This year the CQU Sydney TECC (Training, Employment and Career Coaching) department has created over 150 volunteer positions for students.

Students have been placed with major community organisations such as the Smith Family, Volunteering NSW, National Parks NSW, WorkVentures, Australian Senior Computer Clubs and the Red Cross.

TECC Manager, Suzana Vicentijevic says: “students have taken a shine to volunteering and are reaping the benefits of donating their time to help the community and enhancing their career progression while doing it”.

Student volunteers gain valuable experience in their field of study and assist the community at the same time.

Many of the students are working in career-related positions such IT, accounting, marketing, administration and business management.

Hendra Swarup is studying a Masters of Business Administration at CQU. He has been volunteering his time to the National Parks Association NSW in Sydney. He performs office duties including marketing and email liaison and provides excellent customer service support to the National Parks Association. Hendra was grateful for the opportunity to utilise his business skills and would recommend volunteering as a great way to gain relevant work experience and learn about the Australian workplace.

Another volunteer success story is Upender Singhrana. Upender is completing a Masters in Information Systems and is gaining hands-on experience at WorkVentures. His workplace responsibilities include helping to design a flyer and marketing the community computer centre. His skills in IT are being used to update databases, to design a range of marketing materials to promote the community centre and to update training materials. Upender is enjoying the experience and would recommend volunteering to students as a fun way to learn new things and gain experience in IT.

Details are available from the Client Services Department at CQU Sydney International Graduate Campus, 400 Kent Street, or phone 02 9324 5711.