There are many opportunities for international students to volunteer in Victoria. Whether it’s through a charity, not-for-profit organisation, community-based organisation or your education provider, you will be able to find something that interests you.

Not only will the community benefit from your contribution but, as a volunteer, you’ll also gain many personal and professional benefits, such as learning a new skill, connecting with a mentor, and improving your confidence. In short, volunteering is one of the best ways to improve your employability as an international student.

If you’re keen to learn more and understand how volunteering can help develop your skills and employability, make sure you attend Study Melbourne’s Leadership Labs events.

Volunteering expands your network

Volunteering connects you with individuals who share similar interests. Forming these connections is especially useful in a new country where you may not know many people. It is also a great way to meet potential employers and industry experts in a casual and friendly setting. These people could eventually become referees, colleagues, mentors or business partners. With a larger network, you can gain new insights and hear about potential employment opportunities.

Volunteering helps you practise and develop your skills

When you volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your existing skills and develop new ones in a practical setting. Many of the skills that you refine and gain through volunteer work are highly transferable, meaning you can apply them in a professional setting as well. Some of the most highly transferable skills that you can gain through volunteering include time management, leadership, communication, team work and interpersonal skills. You can then add these skills to your resume.

Volunteering strengthens your resume

Oftentimes, employers will require candidates to have a certain level of work experience to apply for a position. Volunteering is an excellent way to add this practical experience to your resume. By including your volunteering experience on your resume, you’ll show potential employers that you know how to work well with others in a real-world setting as well as have the employability skills required for work. This will help you stand out in your job application and interview.

Volunteering helps you determine what kind of job you want

By volunteering, you’ll gain hands-on work experience and therefore an opportunity to find out what interests you. If you have an idea of the industry you’d like to work in, aim to get a volunteer position in the sector. In doing so, you’ll get a feel of the industry, which will then allow you to decide if it is the right fit for you.

On the other hand, if you’re not sure what kind of job you want, volunteering in different fields can help you figure it out. Immersing yourself in various sectors is an extremely efficient way to determine what you do and don’t like.

Volunteering builds your confidence

Living in a new country surrounded by people you don’t know can be daunting - that’s why it’s so important to build your confidence. Volunteering is a fantastic outlet to become more confident. Contributing to your local community will undoubtedly give you a sense of accomplishment. In turn, you’ll experience a higher degree of self-esteem and assurance.

Additionally, engaging in your local community can familiarise you with Australian culture. By getting to know the culture in which you now live, it will seem less foreign and overwhelming.

A higher level of confidence will be invaluable when it comes to entering the workforce. Hiring managers will pick up on your self-assuredness in interviews and employers will likely feel more confident entrusting you with important tasks.

Volunteering keeps your mind happy

Volunteering enables you to positively impact other people’s lives and make a valuable contribution to society. But did you know that volunteering can have a hugely positive effect on your own wellbeing, too?

According to Volunteering Australia, the act of volunteering has been linked to greater self-perceived psychological wellness, happiness, and satisfaction with life. People who volunteer also tend to report lower symptoms of depression and anxiety, and fewer indicators of suicide risk.

By maintaining your mental health, you’ll feel better prepared to tackle the everyday challenges of the working world. Better mental wellness can also lead to increased productivity and motivation, and lower levels of absenteeism.