► Case Studies

If you have a volunteering experience you would like to share with us please email your piece to suvolunteering@worc.ac.uk if you would like to write a volunteering article for our student newspaper 'The Voice'.

Catherine North, Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Management

Catherine works as a PR and Communications volunteer for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Catherine says: "I am volunteering because I want to work in marketing communications and this role is giving me experience in these areas and helping improve my employability."

"My role involves drafting/amending press releases which I then send on to local press contacts. I also promote Macmillan opportunities/events in the local area, for example with volunteer centre, university etc. I have been doing this role for two months and spend on average an hour a week working on it but it depends when press releases are available so it can vary."

Rebecca Hilton, BSc Joint Honours Animal Biology and Ecology

Rebecca volunteers once a week at Worcestershire Biological Records Centre, assisting in data entry and ecological field surveys.

Rebecca says "I do this for lots of reasons, mainly to boost my employability after graduation. It enables me to meet people in the field I want to work in. They know my name, face and that I am reliable etc. I find the people a good source of information, they are always happy to help me with job searches / CV's and general tips. I work with people who (hopefully) are like me in a few years time.

Rebecca is taking a proactive approach in gaining skills and experience for her future career, and sees the benefit of getting involved in volunteering.

"I'd say the volunteering work is pretty essential, it gives me something interesting and different to talk about on my CV and in interviews. I'm glad I am getting it under my belt now, rather than waiting until the summer and trying to do it whilst working in a bar / McDonalds / shop."

Hannah Williams, BA Hons Business Management

Hannah volunteers 8 hours a week at St Richard's Hospice, serving customers, organising and pricing items and dealing with enquiries.

Hannah was motivated to volunteer for St Richard's Hospice because she experienced firsthand the support they provide.

"Both my grandparents recieved the help that they [St Richard's] give so what I can give to the hospice they can give to other families that find themselves in the same position as i did with my family."