Student volunteering has definitely contributed to my career path and has impacted on many of my friends too. I joined a St John Ambulance student volunteer group during my first degree and have since returned to university and started a nursing course.
How to deal with stressful situations, work with and manage a team, teach and present to an audience and organise events. All things that are beyond useful and give you a lot more confidence in life and work.
It's amazing what topics can come up 8 hours into conversations at events; from politics to bowel habits and everything in between. We trust each other completely and you definitely make some friends for life.
This is a crucial skill that, unfortunately, is only learned through experience. Rule #1: keep on your toes!
Since being a volunteer I have done a huge variety of events, from local village fetes to national festivals. Highlights include Sports Personality of the Year After Party, England Rugby Training Session, Creamfields, V Festival, Tour de France Grand Depart… the list goes on.
Getting a good brew at chilly event is high on the list of priorities! It's important to send out tea scouts early and get in some good refreshments for the team if you're in charge. More seriously, a cup of tea and a chat is sometimes just what's needed to help someone feel better.
Most importantly, I have learned some first aid skills as a volunteer too! I've progressed from nervous newbie to teaching skills with keen freshers. Our aim is to pass on vital knowledge to as many people as possible within our university society and the student community.
Your university first aid society offers you the chance to be part of a unique team of life savers, run by students for students.
Find out how to become a student volunteer
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