UC Volunteering Expo 2021

The Volunteering Expo’s back! If you’ve ever thought about volunteering in the community, head over to the Undercroft on 28 July between 11.30am and 2.30pm. There’ll be stall holders from a great variety of organisations, from health and disability to law, youth and more.

Volunteering is a great way to:

• Focus on something positive.
• Learn more about who you are.
• Get work experience.
• Build your professional networks.
• Get a reference.

This event is brought to you by UC Careers, UCSA and Volunteering Canterbury.

Stall holders

The Cancer Society
Canterbury Triathlon Club
Co-curricular Record (CCR)
Christchurch Riding for the Disabled
Children’s University
Citizens Advice
Dementia Canterbury
English Language Partners
Girl Guiding NZ
Hāpai Access Card
Heart Kids
Kidney Health NZ
Law for Change/Canterbury Community Law
Lifeline
Mental Health Innovations
Nurse Maude
NZ Gifts of Love and Strength
Recreate NZ
Shakti
St John
St Vincent de Paul
Star Jam
Student Volunteer Army (SVA)
Tourettes New Zealand
UC Student Experience / Mentoring
UN Youth
Volunteering Canterbury
Write on School for Young Writers

Tips from UC Careers: How to make the most of the UC Volunteering Expo from a careers perspective 

Benefits of volunteering

Make the most of the UC Volunteering Expo by finding out about the vast array of volunteer opportunities that exist. There are numerous benefits to volunteer work, from both a wellbeing and a careers perspective. These include the opportunity to:

• focus on something positive, helping, contributing and influencing your community by supporting a cause or organisation important to you.
• learn more about yourself: who you are and what is important to you.
• get work experience in your future work interest area, or an entirely new field. It can help you find out what you want to do.
• build your professional networks which may prove valuable for you in your search for future paid work.
• apply and enhance the skills and knowledge you’ve gained from University in ‘real life,’ as well as gain new skills and knowledge.
• increase your confidence in a work setting which will assist you transition from University into your future career.
• connect with other people from all walks of life and be part of a team environment.
• show future employers that you are someone who actively contributes to the community and are open to broadening your horizons.
• get a current reference to attest to your work ethic, skills and attributes.

Before attending the Volunteering Expo

• Come prepared. Check out the list of exhibitors a few days before the event.
• Identify some organisations that appeal to you and do some research on them: who they are, what they do, where they operate from, their values, vision and mission.

• When evaluating which is the right volunteering position for you, think about these four key questions:
  • Does it align with my interests and values?
  • How can it help me develop my career?
  • What is the organisations reputation?
  • How much time can I commit to it?

• Think about the skills and knowledge you have to offer and how you would like to contribute to an organisation.
• Think about the types of questions you would like to ask. For example:

• • What type of volunteer roles do they have?
  • What skills/attributes do they look for when taking on a volunteer?
  • Where are they located?
  • How do they support their volunteers?
  • What type of training will you receive and how long does it take?
  • What time commitment would you be looking at?

At the Volunteering Expo

• Dress appropriately. Smart casual is recommended.
• Allow yourself enough time. When it is less crowded exhibitors will be more relaxed to take their time in answering all your questions.
• Prioritise the exhibitors you are most interested in. Keep in mind you may have to wait to speak to some exhibitors.
• Think of how you are going to introduce yourself. It could be as easy as stating your name and your year/field of study. This would be the time to show how you have done your research also with the questions you have prepared.
• Take any promotional material they may have to offer.
• If you are particularly interested in an organisation, ask for the business card of the person that you have spoken to.

After the Volunteering Expo

• Review your CV and cover letter. Think about how you can effectively communicate your skills and experience to a volunteer organisation you are interested in
• Practice your interview skills
• Create and update your LinkedIn profile
• Consider other ways you can get involved in University life to build up the range of experiences you can offer an employer.