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If you’re looking to break into the third sector as a career, volunteering might be the easiest way to get some valuable experience and insight onto your CV.
Hub Cymru Africa volunteer Saffron was studying for her master’s degree in Environment and Development when she decided to get some volunteer experience under her belt.
“I hoped to learn more about global environmental and development issues in a professional environment and gain some experience in an organisation that embodied these values”.
Saffron reached out to Hub Cymru Africa and met with the volunteer co-ordinator who matched her interests and her request for a research-based role, with a volunteer opportunity with Fair Trade Wales. Here, Saffron volunteered 6 hours a week for 6 months in 2023.
“My role centred on the creation and promotion of sustainability training courses for the public sector. The courses covered topics such as climate change, the intricacies of supply chains and the impact of what we buy, Welsh legislation and trade justice. Some of my work included developing content for these courses by researching the topics, providing ideas, suggesting activities and resources to include, and writing sections.
I also prepared a host of marketing material including creating target lists of organisations (trade unions, schools, local authorities, health boards, universities, magazines), writing marketing blurbs, landing page posts and marketing email templates in addition to directly contacting many different people to promote the courses.”
A key aspect of the Hub Cymru Africa training programme is the continuous support we offer in placements.
“I collaborated with the project lead at Fair Trade with whom I had weekly catch-up meetings and who was always on hand to provide direction.”
She was also able to get involved with Fair Trade Wales events and even linked up with the Fairtrade campaign group in her local village.
“I developed my communication and problem-solving skills and experienced how collective action can make a difference. [Volunteering] allowed me to get to know a great bunch of people in Fair Trade and beyond”.
This experience solidified Saffron’s interest in climate and social justice and was useful in helping her decide what she would like to do when she graduated. Saffron now works as the Climate Change Officer for a Welsh city council.
Saffron encourages others who want to break into the sector to consider volunteering:
“The experience has given me first-hand experience in a new sector. I would highly recommend anyone to get involved with Hub Cymru Africa / Fair Trade Wales and contribute to making a fairer world whilst learning something new and meeting some great people.”
We welcome volunteering applications from people from all backgrounds, and can help identify a placement to match your skills and experience. If you’d like to speak to our team about volunteering, email enquiries@hubcymruafrica.org.uk to start the conversation.
