2021 volunteer of the month winners

What is your current role?

I’m currently Content Marketing Manager for a trio of Independent Schools. This means I coordinate and manage their content across social media, their website, and their print collateral such as prospectuses and magazines. I also work with local and national press to coordinate coverage, and head up the centralised activity with regards to photography and videography at the Schools.

In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

Since my graduation in 2019 I think that I’ve been volunteering with the university in some capacity most months - and so it’s hard to keep track of everything! I’m mentoring a current undergraduate student, I’ve enjoyed participating in the annual Careers Networking Event, and the more recent ‘Demystifying Disability & Careers’ webinar. In addition, I took part in the International Women’s Day Campaign online. My particular highlight has been assisting researchers as a panellist at the ESRC festival, discussing the world of sustainable retailing and fast fashion from a consumer perspective.

Why did you volunteer for the University?

Throughout my time at Birmingham, I saw a huge amount of benefit from the work of volunteers, particularly relating to careers support. Now that I am in a position to provide my time, I hope that I can provide a little help to students who are in similar shoes to the ones I was in, just a few years ago!

What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

If you are anything like me, you will find that you get just as much out of volunteering as you put in! Volunteering offers a fantastic opportunity to expand your network, your knowledge and skillset, and meet some fantastic people along the way. It is incredibly rewarding, and (particularly with our new found increased usage of Zoom!) there is something to suit almost everyone, no matter where you are around the world.

What is your current role?

I’m the founder of a small Birmingham-based business called The Book Shelf Ltd. We help aspiring non-fiction authors to write and self-publish books. I manage the day-to-day running of the business and work directly with authors, co-ordinating the services offered by my team such as editing, design, proofreading, and marketing.

In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

I’ve volunteered for the university for almost a decade as an alumni mentor. During that time, I’ve mentored many students from the College of Arts & Law, supporting them on their career journey: from helping them figure out their career aspirations to signposting careers in the arts, and guiding them to write a compelling CV and cover letter. I also take part on alumni panel talks to inform students about careers in the arts and the wide range of opportunities out there.

Why did you volunteer for the University?

I remember graduating back in 2007 and realising that I had no plan. I hadn’t really thought about what I’d do after university, and I was on the back foot because my fellow graduates had already secured internships or jobs. So, when the opportunity arose to become a mentor a few years later, I volunteered because I wanted to help students avoid feeling lost, confused, or left behind – and to instead help them feel organised, confident, and prepared for life after University.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

I would say give it a go! Many people would love to volunteer but worry that it’s a big time commitment or that they have to be amazing from day one. The truth is that you can add value by offering just a few hours a week or month and you learn and improve from the experience. Everyone has something useful to offer as a volunteer – a unique combination of skills, experience, and knowledge.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’m really proud to be part of the wonderful network of University of Birmingham mentors, alumni, and staff supporting students on their career journeys. Not every university puts so much time, effort, and care into ensuring that their students succeed after graduation, and it’s just one of the things that makes Birmingham such a brilliant place to study.

George Wheeler, Vice-Chair of student group Action Against Homelessness, explains what the society does following the group being named volunteer of the month.

Who is Action Against Homelessness?

Action Against Homelessness is a society that gives students at the University of Birmingham the opportunity to help those in their local community experiencing homelessness and vulnerability. We advertise and coordinate volunteering opportunities with a range of organisations. Activities include organising or distributing food donations at food banks, or distributing food and clothing on walkabouts. We also throw a range of fundraising events throughout the year! Our recent projects included a sponsored Halloween coffee morning, a candy cane delivery service and a bake sale. Current projects include a partnership selling prints and vinyl stickers and food/essentials collections. Potential future projects include a ticketed ball, a raffle, and a valentine’s day rose delivery service… to name a few. Also, we post a variety of educational content relating to Homelessness on our social media accounts to raise awareness, and we indulge in the odd social or two…!

Why did you volunteer for Action Against Homelessness?

Homelessness and vulnerability are significant social threats everywhere. However, sadly, it becomes more apparent than in other places, if you walk through Birmingham. In my opinion, housing is a fundamental human right. I wanted to help those experiencing homelessness and vulnerability in my local community. By joining AAH, I have had every opportunity to make this contribution. Along the way, I’ve made amazing friends and gained valuable skills and experience.

What did you enjoy the most?

Everyone at AAH has been so welcoming and friendly. It’s a genuinely kind bunch of like-minded people. Just spending time around people who care about the same things has been so rewarding for me. On a more personal level, not only did fundraising give me a sense of fulfilment, but volunteering has given me empathy. I understand now that I am fortunate to be in my position. As a person, I am more empathetic than before I joined AAH, and I will carry this value with me for life.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

Our society is free of charge and requires absolutely no commitment. If you volunteer once or come to even one fundraiser throughout the entire year, then you’re making a difference - so, our best piece of advice is just do it! You’ve got nothing to lose and so much to gain.

If you’re interested in volunteering or becoming a member of our society generally, then don’t hesitate to message us. The best way to get in contact is through Instagram. Lastly, we would like to say that we are incredibly grateful to everybody who has contributed to this society. Members on or off the committee, our wonderful volunteers, and anyone interacting with our fundraisers. You are the difference.

What is your current role?

I am the Online Tuition Coordinator at The Access Project. My role was created in response to the pandemic and I have worked on delivering free tuition and mentoring to students from disadvantaged backgrounds over the past year, online.

In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

I have attended events with the alumni/careers team where I have shared my experiences of being a recipient of the Jane Slowey Memorial Bursary and my experiences as a 2020 graduate. I also took part in an event for students where I shared my experience of graduating in a turbulent economy, alongside other alumni who graduated during the last recession.

