Tanya Leedham

Active Student - a volunteer's experience

Tanya Leedham completed an MA in International Event Management in 2006. She volunteered at two placements through Active Student: at Bluebird Community Partnership where she helped develop fundraising activities including a darts golf game, a raffle and a Pimms Tent at their golf fundraising day; and at the Brighton Fringe Basement, where she was a volunteer invigilator at one of their art exhibitions.

What made you want to volunteer?

Mainly to provide me with some additional work experience in the voluntary sector and enhance my practical understanding for my course. Although I have gained paid work experience in events, I am hoping to work in the charity sector (specifically in fundraising events) for my career, and have discovered that experience working as or with volunteers is crucial for getting a foot on the ladder.

Why did you choose these particular opportunities?

Because they gave me experience in two diverse events. The Bluebird experience was chosen as it gave me experience at a fundraising event, where I was given the freedom to come up with my own ideas and raise some money that would help improve other people's quality of life, as well as my own.

Did you find them rewarding? And if so, how?

Well, aside from the warm glow of satisfaction from helping others, I have an extra box ticked for my CV, an insight into fundraising, contacts for the future, had a fun day out meeting different people and improved my confidence in my own ability.

Do you have any advice for potential volunteers interested in event management?

Yeah, event management is a relatively new academic field and hence qualifications are weakly reflected when starting out. Experience is what employers are looking for and volunteering is a great way to get it. If you can, get involved with the event as early as possible and try to contribute in the planning phase to get the most out of the placement and be able to demonstrate how your efforts have paid off. Also get your friends from uni involved, it makes it a whole lot more fun and shares the responsibility.

Would you recommend volunteering through Active Student to other students?

Yes, because I think it really just makes it easier, you don't have to go looking for your own placement, or make any of the arrangements, or worry about your safety - all that is done for you. All you have to do is turn up, so it just makes it easier to fit in with the rest of the hectic uni lifestyle.