Through UMVP, students can volunteer at major campus events and initiatives, earning Experience Record recognition for their involvement. Volunteers also develop transferable skills such as communication and teamwork and leadership, while also enjoying perks like free food, social engagement, and the chance to meet new friends.

Open House: be a tour guide and campus ambassador

One of the UMVP’s current areas of focus is recruiting volunteers for the Winter Open House, one of the University’s largest recruitment and community events. The open house welcomes prospective students and their families to campus, giving them the opportunity to explore programs, services and student life at the UM.

As an Open House tour guide, volunteers act as campus ambassadors for leading tours, answering questions and sharing their own experiences as UM students. Volunteering is a great opportunity to practice public speaking, build confidence, and connect with students who are just beginning their university journey.

Career Fair: support students and build professional skills

UMVP is also in search of volunteers for the upcoming Career Fair, where students connect with employers and explore career paths to gain insight into the job market. Career Fair volunteers support event logistics, assist employers, and help ensure the day runs smoothly.

Volunteering at a Career Fair gives students behind-the-scenes exposure to professional events, and as volunteers, you are there to support and develop facilitator skills that aren’t as accessible to others.

Leadership Opportunities: Orientation Team Leaders

For students looking to build on their volunteer experience, UMVP also offers leadership opportunities through the Orientation Team Leader (OTL) stream, which allows for returning student volunteers to take on greater responsibilities. Students selected as OTLs gain in-depth experience in team leadership, communication, volunteer coordination, and event planning. It’s a great opportunity to develop your skills and make a lasting impact on the student community.

 To find out more about the program and apply, visit: UM Volunteer Program | University of Manitoba

We asked Rebecca Balakrishnan, career consultant from Career Services at the U of M to tell us more about the benefits of volunteering and how this impacts future job prospects. Here’s what she said:

1. Volunteering is a great way to learn about yourself while building skills for your future.

“It can be really difficult to make career decisions without the context of professional experience,” says Balakrishnan. “If you’ve never had the chance to be in charge, how will you know if you’d enjoy leadership positions? Volunteering can be a safe way to try things out and learn about who you are and what you’re passionate about.”

2. Gain experience that will reflect on your resumé.
“Volunteer positions are often complex and make a meaningful impact on the community – finding a paying job with this level of responsibility can be difficult when you’re just starting out and don’t have much experience,” explains Balakrishnan. “By volunteering, you can take on challenging roles that can eventually lead you to work in these areas.”

Balakrishnan also recommends that students be strategic in choosing volunteer opportunities. “Consider your career goals and where there is a gap in your skills or experience,” she says. “Choose a volunteer position that will hone the specific skills that are currently missing from your resumé and get you closer to your goals.”

3. Develop experiences that you can draw upon at your next job interview.
“While volunteering, you’ll have plenty of experiences that can eventually become meaningful stories to tell in your next interview,” explains Balakrishnan. “If you’re involved in something you’re passionate about, that will shine through when you talk about it, which is something any interviewer appreciates.”

4. Take advantage of the valuable networking opportunities.
“Volunteering can be a valuable networking opportunity,” says Balakrishnan. “By getting to know other people who work and volunteer in the organization, you are building connections with individuals who share the same interests as you, who you may collaborate with throughout your career.”

“In a longer term volunteer position, where you get the chance to build a relationship with your supervisor, you might even snag a reference. Your volunteer supervisor can answer your potential employer’s questions about all the fabulous skills you gained in your volunteer position.”

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With this advice in mind, here are some of the upcoming volunteer opportunities on campus for students:

29^th Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow
This important celebration honours the achievements of Indigenous students at the University of Manitoba.

Dates: May 5
Application deadline: April 6

Science Rendezvous
Science Rendezvous is a festival that celebrates the mash up of art, science and engineering. This event focuses on hands-on activities that showcase areas of science, technology, engineering and math – with an artsy twist.

Dates: May 3 or 4 – school day events, May 12 event on campus
Application deadline: April 15

UMQueer

UMQueer is a group of faculty, staff and students working together to celebrate and advocate for LGBT2SQ+ peoples and their allies at the University of Manitoba. UMQueer is currently recruiting new committee members.

Dates: Pride Winnipeg Festival May 25 – June 3; meetings approximately once a month;
Application deadline: Ongoing

Head Start
Introduce future students and their families to campus.

Date: June 2
Application deadline: May 27

New Student Orientation
Volunteers will work with incoming students, accompanying them to orientation events and activities and introducing them to the University of Manitoba student experience.

Dates: September 4
Application deadline: May 31

To be connected with more volunteer opportunities, sign up for the University of Manitoba Volunteer Program.

For more information on connecting your academics to the world of work, visit Career Services.

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