How volunteering got me a job

James Mcguire was born and bred in Hull and now works full time as Audience Development Officer for Hull Museums.

Ditching your day job to start volunteering may not sound like a top career move, but James is proof it can be the springboard to something new.

After enjoying over four years' part-time work at Asda while at college and university, I got my first full-time job at a financial organisation doing admin for financial advisors. Apparently it had 'opportunities' and chances for promotion. After nearly three years, however, it became blatantly apparent that there were absolutely no promotions or opportunities to be had. I had a decision to make – carry on with my boring job, or take a risk.

I chose to take a risk. Even though it was drastic, I knew it was worth the sacrifice. I handed in my notice and sold my rubbish S-reg Fiat Punto (for a mere £210) and then saved a few hundred pounds from my last wage to try and keep myself going over the coming months.

"I am so much happier and now feel like university was actually worth it."

I managed to secure some voluntary work at Hull Museums in a marketing capacity, giving me an opportunity to get practical experience, and started volunteering two days a week. After a few months, some part-time summer jobs came up at the museum as attendants, so I decided to go for one... and got it. Because it was only 16 hours a week it still meant I could volunteer around my hours, while it also gave me some cash. I think the main thing that helped me was my familiarity with the museums and procedures, as well as knowing the staff and understanding the museums' needs over summer.

One of the things that helped me throughout my time as a volunteer is that I treated it as if it were a job, which helped me keep focus on my new career. Even after eight months of volunteering and not doing much socially due to having next-to-no money, if I could go back to the moment before I handed my notice in, I wouldn't change a thing. I'm so much happier in my museum job and now feel like university was actually worth it, although I wish I'd done this during my time studying. I'd recommend volunteering to anyone. With the way job opportunities are for young people now, it could be the thing that helps you get that first step on the ladder, sooner rather than later.

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