100 ways to enrich your career, volunteer overseas
06 October 2011
Australian professionals have the opportunity to gain new and diversified skills whilst enriching their career through international volunteer assignments. From Saturday 8 October, Australian Volunteers International (AVI) will be advertising more than 100 volunteer assignments seeking skilled and qualified professionals from a range of sectors, to work alongside people in developing communities in Asia, the Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.
International experience is a highly desirable asset in the employment market. Not to mention the exposure an individual has to develop personally and professionally in an environment outside their comfort zone.
With skilled Australians now needed in finance, human resources, management, media and communications, environment, health, Information technology, law, community development, skilled trades and vocational education and training, there are many opportunities for Australians to develop their careers through volunteering overseas.
AVI Recruitment Officer, Ian Macdonald, said volunteering overseas is seen as a major career investment by most employers.
“There is an increasing demand for employees with high levels of ‘generic’ skills that are applicable and transferable across different workplaces. Research indicates that volunteering internationally increases interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills, organisational and management skills, initiative, resourcefulness, adaptability and problems-solving capabilities,” he said.
“International volunteers develop skills at an accelerated rate due to the unique contexts and responsibilities of their assignments. They also acquire a broader perspective on their own and other cultures, which makes them ideally suited to culturally diverse workplaces.”
Through the Australian Volunteers for International Development program, an Australian Government – AusAID initiative, all volunteers receive financial support, including airfares, visas, accommodation, a living allowance, insurance, and pre-departure training, in-country and post-assignment support.
Information Sessions:
To find out more about international volunteering, come along to one of our regular information sessions and hear from returned volunteers about what it is like living and working overseas, the recruitment process and the different programs on offer.
For more information on the Australian Volunteers for International Development program see www.ausaid.gov.au/volunteer
Ends
For all other information please contact:
The Australian Volunteers International Recruitment Team
Phone: (Toll free within Australia) 1800 331 292
Email: recruit@australianvolunteers.com