The Student Room Group

Volunteering experience

Hello,

When i volunteer, do I need a reference or any document to prove it?

Do universities just take your word for it? Or do they ask for some kind of proof?

Thanks in advance
For subjects which require work exp, (things like medicine, vet med etc), they'll request evidence.

For all other subjects they'll take your word for it because just listing an experience doesn't really add anything to your application. If it's relevant and you can reflect on it crititically in your PS then that's where it might be beneficial.

If it's not directly relevant to the academic subject, have your referee cover it.
Reply 2
Original post by Admit-One
For subjects which require work exp, (things like medicine, vet med etc), they'll request evidence.
For all other subjects they'll take your word for it because just listing an experience doesn't really add anything to your application. If it's relevant and you can reflect on it crititically in your PS then that's where it might be beneficial.
If it's not directly relevant to the academic subject, have your referee cover it.


What if its a charity shop? I volunteered there but i got nothing. What is the wisest thing to do in this situation
Reply 3
Original post by Admit-One
For subjects which require work exp, (things like medicine, vet med etc), they'll request evidence.
For all other subjects they'll take your word for it because just listing an experience doesn't really add anything to your application. If it's relevant and you can reflect on it crititically in your PS then that's where it might be beneficial.
If it's not directly relevant to the academic subject, have your referee cover it.


I do have pictures of me volunteering though
Original post by salmoony
I do have pictures of me volunteering though


This isn't relevant or needed.

Original post by salmoony
What if its a charity shop? I volunteered there but i got nothing. What is the wisest thing to do in this situation


What subject are you applying for at undergrad?
Reply 5
Original post by Admit-One
This isn't relevant or needed.
What subject are you applying for at undergrad?


Medicine
Original post by salmoony
Medicine


So Medicine has specific requirements for the kind of volunteering that they'll accept, (for example you might need to evidence a certain number of hours in a caring role or similar).

You need too look on respective uni's websites and see whether they'll accept shop volunteering.

IF they do, they should state what evidence you'll need to provide. Usually it's a letter from a line manager or head office about how long you were there.
Reply 7
Original post by Admit-One
So Medicine has specific requirements for the kind of volunteering that they'll accept, (for example you might need to evidence a certain number of hours in a caring role or similar).
You need too look on respective uni's websites and see whether they'll accept shop volunteering.
IF they do, they should state what evidence you'll need to provide. Usually it's a letter from a line manager or head office about how long you were there.


Ohhhh thanks a lot. But apparently charity shops work too?
Original post by salmoony
Ohhhh thanks a lot. But apparently charity shops work too?


Again, it depends on the uni as to what they will accept. If we use Manchester as an example, they wouldn't be interested in it:

(emphasis mine)

"We require applicants to undertake some relevant work experience prior to application in order that they can gain some insight into what the role of a doctor involves.

We are not looking for a particular number of hours doing a specific type of work experience. We are trying to ascertain that you have a clear idea of what it is like to study medicine and what the role entails.

Shadowing doctors in a hospital/GP setting is not essential or considered to be a substitute for hands-on caring work experience. Applicants should be aware that we may request confirmation of their work experience."
Reply 9
Original post by Admit-One
Again, it depends on the uni as to what they will accept. If we use Manchester as an example, they wouldn't be interested in it:
(emphasis mine)
"We require applicants to undertake some relevant work experience prior to application in order that they can gain some insight into what the role of a doctor involves.
We are not looking for a particular number of hours doing a specific type of work experience. We are trying to ascertain that you have a clear idea of what it is like to study medicine and what the role entails.
Shadowing doctors in a hospital/GP setting is not essential or considered to be a substitute for hands-on caring work experience. Applicants should be aware that we may request confirmation of their work experience."


Thanks.

Isn’t shadowing simply just work experience? Sorry im getting a bit confused
Original post by salmoony
Thanks.

Isn’t shadowing simply just work experience? Sorry im getting a bit confused


Shadowing loosley falls under work exp but typically refers to acommpanying a medical professional in some capacity..

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