Choosing a Placement that is Right for You

You may wish to visit the agencies (call first!) before you tell your instructor where you will do your service; that will give you a better idea of what you will most want to do. Remember that you must actually make the placement. When you and your chosen agency sign the agreement, deliver a copy to your instructor. Keep a signed copy back for your own files too.

Things to Consider About Yourself

• What do you like to do when no one is telling you what to do?
• What courses do you really like?
• Why have you chosen your specific major?
• How do you want to spend your average workday in five years?
• What skills or experiences will you need to prepare you for a career that interests you?
• What skills do you already have to offer?
• In what fields are you interested in working?
• What kind of organization are you looking for?
• Which intrinsic and extrinsic rewards do you seek from your work?
• What is your personal work style?
• How do you like to be supervised?

Things to Consider About the Agency

• What is the objective of the organization?
• What would your role be within the organization?
• What would your specific tasks and duties be?
• Does the site have a written job description for volunteers?
• Does the position require any special skills, experience or education?
• What hours will you be working?
• What type of people will you be working with? (Clients as well as staff)
• Who would be your immediate supervisor and how closely would you be supervised? (Be sure to meet this person before you agree to volunteer.)
• Is orientation provided for volunteers? What is the content of orientation?
• Are there any laws or legal limitations that apply to you because of your work at this site? (Confidentiality, screening procedures, for example)

  
  (Adapted from the University of Richmond's Service Learning Student Handbook)
  

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