How Volunteering at University Changed My Career Path: A Personal Journey
During my studies of a master’s degree in strategic marketing at Swansea University, I encountered a worrying realisation, I lacked hands-on experience in my field. As a soon to be prospective graduate seeking a marketing role, I knew I needed to address the absence of practical expertise on my CV.
That’s when Discovery’s digital media project crossed my path. This opportunity allowed me to create diverse digital content from blogs, graphics, infographics, and videos for various social media platforms. It was the perfect avenue to translate theoretical knowledge into practical experience.
The experience I gained enabled me to compile a portfolio of work samples, which I then presented to potential internship employers. This showcase of my abilities successfully secured me a three-month internship. However, during this time, I came to an unexpected realisation—the conventional marketing role didn’t resonate with my aspirations. It lacked the intellectual stimulation I craved in a career.
My voluntary involvement at Discovery had ignited a passion for contributing time and skills without monetary reward. It became evident that the satisfaction derived from volunteering surpassed the paid marketing job.
Becoming a trustee for Discovery was a turning point. It allowed me to participate in leadership roles and in the strategic decisions made in board meetings. Progressing from trustee-to-trustee secretary, and subsequently to a director in another charity, further solidified my passion for leading and contributing to impactful decisions in the charitable sphere.
Not stopping there, I assumed the role of project coordinator for two initiatives. Managing volunteers, overseeing budgets, and leading teams not only honed my leadership skills but also provided me with invaluable experiences and transferable skills crucial for my career development.
The culmination of these experiences opened doors to a paid position as a volunteer coordinator at a local charity, a role I transitioned into seamlessly due to the skills I acquired during my time at Discovery.
More significantly, my time at Discovery ignited a passion in the charitable sector. So much so that I began outlining a proposal for a PhD at Swansea University, on examining volunteer experiences.
Fast forward to today, 2 years in, and my PhD journey has been fulfilling. Presenting my research at various conferences, including platforms like the British Sociological Association and the People and Organisation Symposium, has been a rewarding experience.
My career trajectory has evolved substantially, and I’m eager to embrace future opportunities. One certainty amidst this journey is my unwavering dedication to the charitable sector. I owe this transformative shift to Discovery, as it played a pivotal role in shaping my career aspirations and personal growth.
In hindsight, I am so so grateful that I found Discovery, as it not only changed the trajectory of my professional path but also ignited a passion that continues to drive me forward.
Written by Nat Jarvis PhD student
If you feel inspired by Nat’s blog then sign up to volunteer now https://volunteering.discoverysvs.org/