Employability is a key focus for you while you complete your degree in Cornwall – volunteering can improve your skills!
You’ve told us that you’re worried about finding employment after your degree and that you want more opportunities to develop skills employers want and that you're interested in connecting with our wider Cornwall community.
Volunteering fair at Penryn Campus
On Wednesday 8th October 2025, we hosted 16 charities from across Cornwall who offer volunteering opportunities for students. Over 1500 of you came along to chat to the charities with over 100 of you signing up to volunteer for The Woodland Trust alone.
Thank you for coming along and being enthusiastic with our charities! We’re working to grow volunteering this academic year and the more interest we get from you, the more charities we can talk to about how many brilliant students want to get involved.
What can you gain from volunteering?
Volunteering alongside your degree can help you gain experience that showcases your skills and knowledge. Knowing things is great but being able to showcase how you can apply that knowledge and skills in a real-life setting will make you stand out when it comes to applying for jobs.
Your wellbeing and mental health may also improve from volunteering as it gives you a sense of giving back, being part of something bigger, and enables you to meet people with similar interests to you.
How much time do you need available?
Different organisations offer different opportunities, some roles may want you for an evening or an afternoon, others may ask for an hour of your time here and there. You’re encouraged to check out the opportunities available and if there isn’t anything there that suits you, get in touch with us to let us know what you’d love to see and we’ll try to make it happen.
Are you interested in gaining employability skills and giving back to our local community? Find current volunteering opportunities on Handshake.
You can also volunteer to be an academic representative at The SU. You are the key connection between the students on your course and your teachers, helping to improve your course by gathering and sharing feedback.