Volunteer program helps students gain hands-on experience
Interested in helping out at an event on campus? The University of Manitoba Volunteer Program (UMVP) allows you to gain experience by lending a hand in support of various U of M initiatives.
The program connects students with opportunities to volunteer at events such as Open House, Orientation or Homecoming. The benefits of participating in the program are wide-ranging from gaining experience and building employable skills to meeting other students and connecting with U of M faculty and staff. The experience gained will be recognized on your Co-Curricular Record and will help you build a résumé for future employment.
Oreoluwa Joda, UMVP volunteer
“I decided to join the UMVP program because volunteering gives me a sense of purpose, responsibility and commitment,” says Oreoluwa Joda, a fourth year economics student who has been a UMVP member for the last two years. “All UMVP volunteer events are fun, but I have especially enjoyed volunteering at Open House.”
“The program instills values of commitment, balance and stewardship as a student,” Joda adds. “I have created many campus memories at the U of M through my volunteer experience.”
When asked what advice she’d give to other students who are contemplating whether or not to join the program, Joda explains, “I would advise students to ‘Just do it.’ Students can view the program as a way of accessing opportunities to serve the campus community while investing in their personal and professional development. The benefits of volunteering are endless and there is always a role which best suits your area of interest and strength. Volunteer students should also be open minded and sociable, as they would be working with diverse groups or team members while volunteering.”
“If you not only want to go through university, but have a holistic experience and a meaningful time at the U of M, then I’d encourage you to join the UMVP program.”
The University of Manitoba Volunteer program is currently accepting applications for upcoming opportunities including Open House (deadline January 26), New Student Orientation team captains (deadline January 29) and New Student Orientation volunteers (deadline March 31).
For more information about UMVP or to sign up, visit: umanitoba.ca/student/studentlife/umvp