A Qualitative Examination Exploring the Relationship Between Employability and Volunteering Amongst University Students and Recent Graduates

This paper outlines the research process that was carried out to investigate the relationship between volunteering and employability amongst university students. Much literature is available on volunteering in general, however there is limited literature in the area of student volunteering. Upon carrying out secondary research, it becomes clear that although there is a broad range of literature, it is lacking in depth. This is due to several gaps in the literature being present. In particular there is very little literature discussing the disadvantages of volunteering. The existing literature describes volunteering as a healthy and beneficial phenomenon and states that the primary motivations for volunteering are to increase employability and for altruistic reasons. This research attempted to provide a better understanding of the phenomenon known as volunteering. The secondary research allowed the researcher to better understand the topic and be able to design and implement the research. As part of the research process, 15 students or recent graduates were interviewed about their volunteering experiences. It was discovered that the primary motivations for volunteering amongst students was reflective of the motivations for others volunteering. However a number of new and developing themes arose. This paper discusses volunteering with religious motivations and negative aspects of volunteering, which have been previously missing from the academic literature. This paper also explores the disadvantages of volunteering to students and the role that organisations play when using volunteers.The key finding of this research was that volunteering is greatly benefits a student's employability. However, as this is a preliminary investigation, further research is needed to support a broader understanding of this topic, to promote successful and beneficial volunteering activities. Key Words: Volunteering, benefits, negative, motivations, employabilityba_evebusunpub1400_ethesesunpu