We spoke to City alumnus Ioana Ioanas (BSc Hons Business Management, Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 2022) about her experiencing volunteering in a range of capacities whilst a student at City. 

How did volunteering benefit you? 

Volunteering has had a multifaceted impact on my life, enriching me both personally and professionally. My passion for volunteering stems from a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others and in the community. 

On an emotional level, my involvement with 'Angels Down Friends' Association profoundly deepened my empathy and emotional intelligence. By organizing various activities for children with Down Syndrome, I connected with them on a meaningful level, understanding their unique experiences and challenges they are facing both from a medical and emotional point of view. These activities included creative sessions, playground visits, and special needs marathons, each carefully designed to enrich their lives and provide joy. This volunteering experience not only allowed me to assist these children and bring a smile on their faces, but also expanded my perspective, enhancing my ability to empathize with diverse individuals from all walks of life.  I believe that this served as a pivotal part of my journey towards cultivating a compassionate and inclusive approach to life. 

From a career standpoint, my volunteer experiences have been significantly beneficial.  In the current job market, where extracurricular involvement is highly valued, these experiences have given me an edge. Employers tend nowadays to often value extracurricular involvement as much as, if not more than, academic achievements. 

At Genpact, my roles extend beyond my primary position as a Senior Process Associate in Brand Marketing Strategy and Field Operations. My voluntary involvement with the Engagement and CSR team has allowed me to utilize my project management skills in community-focused initiatives. This role, in particular, has honed crucial professional skills like communication, leadership, and teamwork, which are indispensable in any career. My responsibilities include leading various community-related projects and events, such as festive celebrations and charity initiatives. 

Lastly, on a personal wellbeing level, volunteering has been immensely rewarding. The energy and enthusiasm you feel after participating in a volunteer activity are indicative of the positive impact such work has on your mental and emotional health. The sense of fulfillment that comes from making a difference in others' lives is a powerful motivator for me and contributes to an overall sense of happiness and satisfaction. This “feel-good” factor is a testament to how volunteering not only benefits those you help, but also enhances your own life in numerous ways. 

Why would you recommend volunteering to other City students? 

I would highly recommend volunteering to other City students for a multitude of reasons. City University offers a plethora of volunteering opportunities, each with its unique benefits and learning experiences. 

Firstly, joining societies like the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) can be immensely rewarding. My own experience with ESN was driven by its motto 'Students helping students.' This involvement is not just about aiding students who come to study or work abroad; it's about building a community. In ESN, we organized various activities including trips, events focused on mental health and well-being, and language cafes. These experiences allow you to connect with individuals from all over the globe, develop meaningful relationships, and work collectively towards easing the integration process for international students. 

Furthermore, leading the City Romanian Society was another enriching experience. Promoting Romanian heritage among international students was a key aspect, but it also significantly enhanced my leadership skills. As the president, I coordinated my team and successfully led more than 15 events. This role was not just about cultural promotion; it was a lesson in leadership and team management for me. 

Leading the Business Society also played a crucial role in my personal development, particularly in honing my professional skills. Organizing events in partnership with major companies looking to attract top talent was a challenging yet fulfilling task.  

Expanding on my volunteering experiences, my role in the Wiser Academy was particularly impactful. Although not directly related to my university activities, it significantly complemented my academic studies through a focus on professional development and networking. In my time at the Wiser Academy, I initially served as an Ambassador and eventually progressed to a Team Leader. 

My responsibilities were centered around bridging the gap between students and potential employers. This role involved organizing events and workshops that provided students with direct exposure to industry professionals and insights into various career paths. My duties included not only event coordination but also one-on-one mentoring, where I offered guidance and support to students in shaping their career trajectories. 

This experience was invaluable in enhancing my own professional skills. It taught me how to effectively communicate with both students and professionals, manage teams, and organize large-scale events. The role demanded a high level of responsibility and strategic thinking, especially when it came to ensuring that the events and workshops were both informative and engaging. 

Moreover, the satisfaction derived from assisting fellow students in their career journeys was huge. It was rewarding to see my peers gain confidence, clarity, and direction in their professional lives as a result of our combined efforts. This role at the Wiser Academy not only bolstered my own career readiness, but also instilled a sense of fulfillment in contributing to the success of others. 

The main reason I would encourage City students to volunteer is the comprehensive growth it offers. Volunteering cultivates empathy, helps in learning new skills, and provides opportunities to build connections. These experiences contribute to personal and professional development, offering a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond academic achievements.  

Volunteering opens doors to a world of opportunities and self-improvement. It allows you to contribute to a global community, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance professional skills. My experiences in these varied roles have underscored the value of volunteering as an avenue for personal growth, skill development, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others and the community. This is why I strongly advocate for volunteering. It's much more than a mere activity; it's a powerful pathway to self-discovery and self-improvement. Volunteering serves as a crucible for refining personal skills and expanding one's horizons. It's an arena where you not only contribute positively to the lives of others and the broader community but also where you encounter diverse perspectives and challenges that shape you into a more rounded, compassionate individual. Through volunteering, you become an agent of change and an embodiment of the values you wish to see in the world. It's an experience that transforms, enriches, and empowers, leaving an indelible mark on both the volunteer and the community. 

What’s something volunteering gave you that isn’t on your CV? 

Hmmm, this is a really good question. One valuable skill volunteering has given me, which isn't explicitly mentioned in my CV, is resilience. This ability to adapt and overcome challenges was particularly honed in complex and unpredictable volunteering settings. Whether it was adapting to diverse cultural dynamics in ESN City London or leading the City Romanian Society through various events, each situation demanded resilience.  

Another example showcasing my resilience was during my involvement with the Rotaract Club Bucharest Nord, where I was appointed as Project Manager. A key project I am coordinating is the "Condu Prudent, Alege Viata" initiative, aimed at reducing road accidents. The initial skepticism from government institutions and the struggle to secure corporate sponsorships tested my resilience. I had to employ strategic communication and persistence to overcome these hurdles. This experience not only highlighted my resilience but also enhanced my negotiation skills, teaching me the importance of adaptability and perseverance in the face of obstacles, vital traits for any successful project management endeavor. 

These roles taught me to remain steadfast in the face of adversity, a skill that's invaluable in any professional context and contributes significantly to my personal growth and ability to handle life's challenges effectively.