Through working with the Careers and Employability Service, Rowan seeks to improve how students access volunteering opportunities and how charities engage with them: “As part of my role, I’m building an understanding around students – what they think about volunteering and their relationship with it,” she explains.

In the process of conducting a volunteering engagement survey and highlighting the importance of listening to student voices, Rowan says: “Figuring out what student’s opinions are about volunteering and why they do it has been very interesting to me. I believe the findings of the survey will be really valuable.”

Engaging directly with local, third sector organisations has been another key focus. At the university’s Volunteering Fair in February, Rowan spent her time talking to charities and getting their input regarding student volunteers. From these conversations, Rowan made a discovery: “There are students who are keen to volunteer and charities that want volunteers, but there’s no proper way to connect them together.”

Bridging this gap is a core aim of her internship. She continues, saying:

“Hearing both the charity and student perspectives, making these connections and working together is such a rewarding experience. I look forward to creating practical ways for students and charities to better connect.”

Rowan is also committed to ensuring volunteers feel recognised. Through her involvement with AUSA, she is develop-ing a new recognition scheme for student volunteers: “We’re looking at creating a certificate scheme, modelled on other universities and the Saltire Awards,” she explains.

“I think it’s really important that student time and effort is valued and that their contributions don’t go unnoticed.”

Her passion for volunteering began early, from one-off school activities to long- term roles. A pivotal experience was volunteering at a community café in Durham called Refuse, which tackled food waste whilst serving as a meeting space for the local community.

“That’s where I really saw the long-term impact of volunteering, especially on vulnerable people and environmental issues. That’s where my real passion for volunteering started,” Rowan reflects.

“Seeing the change that volunteering can make to people’s work experience, sense of community and personal growth inspired me to make it part of my future.”

Now, Rowan is passionate about helping other students recognise the benefits of giving their time back to the community: “Volunteering is proof that you can develop teamwork, communication and general employability skills.”

“Volunteering is not just for work experience though – it can connect you to the community, helping students step outside the university bubble. It’s a great way to discover what you like, as well as what you don’t like. Even if it doesn’t work out, it’s still valuable – you’ve learned that because you took the time to volunteer.”

Seeing the engagement at the Volunteering Fair reinforced the importance of her work: “The turnout was fantastic and it’s proof there’s a lot of interest in volunteering. Between the charity stallholders and the students attending, it makes you realise there’s so many people invested in making Aberdeen a better city.”

The 2026 Volunteering Fair was held on Thursday 19 February 2026 in Elphinstone Hall.

Supporting Rowan on her journey is Gayle Thomson, Employer Engagement Adviser at the University of Aberdeen and supervisor of the Volunteering Engagement Internship. Recently nominated for an Excellence in External Engagement Award through the university, Gayle strengthens connections between the institution and external partners, ensuring both work and volunteer opportunities are visible, accessible and meaningful for students and organisations alike.

Speaking of Rowan’s impact so far, Gayle says: “Rowan’s passion for volunteering, working with people and research shone at interview and has continued to shine during her internship. She has engaged so well with Careers and AUSA colleagues, with third sector partners and with students and we are looking very much forward to her final project showcasing her research outcomes.”

For students considering volunteering, Rowan offers reassurance: “There’s no pressure at all. Charities are supportive and want you to be happy because that’s how you make a difference.”

Remembering her own initial nerves when she started volunteering, she says: “I was terrified that I wouldn’t fit in or do the right thing, but that feeling doesn’t last. I would encourage anyone to just try it out. It’s excellent practice for anything in life.”

Reflecting on that experience has shown her just how fulfilling volunteering can be, as Rowan shares: “Throughout my internship so far, I’ve met incredible people doing a wide range of amazing work. The third sector offers so many different opportunities and it’s inspiring to see the impact.

“Getting more students involved has been incredibly rewarding and I’m excited to continue working towards a stronger volunteering culture and making a real difference in Aberdeen.”

This article originally appeared in the April 2026 edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine for and from the the third sector in Aberdeen. Read the current and past editions, and sign up to our mailing list, at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news