Volunteering is the gift that keeps on giving to students’ CVs

University applications often require students to submit a list of their volunteer experiences. These experiences add humanity to an application, and can showcase community involvement, passion for a cause, or practical skills. There are plenty of students out there with high marks – volunteering is an effective way to stand out from the crowd.

But volunteering offers much more than a foot in the door to university admission offices. It has real world benefits that translate directly into better academic and career outcomes, and most importantly, a healthier, more satisfying life.

Homework and tutoring take up a lot of time in the lives of many Hong Kong students as they pursue success at school. It may come as a surprise that while volunteering may not have an obvious connection to better grades, there is evidence that lending a hand is linked to improved academic outcomes. Research shows that children who volunteer often have higher GPA’s and higher university enrolment, and lower levels of engaging in risky behaviour like alcohol and drug consumption.

Students are also exposed to a variety of job experiences when they volunteer, which can help them develop a clearer vision of their future. For example, teens can try using their computer or artistic skills to help charitable organisations. This gives them a chance to see what marketable skills they have and use them in a real-life setting with a team of colleagues. It is a rich learning experience not only in applying learned skills, but also in being punctual, attentive, organised, presentable and professional.

It’s also important to consider the networking opportunities that come from volunteering. A great reference for college applications or future employment may come from charitable work. In Hong Kong, where many teenagers do not have a job, it may be the only letter of reference they receive from outside their school.