Volunteer Opportunities- Look at the bottom of the page for current opportunities

Volunteering is an investment in your career. The return on your investment may include, but is not limited to:

• Valuable experience
• Connections with new people, potentially people in your industry
• Credible references
• New skills

Volunteering is the part of your career development that links your gained skills to the community and/or industry in which you would like to gain employment. By investing in your career through volunteering, you will learn about the industry and gain confidence in applying for post-graduate jobs.  Most people spend 1 to 2 years doing non-related work while making the right connections and building the higher level skills (which include leadership, evaluation, decision making and initiative) that are the basis for more professional work.  Doing that higher level work, networking with the potential employers and proving your professional potential while you are in university will help you exit Saint Mary's more prepared for the workforce.

Volunteering is a great way to gain experience as you set your own hours. You can volunteer for annual events (e.g. a charity run/walk) or throughout the year with a weekly or monthly commitment of your time. Depending on the sensitivity of the organization and its clients and/or information, you may be invited to start right away or you may need to be interviewed and screened, including a criminal record check.

Some organizations may ask you for a long-term commitment. Avoid volunteering at such places unless you have at least a good chance of fulfilling that commitment. Of course, things can happen that drastically change plans, but leaving on a minor and predictable issue despite a promise to stay for a certain length of time may damage your chance for a good reference from the supervisor.

Consider what role, industry, working values and skills are going to be in high demand in your career. What kinds of agencies will best help you showcase them?

Any agency might need:

• Organization or administrational help
• Data entry, computer work
• Event planning assistance
• Reception or client assistance
• Sorting/organizing of resources
• Day-of-event help
• Promotional help

Think about

• Who do I need to have experience working with in order to get access to good jobs in the future?  For example, certain clientele, certain types of issues, age ranges, gender, certain types of professions.
• Who do I need to network with to get information about my future career? Where do they go to do their non-professional volunteering?  What kinds of associations/ memberships could be useful to meet such people?

Some logistical issues:

Vulnerable populations such as the elderly or the very young usually require clearance of any criminal charges, especially any relating to abuse. Access to cash or the personal documents of clients usually requires clearance of property or fraud charges.

A criminal record check process changes slightly depending on the departmental office you go to. It must be in the community where you live, and depending on the depth of the check, may take a few days or a few weeks.

A major source of volunteer opportunities is the many non-for-profit and/or community agencies in HRM.  Find out about these agencies through the resources at the Career Development Centre in Room 302, Student Centre. 

To search on-line for volunteer opportunities check out: Charity Village or Fusion - Volunteer Here

The Saint Mary's Volunteer Fair

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010  1:00 to 4:00

Come meet with the agencies that can help you get the experience you need for your career.

Free event for all students and alumni

Agencies who wish to participate are welcome to contact us about being part of this event. 

Please email cdc@smu.ca or phone (902) 496-8743.

Currently needed in the HRM Community:

Volunteer listing featuring events and agencies that have opportunities.

Volunteer Brochure: Why Volunteer? (Download three panel brochure for display in your area)

LEARNING DISABAILITES ASSOCIATION of NOVA SCOTIA

Want to Make An Impact?

LINKS is a local literacy program that helps foster the skills needed for reading and writing.  What we do it simple.  We recruit, train and mentor volunteers (you?) to work one-on-one with a child from age 6 to 12 who is struggling in school.  The commitment is twice a week, for a total of 2 hours.  If you are dedicated, have the time, and a passion for reading you may be interested in this opportunity.  Please contact the Learning Disabilities Association at 423-2850 for more information, or fill out an online application at www.ldans.ca.

Volunteer on Saint Mary's Campus:

CAREER SERVICES

We need student volunteers to help us with our VOLUNTEER FAIR, Tuesday, September 21st.  Minimum 2 hour shifts. Volunteers are needed to assist exibitors locate the room and set up materials, handout 'rave' cards, work entrances.  If you are interested in volunteering please send an email to cdc@smu.ca with your available times.

Do you know of an agency that needs volunteers?  Let us know the contact names and the types of volunteers needed, and we can add it to our guide.