Volunteering

Volunteering in the field of your choice is highly recommended at university.  However, you may be asking yourself why it is so highly recommended.

Volunteering opens up a large number of opportunities.  It may be common knowledge that employers look favourably among people who have volunteered, whether they volunteered in the field they have chosen to work in or not.  It shows that you have given your free time to help a company and other people for nothing in return; it shows dedication; it shows that you want to learn; and it shows that you have a strong work ethic.  These are all qualities that employers look for.

Volunteering allows you to try out your "dream job".  If you volunteer in the field that you have chosen to work in, not only does that look more favourable to an employer but it also allows you to try it out and see what the job is actually like, and what it actually involves you doing.  Whilst you're there you may decide that it is the career for you.  However, you may not like it and decide that it is not the right career for you.  This will allow you to look for other career opportunities before it is too late.

There are vast amounts of places to volunteer. Within the field of English Language there are many places and careers that are available.  If you are interested in teaching English, why not volunteer at a school, or if you wish to teach to foreign learners look for an education centre that will allow you to do so.  Other opportunities include, Speech and Language therapy (Private, NHS, adult based, or child based), Forensic Linguistics, Neurolinguistics and more.

Make sure you know what you need to do.  Many placements will require you to have a security check (especially if you choose to volunteer with children and/or vulnerable people).  Some organisations/companies will pay for this but others may require you to pay for your own, check with the placement prior to agreeing to the placement. Furthermore, make sure you know and understand the duration they require you to volunteer for. Many placements require a few hours a week for a minimum of 6 months. However this may vary.

Make sure you have proof of your work there. Most placements will give you a certificate to show that you have volunteered for a certain amount of time.  Be sure to ask about this when signing up. Furthermore, it may be a good idea to get contact details of someone you worked with for a reference on your CV.

Good Luck!