Volunteer work....

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Evening all,

I know this is a strange question, but I'm thinking about doing some volunteer work to give me some experience which may help me to get the first job I'm looking for. I've just got my A+ but my CV is looking a little sparse in terms of what I can use.

What and where should I be looking? I've looked online but even some of the posts on there want experience!!!

Anyone's experiences of volunteering and how they got it would be greatly appreciated.

 

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Nothing strange about that question at all Open. A lot of people do this. Volunteer work always looks good on a CV not to mention the hands on exp. Look around at your local charities also here in the states. Here we have stuff that is for low income families. They help with food, rent and stuff like that. These places are run by the goverment, always under funded and under staff. The ones around here love volunteers. Do you have anything like that there? Also spread the word around to friend and families they might have some ideas, not to mention you could work on their stuff too. This would be consider exp.

 

Hi mate,

I see you live in Birmingham which isn't a million miles away from where I work, Bath. I work for a large media company that has a good reputation for taking on people for work experience.

If you PM me your details I could pass them on to my manager and see if he'd be interested in giving you a week or so of the experience you're after. Question is, assuming that he would, would you be willing to travel that distance?

 

Hello Ropenfold, cool AV is that Ninja monkey? Reminds me of Ninja Cuts - Flexistentialism

As for your question, yes Voluntary work is a good way to start, it also shows commitment on your CV to future employers. I started off in IT doing Voluntary work Click Here to read my story.

As for places why not contact your local Hospital, Council, business or ask your friends if the company they work for has an IT dept and what the name is of the IT manager then contact them by phone. You may find that they will offer you some work experience or just some friendly advice.

Whatever you decide good luck and keep us posted!

 

Oh I have just found this link which inspired me to get off my arse and go out there and get a job in IT!

It was written by Arisen and has lot's of useful advice and links. Just thought maybe it would help you!

How i got into IT

 

Charities are always crying out for people to help them - underfunded, underresourced and with loads of old kit knocking about ready to be resurrected. Try asking round any charities which may be based in, or have offices in your area

 

Church is another great place to donate time and gain experience at the same time. The rector of my church wrote a letter of recommendation for me when I got my current job.

 

Talking about Volunteer work

I am looking for people to become "LABRATS" in my classrooms to gain experience to put on their C.V's, pre-reqs are a current CCNA minimum and you will have to sit and pass a 3 hour lab.

If anyone is interested or knows anyone please drop me a line

Cheers

Joe

P.S I hope asking like this is allowed on this site.

 

I wouldn't volunteer at large enterprises or even something like a Hospital. These places always have a large pool to pick from (CO-OP, entry-level, etc...). Try charities, non-profit organizations, and maybe small businesses.

 

I work in an IT Dept at a local hospital and i have never seen a large pool there? I have seen a large bath but no swimming pool!

Also the local hospital where I work arranges with a local college or anyone who takes an interest to enquire IT to organise a work experience from 2 weeks to 8 weeks. It's a good way to get some experience in IT!

 

A large bath?
That's my point with the college talen being available to hospitals. Hospitals have connections to get free (or cheap) help from local organizations.
I know here there's a waitlist to volunteer at the local hospitals. I find that amazing

 

Yeah its the Ninja tunes logo, one of my favourite record labels along with Warp. I have that compilation! I could sit here all day talking about the artists on those labels, although I'm not sure how relevant it would be to the discussion of volunteering!

I'd certainly be interested in the work experience Alex, but I'd have to accrue the holiday time first, its so rubbish being a temp! I'll certainly keep it in mind. Thanks for the offer.

I'm going to start sending some emails out tommorrow along with sorting out my CV. All certainly keep people informed about my developments. Thankyou all for your time in responding. I was feeling a bit down about this today, your kind words have made me feel a hell of a lot better!