Volunteering is when you give your time, free of charge, to help a project, an organisation or someone you are not related to. The benefits are not only to the organisation being helped but also to those who choose to volunteer their time because it's;

• an opportunity to give something back to the community

• a chance to learn new skills or add to an existing experience and knowledge

• an opportunity that can lead to permanent employment

• helps you to feel purposeful and connected to other people

Everyone who volunteers agrees that volunteering can be both challenging and rewarding. There are many opportunities out there for you that are suited to your interests and to the amount of time you have to offer.

My very first experience of volunteering was assisting an art teacher within my local primary school. I did this alongside my final year of studies at high school as a way of gaining practical knowledge and experience.

Initially I thought this would look great on my CV and personal statement for university as I wanted to be a teacher once I left school, or so I thought. I had no idea about the path that I eventually decided to take. After some consideration, I decided to study Politics at university as I wanted to widen my opportunities.

During my time at university, I started volunteering for Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise (SVE) as a Policy Researcher. Not only did this boost my confidence in the field but I also learned skills that have helped me in various social situations, with my studies, and even in job interviews. It allowed me to meet a variety of people and has shown me the importance of teamwork and communication.

Once I graduated, I was so unsure about what I wanted to do. I had this new degree which I worked so hard to get but no idea where to start in terms of moving forward whether that was moving straight in to the world of work and getting myself a full time job in my field or to continue my studies by doing further education.

As a result, I decided the best idea was to take a year out and consider my options. During this time, due to my volunteering with SVE, I was offered a sessional role with SVE as a Volunteering Development Assistant alongside my full time retail position. I always enjoyed working within the third sector; getting to see all the amazing things that were being done in the community, making connections and learning about all the great volunteering opportunities available. Although volunteering can be challenging, it is also very rewarding and provides a real sense of fulfilment being able to give something back to the community.

Through the connections I had made, the skills I had learned and the relationships I had built, I was very lucky to be offered a full time position this year with SVE as a Development and Engagement Assistant. This position has allowed me to expand on my existing experience and knowledge and I am learning more and more as each day goes by.

So in the end, I decided not to become a teacher but regardless of this, my very first volunteering experience helping in my local primary school has provided me with the necessary skills to set me up for my future career. Although I might not be on the path I initially had planned, my volunteering experience opened me up to a whole new world of opportunities which I am extremely thankful for.