before. Of course, there are some basic travel concerns that should be addressed first. Still, it is actually much easier than you think to qualify for a volunteer programme abroad. You will obviously have to take into account your course of study, but such an approach is an excellent way to meet new people and to prepare yourself for the 21st century work environment.
Consider Your Availability One of the most common mistakes that a postgraduate student will make is not balancing volunteer work with their other commitments. This is especially the case if you find a volunteer role that you truly enjoy. If you are distracted from your other studies, your scholastic career may suffer as a result. So, ask yourself how many hours a week you can afford to work. Although volunteer work is undoubtedly useful for future experience, you need to carefully weigh your intended role with the demands that you can expect to be under as a postgraduate student.
Fun Versus Learning Volunteer work should be as fun as it is educational. So, try and find a situation that offers a balance of both. Never forget that you are also seeking to gain experience in the real world with any such programme. For example, a postgraduate chemistry student may do well to choose an offer that allows him or her to teach local children the basics of chemistry. Not only will this reinforce an existing knowledge base, but there is no doubt that working with kids is fun and exciting. On the contrary, try to avoid a volunteer programme that is rather "dry" and dull. If you place yourself in such a position, you may very well be burning the proverbial candle at both ends. Once again, you need to find the balance between fun and work.
Never Be Afraid to Ask for Advice Remember that you have a wealth of resources at your disposal. These can include career counsellors, teaching aids, your peers and your professors. The chances are quite high that they will be able to point you in the right direction if you feel that you have reached a dead end. These simple tips can help you find the volunteer programme of choice.
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