Get real-world experiences with a volunteer internship programme

Did you know it wasn't until 1960 that internships expanded beyond medical professionals to other industries? Since then, they have evolved into one of the most valuable ways for students around the world to bridge the gap between classroom learning and preparing for the real world. Textbooks can only take you so far — it's practical experience you will gain in an internship that will truly prepare you to enter the workforce.  

If you want to gain practical skills while making a difference, a volunteer internship programme could be exactly what you're looking for. Join us today at English Path to discover how a volunteer internship can offer the same benefits as traditional internships, with the added reward of serving communities and developing essential skills along the way. 

What is a volunteer internship programme? 

A volunteer internship programme combines the best of two worlds. You can volunteer for a cause you believe in and gain workplace experience. If you want, you can even look for volunteering opportunities in the field you’re interested in. It could be working with underprivileged communities to improve employability, learning about WordPress or entrepreneurship if you are thinking about starting your own business one day. Whether it’s supporting a charity, working for a non-profit organisation, or creating campaigns for community projects, with an internship placement programme, you can help others and learn job-related skills. 

Why choose an internship placement programme? 

Volunteer programmes give you a glimpse into the life of a working professional. You will gain some hands-on experience in the working world with a certain degree of pressure to develop essential skills. Your tasks will be somewhat similar to those of your peers working full-time, but you also get to ask questions and observe firsthand how organisations like charities function. This great opportunity will be so much more than just ticking boxes on your resume — as an intern, you will work for a meaningful cause and become part of something bigger than yourself. 

Skills you’ll develop in a volunteer internship programme 

Volunteer internship programmes aren't just about volunteering. They're about developing key skills that go far beyond the basics and are valued by employers worldwide. Let's look at some of the most important skills you’ll learn that will help you achieve some real-world success for years to come: 

Communication 

Communication is the key to succeeding not just in the workplace but also in life. When you are working with people from diverse backgrounds, you will need to master oral and written forms of communication across different tasks. They can include: 

• Participating in team discussions. 
• Explaining different tasks to other members/volunteers. 
• Updating colleagues about changes in the campaign. 
• Speaking with beneficiaries to raise funds. 
• Delivering presentations in front of stakeholders. 
• Writing emails, formal reports, brochures, etc. 

Teamwork 

When you sign up for a volunteer internship programme, you are also signing up to work closely with other team members to achieve organisational goals. You will gain firsthand experience in navigating workplace challenges by collaborating with a diverse group of people and understanding your role and responsibilities within the team. You will sit with your team to brainstorm ideas, solve real-world problems, and execute tasks as planned. 

Problem-solving 

In real life, things rarely run smoothly or go as planned. Working as a volunteer for a charity, you will realise that no two days are the same. You will face new challenges regularly, which will force you to step up, think critically and come up with creative ideas to solve problems. This essential skill will prepare you for various high-pressure jobs in the future where you might have to think on your feet and brainstorm solutions to help your organisation or team out of a difficult situation. 

Workplace etiquette 

To establish a successful career in any industry, professionalism is key. When you leave a place or an organisation, people might not remember how much work you did, but they will remember how you conducted yourself in various situations. From punctuality and dressing appropriately to communication, the etiquette you will develop in a volunteer internship programme will prepare you for future career opportunities. You will learn how to interact with your colleagues, supervisors, and stakeholders — skills that will be of high value in the long run. 

Cultural understanding 

We live in a world where cultural sensitivity is not only important but a crucial skill to develop. As a volunteer, you will be interacting with people from different backgrounds. This exposure will help you see the world from different perspectives and improve your cultural understanding. As you become more culturally sensitive and empathetic, you will also be able to conduct yourself as a professional who can work in diverse environments. 

Internships offer you practical experience and a glimpse into what your future might look like. You will not just gain professional skills as an intern— you will also be making a difference in the lives of others. It will make you a more well-rounded professional with a diverse set of abilities which employers highly value.  

Additionally, the internship placement programme offered by English Path at their London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds campuses will allow you to meet professionals in various industries, expand your network and, who knows, maybe find job opportunities down the line. Explore volunteer internship programmes to polish your skills and make a real-world impact!