UQ students invited to create change in their communities

University of Queensland students will hear about a gamut of opportunities to create change across their communities when UQ holds its annual Volunteer Expo on 17 August.

The annual event, which attracted more than 1500 people last year, connects students directly with charities and not-for-profit organisations.

UQ Careers Service Manager Daniel Capper said students could sign up for volunteer opportunities that would give them a competitive edge in the job market.

“Most employers these days are looking for well-rounded graduates who have more on their resume than just a degree,” Mr Capper said.

“Volunteering allows students to help create positive change in their community while also developing great skills that are transferrable to the workplace.

 “Students get a huge sense of pride and satisfaction from giving back to the community while making new friends and building professional networks,” Mr Capper said.

“If students are proactive in finding volunteering opportunities they can also pursue a passion for a particular cause.”

Volunteering Queensland’s Vanessa Codling said the expo gave students a chance to gain invaluable experiences.

“We believe in the transformative power of volunteering to change individuals, organisations and communities for the better,” Ms Codling said.

“For students, volunteering offers new work and life skills, friendships and connections, an understanding of values and empathy, and it’s a fun challenge.”

She said young volunteers were critical to a healthy community.

“Youth volunteering is on the rise and it’s vital for the sustainability of the volunteer movement,” Ms Codling said.

This year’s Expo will feature more than 50 charity and not-for-profit exhibitors, a fairy floss machine and puppies from the RSPCA and Furry Friends Animal Rescue Queensland.

Media: Careers Advisor Paige McDonough , p.mcdonough@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3365 1733; Dave Soole, UQ Advantage Office, d.soole@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3365 2954.