Volunteering, Gain an edge

by Cara Jenkin - 08/02/2010

"Workers and students seeking experience and training to further their careers are volunteering to develop their skills while giving back to the community. "

        Jessica Henley, 24, and Emma Page, 24, are among the volunteers already signed up for the Special Olympics National Games to be held in Adelaide from April 19-24.

        Major events and organisations often attract volunteers who are just eager to give their time to be part of the excitement or the cause, but increasingly the skills learned through volunteering are being seen as an asset to a career.

        Volunteer work is being recognised as on-the-job experience in professional fields and a commitment to learn and be involved in their chosen industry.

        Workers considering a career change can also get a taste of working life in a certain area, before leaving their job or signing up for further training.

        More than 900 athletes with an intellectual disability will compete at the Special Olympics in sports events from athletics and basketball to equestrian and tenpin bowling at several venues across the breadth of Adelaide.

        The event will require a team of about 500 volunteers across the board, including logistics, spectator services, the open and closing ceremony, transport and accreditation.

        People management and team leadership are the dominant skills learned by volunteers.

        They will be provided with training to do their role and gain the experience of working on a large event.

        Games director Jenny Daly said staging an event of this size required the skills, knowledge and support of many people.

        “Not only can volunteering give you new skills and experiences, but it also gives you other attributes such as demonstrating good time keeping, ability to work as a team and communication skills,” she said.

        “In today’s economic climate, extra experience gained through voluntary work may give you the edge over other applicants.”

        Ms Henley will work throughout the week-long event on co-ordinating other volunteers in a team-leader-type role.

        The Bachelor of Arts Youth Work student mainly sees volunteering as a chance to give back to the community and will gain skills that will be crucial to her career.

        “It’s only a one-week commitment, which is good because I do a lot of voluntary work,” she said.

        “But also because I did my third-year placement in a disability field and enjoyed it and wanted to help out somewhere and get some more experience.”

        Ms Page already is part of the volunteer communications and public relations team, liaising with media and spreading the word about the event.

        “I have two degrees in communications and PR but I’ve found it a bit hard to get hands-on experience,’’ she said.

        “I feel it’s an opportunity to use the skills I have to help the community as well.”

        The Special Olympics needs more volunteers to work for all or part of the games week.

        Volunteers must be over 16, be willing to attend training before the games begin and undergo a free national police clearance.

        Training, uniforms and support will be provided.

        Information packs are available by emailing volunteers2010ng@specialolympics.com.au or phone 7220 7278.

        * Inquiries: More information is available from the website www.specialolympics.com.au.

More Details: http://www.careerone.com.au/news-advice/employment-news/gain-an-edge-over-others-by-volunteering-20100208