The LSE Volunteering Fair is just the first of the many events the Volunteer Centre has organised for you all this Michaelmas Term. At the Fair, you will have the chance to meet 50 of our partner charities, as well as us, and find out about all the opportunities available to you to volunteer on campus, in the local community and even abroad. Join us on Monday 8 October, 5-8pm in LSE LIFE and have a chat with some of the charities and get volunteering! You can find out which charities will be attending and book your place on the fair via CareerHub.
In the meantime, read our top tips below on making the most of the Fair and how to prepare for the evening.
1) Research the organisations that are attending
By doing a little bit of research on each organisation before the fair, you will gain a better idea of the areas they work in and the current opportunities they have available. This will allow you to ask the representatives more specific, in-depth questions about each role. Make sure you download the brochure for the 2018 fair.
2) Use your time wisely
Decide which organisations you’ll approach, and what you want from them, before you start walking around LSE Life. It really helps to think about what you want to get out of the evening – whether it’s gathering information, talking to people and getting a ‘feel’ for the different opportunities available, or a more focused search for a particular kind of position.
3) Dress smartly
OK, maybe not a dinner jacket. Just make sure you’re wearing something comfortable, but that’s relatively smart. It doesn’t give organisations the best impression if you turn up in battered jeans, a mucky t-shirt and muddy trainers!
4) Ask questions
If you’ve done your research, you should have plenty of queries that you’re dying to get answered – about the time commitment involved, the training provided, etc. But in the heat of the moment, you may forget them all – so write them down! Don’t be afraid to ask something that seems obvious, or questions you fear might make you look foolish. A good volunteer manager will encourage questions.
5) Go with an open mind
Whilst being clear about the organisations in which you are most interested, you could come across something entirely new. Be prepared to investigate.
6) Follow up afterwards
If you’re serious about volunteering whilst at LSE, visiting the fair is just the beginning! If you’ve come across anything new then look into it. Follow up any contacts you made. Stay in touch. The organisations’ representatives will talk to hundreds of people during the event, so you may need to remind them how keen you are.
Have a fantastic evening and don’t forget to book your place to attend the Fair via CareerHub.
