In today’s competitive graduate job market, university students often ask what truly belongs on their CV. One recurring question is: Should I include volunteering and does it count as “real” work experience? The answer is a resounding yes.
It’s time to rethink what we consider ‘relevant’ experience. Volunteering whilst at university can be just as effective as a paid job when it comes to building essential skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. In many cases, it can demonstrate initiative, passion, and a commitment to making a difference, which employers value highly.
Here’s why your volunteer experience is valuable work, and it absolutely deserves a place on your CV, in career conversations, and during interviews.
It's All About the Skills
When employers evaluate candidates, they aren't just looking for a history of paid work; they are looking for transferable skills. These are the core competencies you can carry from one role or experience to another. Volunteer work is a goldmine for cultivating these skills:
- Leadership and Teamwork: Whether you were organising a charity run, leading a team of fellow volunteers, or coordinating a fundraising initiative, you were honing your ability to collaborate, delegate, and motivate others.
- Project Management and Organisation: Managing schedules, resources, budgets, and timelines are all common tasks in volunteer roles - skills directly applicable to most professional environments.
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Working with diverse groups of people like clients, donors, fellow volunteers, and community members, builds crucial communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution abilities.
- Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Non-profit environments often require creative solutions with limited resources, forcing you to think on your feet and adapt to changing circumstances.
- Technical Skills: From managing social media accounts and websites to data entry and event planning software, many volunteer roles require specific technical proficiencies.
What About Less Obvious Skills?
Beyond the practical skills, volunteering demonstrates highly desirable soft skills, just like any paid work experience would:
- Initiative and Drive: Voluntarily dedicating your time shows self-motivation, a strong work ethic, and a proactive approach to engaging with the world and community around you.
- Passion and Commitment: It signals genuine interest in a cause or industry, which can set you apart from candidates who are merely going through the motions.
- Community and Social Awareness: Employers increasingly value candidates with a sense of social responsibility and an understanding of the broader community context in which their business operates.
The key is not just listing the volunteer position but treating it with the same professional attention you would a paid job. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible.
Instead of saying:
Volunteered at a food bank.
Try this:
Managed weekly inventory for the local food bank, overseeing a team of 10 volunteers to sort and distribute over £2,000 of donations monthly.
As you can see, the second example provides a clearer overview of responsibilities, demonstrates leadership experience, and highlights measurable impact.
Conclusion
When applying for your next job, confidently list your volunteer experience. It’s more than just a generous contribution; it’s a strategic step in your career development. Volunteer experience reflects initiative, adaptability, and a well-rounded skill set, all of which demonstrate your readiness to make a meaningful impact in the workplace.
Ready to turn your experience into impact? Explore our Graduate Management Trainee and Placement roles and start your journey with Enterprise Mobility today.
