Anybody who wants to look for a job in Germany, should also look out for voluntary work that is in line with personal interests and skills and support them. Besides its key function for German society, voluntary work has a positive effect on job applications and the start into the job world.
Voluntary work is of great importance for employers as well as for personal growth. A voluntary occupation is also a good opportunity to acquire skills and start networking, which can ease the transition into employment.
What is voluntary work?
Voluntary work is one of the bases for successful networking, because it is deeply rooted in the idea of solidarity within society. It is part of social integration and networking in Germany, making it relevant when looking for a job.
Voluntary work describes an occupation that is voluntary, gratuitous and community oriented, a great example is the voluntary fire brigade. The focus is on helping each other and doing something for society in the broader sense.
By definition: Everything that is done outside of a job, or an education, for example at university and for which one receives no compensation in the form of payment or ECTs. There are several opportunities to voluntarily commit at Paderborn University. Why should you do that in the first place?
Advantages of voluntary occupation
The experience of working voluntarily in a club, an initiative or in a project differs from person to person, as well does the motivation. But there are some similarities across the board: For many students a voluntary engagement is an opportunity to meet new people outside of their line of study and to experience the University outside of class.
The skills that can be learned are vital. Getting to know the university from a different perspective is an important advantage and in many cases, volunteers can help shape the life at Paderborn University. Learn to take on responsibility and depending where one chooses to commit voluntarily, there is a possibility to shape you own studies. Especially student councils are involved in accrediting new study and exam regulations.
Relevant skills for an employment, for example problem management, time management and communication can be trained on a low-threshold level. Not matter whether it is organizing events or managing the finances for a club during voluntary work, skills can be trained and tested in a safe environment.
Voluntary work does not only have advantages for personal growth, but is also interesting for Human Resource Departments. During an application process, employers will look not only at how and where you completed your education, but rather at what professional experience applicants possess. Voluntary work is a marker for your future employer that future employees are experienced in team work and communication and that applicants saw beyond one’s nose at university.
The time required for voluntary work is compensated through the advantages it has to offer. If you want to commit voluntarily at Paderborn University, there are a range of possibilities to do so. Check them out here and here. Clubs and initiatives are always looking for motivated members!
Recognition of voluntary work at Paderborn University
No matter where you want to commit voluntarily, student engagement is valued and supported at Paderborn University. It is part of the life at university and is as such of crucial importance for the student body.
The university certificate “upb+ Egangement. Competency. Job. The Certificate University for an improved preparation for the job” helps students to present their voluntary work properly within an official document signed by a vice president of Paderborn University. Not only does the certificate demonstrate voluntary work, but also voluntary participation in further training, e.g. a workshop by the career service, within the university and depicts all of it in a certificate. Subsequently students can attach their voluntary achievements into their job applications.
