081: The benefits of student volunteering - a conversation with David Coles

Volunteering can be one of the most powerful things you do in your early career development. Truly. Earlier this year I was delighted to speak to David Coles, Volunteer Centre Manager at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) about all things volunteering - and I hope you'll immediately recognise what a 'win win' situation it can be.First things first - a quick definition. According to the NCVO, "Volunteering is when someone spends unpaid time doing something to benefit others.Helping your close friends or relatives isn't volunteering. But doing something to benefit the environment (and through that, other people) is.Volunteering can be formal and organised by organisations, or informal within communities. It should always be a free choice made by the person giving up their time."In this episode, you will find out more about:Why volunteering is so important for students How it supports your career developmentInsights into the LSE Volunteer Awards 2022 (read more about this year's winners here)Listen to a 'lightening round' where David gives examples of great volunteering opportunities based on what industry you are interested in career-wise.Want to talk about this further? Or are you so pleased with this episode that you want to amplify it and tell your friends? As ever, let's stay connected:Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTokVia LinkedIn post about this podcast (go to "Gina Visram" to connect with me on LinkedIn)Sign up for the mailing list E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any questions you have or suggestions for future podcast topics ... and don't forget to leave quick review for the podcast too (wherever you are listening). It's much appreciated! Catch you on another episode soon. Do feel free to engage with this topic (or indeed with me) at any of the below: The Dive Into Your Career podcast page of the Your Career And Future website where you can also leave me a message suggesting a careers-related topic for a future episode Follow Your Career And Future on Instagram and TikTok Via "Gina Visram" on LinkedIn (where they may be a post with a link to this episode where you can contribute some wisdom / reflections) Sign up for the mailing list (for students and graduates... a list for their supporters will follow) E-mail me on gina@yourcareerandfuture.com with any queries

Om Podcasten

Are you a student or new graduate early on your career journey? A bit stressed trying to work out your next steps? You're in the right place. Hosted by qualified careers guidance professional Gina Visram, The Dive into your Career podcast is the hub for all things "early careers" and is created with secondary (high) school and university (college) students in mind. Gina's supports students and new graduates on their journey from education to employment in a spirit of fun and optimism not fear and overwhelm. Want to write a powerful CV and cover letter? Keen to understand why networking is important and the best ways to do it? Curious about how your application can stand out in the graduate or apprenticeship recruitment process? Ready to know more about what employers are looking for in candidates? Interested in learning about what you can do now to be an appealing candidate in the present and future? Keen to start your career on solid financial footing? Stay tuned for solo and interview episodes which answer the questions you are asking, as a determined and driven person in the early days of your career development. Welcome to the Dive into your Career podcast.