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Volunteering

Volunteering is an enjoyable way for you to make a difference, provides a fantastic opportunity for you to develop key skills for your future career and to check out possible career paths. On top of that it’s a great way to make new friends, to do something different from your studies and to get a different perspective of life.

We offer you the opportunity to volunteer in a wide variety of locally based organisations and community projects as well as for the Students' Union.

There are lots of options to choose from and we will help you find the volunteering placement that is right for you so contact us for more information.

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Union Computers Front Desk

Union Computers is a new, not-for-profit venture set up by the Students’ Union. It will be run and lead by student volunteers, to develop the venture into a fully functioning computer and laptop repair service for all Sussex students.

Role description

Reports to: IT and Web Manager

Time commitment:

4x hours per week, term time only (10am – 4pm Mon – Fri)
1x volunteer team meeting per term.
3x individual support session with the IT and Web Manager per term.

Main responsibilities & tasks

1. To install, maintain, test and upgrade desktop hardware (including peripherals) and software across a variety of operating systems.

2. To accurately identify, diagnose and solve a wide variety of software and hardware related problems. This will include various peripherals, (networking/imaging/storage) and working within both PC and MAC platforms.

3. To remove and fit new components within a desktop setup

4. To provide an informed, professional and friendly support service for students and staff.

5. To perform basic PC hardware repairs and upgrades

6. To understand when a quick fix is not sufficient to permanently resolve a problem.

7. To help with special projects within Union Computers.

8. To remove and fit new components within a desktop setup

Benefits of this role

We will provide on-going training in:

  • Customer service skills
  • Confidentiality and Data Protection
  • Using Content Management Systems for project management
  • Computer diagnosis, custom-builds & parts handling
  • The application of and using various operating systems
  • Best practice within a support role.

Volunteers will also gain experience of working in a fast-paced working environment, full references for their CV and a certificate for completed volunteering hours

Who would suit this role?

This role would suit someone who is:

  • Experienced at an intermediate level in handling, diagnosing and problem-solving hardware and software related issues
  • Has a basic understanding of BIOS (incl settings), installation of various operating systems and application of RAID configuration.
  • Interested in developing IT Support skills across a variety of platforms
  • Interested in working on a variety of Union projects, (e.g Web Development & Object-Orientated Programming)
  • Interested in developing interpersonal, organisational and administration skills
  • Looking to get involved in an exciting new venture!

 

Further information

Union Computers will be open during term time:

Mondays – Fridays, 10am – 4pm

The minimum time commitment for this role is 4 hours per week over 2 hour shifts for one term. You would be welcome to do more shifts if you wish! Since this is a new venture, your ideas and input will be invaluable!

Interested? Please contact us for more information