Accountancy students hoping to boost their job prospects should consider volunteering, it has been suggested.
According to Business Link, it is a "win-win" situation in which both the individual, their employer and society as a whole benefits .
John Grange, advisor with the organisation, explained that new skills learned when giving up your time can be of use throughout your career.
"When you develop as a person, you become more valuable to the company you work for as well," he added.
Mr Grange said that such opportunities could help push people to develop areas of their skill set they would not normally use.
His comments follow an announcement from communities secretary John Denham urging businesses to encourage employees to volunteer for civic roles.
Mr Denham said many organisations already support their workers in such a way and that 76 per cent of directors notice the benefits of people fulfilling such roles.
