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Campus Blog: Volunteer or Work - Why not both?
By Niki Gellner
Tax Analyst, Tax
During school, it is often hard to find time to volunteer with a heavy course load and a lot of other things on the go at once. You tend to feel guilty doing something other than homework or studying during your spare time.
This is why it’s a great idea to participate in extracurricular activities during your co-op term and gain some volunteer experience. Since you don’t have to spend your evenings or weekends swamped with academics, take the time to make a difference in your community and amp up your resumé at the same time. An added bonus: you can do some networking while supporting a good cause.
Volunteering through Deloitte
More often than not, there will be numerous volunteer opportunities to take advantage of during your co-op term. Through Deloitte, I volunteered at summer social events for prospective students, the Calgary Stampede selling 50/50 tickets and with the Deloitte Green Team. Additionally, I give blood at all of the Deloitte blood drives. Volunteering through the firm is a great way to build your internal network and become a part of the firm’s culture.
My advice for getting involved? Buddy up with a friend, family member or co-worker to volunteer for a cause you are passionate about. You can mix it up with different opportunities but try to stick to longer term commitments. On a résumé, this shows a future employer that you are dedicated and it will give you more to talk about during an interview.
Happy volunteering
Niki is a 3rd year student at the University of Alberta majoring in Finance.
