By Daniëlle Gerber
Amongst students, there is a lot of talk about careers – whether engaging in conversations about future careers or hustling for student jobs. One thing that most, if not all, employers are looking for is experience. This can seem like a paradox – to gain experience you need experience. However, the value of volunteering, interning, and community participation is often overlooked.
Over the last six weeks, I have been interning at the CoCreate Hub in Stellenbosch. The CoCreate Hub is an NGO business centred on business building – specifically small business building. While my job description sounds one-dimensional on paper, I found myself in an interdisciplinary role ranging from retail, interviewing, content curation, and even making a milkshake! I have gained the valuable skills of adaption, taking initiative, and stepping out of my comfort zone.
In their 2018 report, Fegan and Cook explain that the benefit of volunteering is gaining work experience within an experimental setting with reduced risks[i]. This statement is something that I have found to be true during my internship experience. While there was a lot of uncertainty about how to conduct certain tasks, as I was not yet a paid employee, I had more flexibility to reach out for help and assistance. Additionally, I felt less pressure regarding my performance and carried less responsibility compared to previous paid positions.
While an internship is a more time-intensive commitment, community involvement can have similar benefits. Many student societies and university roles are looking for active participants. For example, throughout my studies, I have been involved in my PSO’s (Private Student Organisation) Social Impact Committee – I have stood as a class representative, and I am a member of two sub-committees. This has allowed me to gather a broad range of experiences through simple and inviting applications. There are many opportunities for students to gain experience, broaden their skill sets and develop critical employment skills.
Figure 2: UNASA Executive Committee application process (source: @unasa_stellenbosch)
By being an active participant in your community, you can grow mutually beneficial relationships that might evolve into permanent positions – or alternatively, figure out what you do not want from your career! I would suggest following the SRC’s Instagram page, your PSO Instagram Page (if you do not know your PSO, get in contact with pso@sun.ac.za), find some societies that align with you, and most importantly show up. At the basis of networking, is forming a relationship.
[i] Colette Fegan and Sarah Cook. The therapeutic power of volunteering: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment [Cambridge University Press]
