"I wanted to give something back and open doors for other people because I really appreciated the help that I was given."
“I am a volunteer board member for the Young Enterprise Committees in Worcestershire and also in Herefordshire. This involves monthly meetings in each of the two counties where YE managers provide updates on what YE is doing in the area and how volunteers such as myself can help.”
Why did you decide to volunteer with Young Enterprise?
I was lucky enough to go to a sixth form college which provided work experience opportunities and have supportive parents with contacts who were willing to find me holiday jobs and work shadowing. I know, from having worked in the recruitment industry prior to becoming a solicitor, that not everybody is lucky enough to have the sort of support that they need to realise their dreams. I wanted to give something back and open doors for other people because I really appreciated the help that I was given.
What is the most rewarding part of volunteering with Young Enterprise?
My favourite part is seeing the change in those individuals who lack confidence in themselves. Maybe they have fallen through the educational system altogether, don’t really participate in school and feel that they fit in or feel that their options in life are limited in some way. The charity builds confidence and relationships, teaches that you can learn from failure and that it is ok, provides structure and sets goals. In short, YE is the guiding hand which points the way to realising dreams but gives each student a little push in the right direction by giving them the skills to achieve those goals if they a self-motivated enough.
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering with Young Enterprise?
Get involved! Any help that you can provide will be valued and you never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll see.
I’ve been lucky enough to work with people from large corporates to business start-ups to name a few. I’ve seen students import, package and blend tea (and get some consultancy help from Kraft!), write apps which enhance reality giving tourism information, set up events management companies and so much more. The students are inspirational!