Discover What a Placement Year at York Cares is Really Like!
Since July, Caitlin has been part of the York Cares team as a placement year student from the University of York, gaining hands-on experience in the world of employee-volunteering. From supporting major projects like the Big Community Challenge to getting stuck into event planning and community engagement, she’s had a real impact while developing valuable skills.
In this blog, Caitlin shares her experience of working with us – what she’s learned, the highlights of her placement so far, and why she’d recommend the opportunity to future students. If you’re a University of York student looking for a meaningful placement year where you can gain professional experience while making a difference in the local community, this could be the perfect role for you!
Read on to find out more…
“Hi, I’m Caitlin, and I am the current Volunteer Project Officer for the Environment and Sustainability programme at York Cares. As a Business and Management student, this placement has given me the opportunity to develop my skills, expand my knowledge and gain real-life hands on experience in the nonprofit sector.
My primary responsibility is to organise volunteering opportunities for our members at one of our 40 Environment and Sustainability sites. However, my role goes beyond this. For example, I organised the Christmas Collection, where we gathered over 2,000 donations for local charities. I am currently planning the Easter Egg Collection, which consists of creating promotional materials and coordinating with charities across York to ensure they reach children in need.
Through organising Community Challenges it has allowed me to see firsthand the impact volunteering has on local communities and the people involved. This placement has enabled me to apply the knowledge from my degree in a practical setting, such as marketing where I have created promotional materials for events and campaigns which are posted on social media. Additionally working with major businesses across York has also strengthened my networking and communication skills, increasing my confidence and preparing me for professional life after graduation.
This placement has been an invaluable experience, providing me with skills that will benefit me long after my placement ends. I have gained a deeper understanding of the working world and the incredible impact that volunteering has on communities. I am excited to continue learning and contributing to York Cares in the months ahead!”
Caitlin’s experience highlights just how valuable a placement year with York Cares can be – gaining real-world skills, building confidence, and making a tangible impact in the community. If you’re a University of York student looking for an opportunity to develop professionally while supporting employers to make York a better place, applications are now open!
You can apply via Handshake, so don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something special. Your year with York Cares could be the start of something amazing!
