Volunteer work enhances job prospects

The 2011 Career Development Week at USQ Fraser Coast focused on the benefits of volunteer work.

USQ Fraser Coast careers counsellor Jenny Gunn said being a volunteer enhanced graduates’ job prospects.

'This year, with so many natural disasters affecting the nation, we wanted to highlight the importance of being a volunteer,' Mrs Gunn said. 'It is useful and valuable to our students to be involved in volunteer organisations.

'Potential employers look favourably on people who show the commitment and motivation required to be a volunteer.'

Representatives from the Queensland SES, Fraser Coast Regional Council, Bay Connect and Legacy took part in the USQ Fraser Coast Career Development Week display.

Their message to students was that volunteering developed new skills, broadened an individual’s perspective on life, boosted confidence and self-worth and helped enhance employability.

Mrs Gunn said volunteering also helped develop skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork and ability to prioritise.

The USQ Student Guild’s Phoenix Award offers students the chance to get involved in voluntary work and be recognised for it.

The award is a non-competitive program designed to recognise the co-curricular activities undertaken by students while at USQ.

Participants gain points for things like volunteer work, paid work, USQ sports participation, first aid and membership of USQ committees.
Further information about the Phoenix Award is available at www.phoenixaward.com.au