Empowering bioscience students to develop employability skills through volunteering – voices of experience

Gaining employment is a priority for the majority of students (CBI 2009) particularly with the downturn in the economy and saturated job markets for both graduates and experienced workers, candidates have to find new ways to distinguish themselves to potential employers. The change in employer focus from good degrees to good degrees plus additional, softer skills and attributes, means that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are having to review their provision to students. Many HEIs have a diverse range of students from both the UK and overseas, all with varying needs and looking for careers in a range of sectors. With each career sector having its own individual expectations and requirements, developing a flexible yet structured approach to employability is pivotal to sustained success for all HEIs. With students recognising the competition in the workplace the desire to develop skills and gain practical experience is increasing. With limited placement positions this paper considers volunteering as a recognised as way to help to develop practical work experience and gain a step on the career ladder.