Helping others works both ways, as visitors to The University of Queensland’s Volunteer Expo will discover for themselves at UQ St Lucia next Wednesday (5 August).
UQ Careers Service Manager and event organiser Daniel Capper said the Expo − held in support of National Student Volunteer Week − was not to be missed for any student wanting a competitive edge in the job market.
“As well as contributing to their communities, volunteering undoubtedly gives students a competitive edge when looking for work, both at university and post-graduation,” he said.
“Many organisations are looking for well-rounded graduates with industry experience and community involvement.
“By volunteering, students can extend themselves professionally and personally, develop transferable skills and enhance their resumes,” Mr Capper said.
Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education student Emma Hofstetter, who aims to work for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Council on Australia Latin America Relations in the area of education after graduation, agrees wholeheartedly.
Ms Hofstetter volunteered as a tutor with the Achieving Results Through Indigenous Education (ARTIE) organisation and helped at a local school while on exchange in Colombia with UQ Abroad.
“Through volunteering, I was able to help children in a positive and meaningful way, learn about culture and diversity, and build relationships with professionals from a range of disciplines.
“Volunteering in your field of study is invaluable as it gives you real-world skills that you cannot be taught in the classroom.
“Above all, contributing to the community is highly rewarding,” she said.
The UQ Volunteer Expo will draw together more than 35 charitable and not-for-profit organisations for students to engage with, including hospitals, community organisations and conservation groups, all of whom will receive Thank You Water.
The RSPCA will be bringing puppies and kittens and the Brisbane Festival will be recruiting.
The event will be held in the Holt Room of the Union Complex at the St Lucia Campus from 10am to 1pm on 5 August. For more information and a list of participating volunteer organisations, see: https://www.uq.edu.au/volunteer-expo/
Media: Brittany Macdougall, b.macdougall@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3346 0655.
Event Coordinator: Ashleigh Huddy, studentaffairs.events@uq.edu.au, 0411 953 056.
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