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Since securingÌýthat first job is difficult enough, volunteer opportunities are key. A involving six UK universities found that 51% of recent graduates found volunteer work helped them secure a paid job. Moreover, volunteering also improved their university experience – 61% reported their time spent at university was better because of volunteering and 46% reported it helped them understand their field better.

Volunteer work offers a wide range of benefits – rapid skill development, new social connections and the feeling of societal impact – to name just a fewÌý. ÌýIf you’ve started those job applications you know that there’s always a section reserved for extra-curricular/volunteer undertakings, where you can showcase your passions, interests and unique selling points.

If volunteering is something you want to get involved with, here’s a quick guide on where to start in the SouthamptonÌýarea. With the summer fast approaching, now’s a great time to get started.

Opportunities listed below offer training and require only a few hours a month commitment.

For theÌýsocial butterfly:ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý

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For the skill-seeker: Ìý

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For the art-lover:Ìý

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For the skill-sharer:

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For the active:Ìý

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The above list represents only a small portion of the many volunteering opportunities available in the region; visit the for more resources and to find the best fit for you.