Why Volunteer or Intern?

- Definition of Volunteering

Why Volunteer? - Here's some good reasons!

1. Need Real World Experience?
SAcommunity understands that you plan to enter the job market with your current skills or qualifications; however, we also know that administrative skills and real world experience are needed in most industries.

Volunteering for a charity or not-for-profit social enterprise can assist you to gain relevant, practical experience and records your time and areas of contribution, providing confirmation (evidence!) of your proficiency in a workplace for your resume to advance your career. 

2. Need Workplace Skills or Skills Development?
Volunteering provides an opportunity to practice and build on your existing skillsets, and build transferable skills for your CV or your interests. From developing core compencies needed in most office environments and workplaces, to industry specific skills development.

SAcommunity also provides access to relevant training via Connecting Up's Digital Learning Platform, an opportunity to utilise tech tools/office software commonly used across various jobs and occupations, and to practice the digital skills needed in everyday life.

3. Need Connections and Networks?
Volunteering provides opportunities for building friendships, connections and networks, which are as important for your wellbeing as well as they are for your career. Meeting other like-minded volunteers, and building professional relationships across the organisation provides mutual benefit, support, advice, encouragement and, once you have set a goal, can provide a potential job search network or references.

SAcommunity offers a mentor program to provide an opportunity for volunteers to develop a deeper understanding of Connecting Up and Infoxchange, explore and discuss career pathways and goals, and build relationships with staff across IX offices in Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne. Volunteers are also encouraged to apply for relevant roles across Infoxchange as they become available. See Work with Us.

4. Need to try 'Something New'?
You might be on tafe or university break, newly retired (or near retired), needing to meet Centrelink mutual obligation requirements (55+ years), or waiting to hear back from your job applications. Perhaps you are unemployed, or underemployed, or working casually in a role that is not relevant to your background, studies or career goals, and want to try 'something new' to find your next steps.

Maybe you need to know if your area of study is where you really want to work? Maybe you need to change direction, careers, or explore what else is out there. Volunteering gives you an opportunity to find out what it's like to work in different fields and discover a role that resonates with you. SAcommunity Volunteers all focus on the key Information Officer role at first, then have an opportunity to work across different teams as they progress, in customer service, information management, media and communications, visual design, data analysis, grants and partnerships, and volunteer capacity building.

5. Need to help
Sometimes you just want to do something to make your community better.
SAcommunity's volunteer program provides a practical, useful and rewarding way you can use your time and energy wisely. Your contribution is valued and has tangible benefits for South Australia, across a vast and diverse range of community organisations. In fact we list nearly 15,000 different types of community services - there is something for everyone.