Voluntary work has completely turned around Zoe Medcalf's career plans.

Zoe, from Faversham, has just finished her A levels at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in physics, biology, chemistry and general studies and had planned to take a degree in forensic science.

But inspired by a speaker from VSU in Kent, for the last two years Zoe did voluntary work with them helping run children's clubs and summer schemes. And it convinced her that she wanted to work with young people – a long way from forensic science!

Zoe is currently doing a gap year with VSU funded by the Rank Organisation – three days a week in Canterbury and two days in Sittingbourne, co-ordinating and organising volunteer placements and setting up projects. She is doing foundation studies in community and informal education and next year plans to do a Diploma in Youth Work.

Zoe describes her experience of volunteering as quite amazing. "It's given me a lot more confidence and it looks really good on your CV. I would recommend anyone to try something close to their intended career – it will either confirm you're right, or not!"

Marc Woodman in Edenbridge and Sundeep Chumber in Swanley both want to read medicine.

Marc who is 17 and at Judd School in Tonbridge attended a four day residential medical course last Christmas and learnt how important it is for a would be doctor to be able to demonstrate a long term commitment to people.

He was given information about a national volunteering agency and eventually tracked down Edenbridge Volunteer Centre, who discussed several options. Voluntary work with Mencap appealed and, every Wednesday evening, he now helps run social activities for adults with learning disabilities.

"I'm very much the youngest helper there but I really enjoy it. Everyone there is great. I really feel I'm doing something useful and as an added bonus, it could help me when I apply to medical school."

Sundeep , 18, is retaking part of the IB Diploma at Dartford Grammar School, working a couple of days a week and was also anxious to do some voluntary work that might help him pursue his dream. "I went into Dartford Volunteer Centre and the manager there, Mike Swift was amazing.

"He rang Darent Valley Hospital immediately; I had an interview and I'm about to start voluntary admin work in the cardiology department two mornings a week.

"It will give me a greater insight into hospitals, help me decide if it's the right profession for me. Meanwhile, I'm doing something worthwhile so it benefits everybody."

Vicki Shubrook , 17, fom Greenhithe and at Wilmington Grammar School for Girls wants to be a solicitor.

During work experience at a legal firm, she learnt that voluntary work can be vital to being offered a university place. Like Sundeep, she went to Dartford Volunteer Centre who suggested work with the Citizens Advice Bureau.

CAB usually requires one day's commitment a week and Vicky can only do half a day but Dartford CAB is being very flexible. Vicki starts there shortly and is feeling quite nervous but also excited.

"I would advise any young person to look at volunteering," she said. It will help you in the long run. You need to look ahead and get the evidence to show what you can do