Ceri Owens (27) came to CSV without a clear idea of what she wanted to do. She is now half way through her MA in Social Work and hoping to get a job as a social worker.

"I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life. I decided to set some goals and volunteer full-time with CSV to gain experience in the public/care sector.  It was great.  I had contact with clients, learnt new skills and really felt as though I’d made a difference.
   
I didn't really have a 'typical day' as every day varied so much. I would meet the volunteer and go with them to their volunteering placement. Their volunteering placements varied so much that I could be chatting to a group of elderly stroke sufferers on Monday and having lunch in the pub on Tuesday, before spending the morning at a nursery on Wednesday!

After volunteering my experiences gave me the skills and abilities to get onto the university course I wanted.  The practical experience I had gained helped me with the personal statement and the interview questions.
I recommend full-time volunteering to people all the time.”