Why did you volunteer for the University? What did you enjoy most?

I volunteered with the University as without the support and my experiences at Birmingham, I wouldn't be where I am today. Particularly as a 2020 graduate, graduating at uncertain times, then experiencing the job application process in a pandemic, I wanted to give back and share my experiences with current students who might be a bit apprehensive.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

If anyone is thinking of volunteering, I advise them not to think twice and just go for it! You never know what doors it might open and when your volunteering work will come in useful for both yourself and others.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would just like to thank all of the alumni and careers team for their support and for nominating me as volunteer of the month! Very grateful.

What is your current role?

I'm currently working at Siemens Mobility as a Graduate Engineer.

In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

As an Alumni Ambassador, I was invited to share my experiences with applicants to the University of Birmingham based overseas and considering studying for a degree in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. I also participated at the first Alumni-Student Careers Conference at the University’s Dubai campus where I shared my career journey, recruitment tips and my insights working in the technology sector.

Why did you volunteer for the University? What did you enjoy most?

The University has been my home for the last four years and, without the help, support and opportunities given to me there, I wouldn't be where I am today.

I'm passionate about helping others and raising awareness of the activities that I took part in, which I believe will help students improve their lives just as they did for me. In addition, I'm able to share my journey and the amazing experiences I had during my time, which always brings back happy memories.

My enjoyable moments were at the Alumni-Student Careers Conference where I got to meet two other alumni working in the industry longer than me and hear about their experiences, as well as answer questions from the students.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

I would definitely encourage volunteering. My advice is to help out where you can because it can change someone else's life without you knowing it. I believe that volunteering helps growth and, since we are all unique, we can provide help in different ways and everything counts.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like to express my gratitude for my nomination as the Volunteer of the Month. Thank you to the University, alumni community and a special thanks to Grace Surman, the Alumni Relations Manager for Engineering and Physical Sciences!

What is your current role?

Managing Director, Artisan Partners

In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

Delivered an online Zoom session to Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences (LANS) recent graduates and current students on “how to present your LANS degree” to potential employers. The session was titled: ‘Bebop, Journalism and Hedge Funds’.

Why did you volunteer for the University?/What did you enjoy most?

In the past, I have mentored undergraduate students in subjects related to my current job in finance/investing. This time around, I was invited by the University to speak to LANS students because of my diverse career mosaic over time. Without doubt, the most enjoyable part for me was hearing about the diverse experiences of past LANS alumni, who featured in a virtual panel before my session. Inspiring stories from some incredible people.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

It may be cliché, but – in my experience - you gain more than you give in volunteering. With so much pressure on graduates today, I also think it is incumbent on those of us in the workplace to provide support and encouragement where we can – particularly for students who are on LANS or pure Arts-related degrees, where the career path is often less certain.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

My thanks to the faculty staff and administrative staff for the excellent coordination/hosting of the event.

What is your current role?

I'm a Business Development Manager at Capgemini Financial Services, helping to drive successful partnerships with some of our strategic banking and capital markets clients. In addition to that, I'm a Co-Founder and Venture Lead for a tech start-up called Rogue Monkey. We're a team of eight aspiring entrepreneurs, aimed at digitising and simplifying the process for developing a tech business from idea creation, to funding and launch. Our platform will be launching at the start of 2022, and we're very excited to share this with the world.

In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

I absolutely love volunteering at the University. Without the help and support of various volunteers over the years, I wouldn't be doing something I care deeply about today. So it's only right for me to do the same for other people too. I've been involved with some really cool initiatives over the years, some of the most enjoyable include: judging start-up pitches in the Innovation Centre, being a guest speaker and panellist at various Business School events, supporting student societies with networking opportunities, helping provide content in support of mental health, and most recently volunteering to support the launch of the University's campus in Dubai.

Why did you volunteer for the University?/What did you enjoy most?

I work in the technology space. For me, the reason why I love tech so much is because it gives me the platform and opportunity to help people at scale. That's why I started my company, Rogue Monkey. It's also why I love volunteering at the University too. When creating new tech you literally have to start from scratch with nothing but a blank canvas, and what takes you from A to B are the people in your team. The people that have the skills, capability and long-term vision to build something that solves a unique problem in the market. Volunteering brings you closer to people, and allows you to watch them grow at a time in their lives where they could grow in many possible directions. There's something quite addictive about that, and I personally feel privileged to gain an insight into this special part of their lives.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

Remember it's not about you. It's easy to fall into the trap of talking about your experiences and things people should or shouldn't do based on what you think you know. But the truth is, everyone is different. It's the diversity of people that makes us all so special. My advice would be to simply listen to what people have to say, and allow them to come to their own conclusions about which path they should walk down. Of course, offer an opinion when asked. Otherwise simply listen and enjoy the feeling of privilege knowing that you can help someone without expecting anything else in return.

What is your current role?

I am currently Head of Stakeholder Relationships at KTN where I foster relationships between academia, business and policy makers both nationally and internationally to accelerate innovation for positive change. Previously, I worked at UK Research & Innovation and the Medical Research Council to formulate policy and strategy. This required building international partnerships in research and innovation.

In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

I delivered a lecture on Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) on International Women's Day. This is a topic that is close to my heart and very pertinent globally - encouraging more diversity in STEM is crucial to maximising innovation and creativity in science for all.

I wanted to use the lecture to share my own experiences in STEM both at the University of Birmingham (where I completed my PhD) and my career, to inspire others to continue their journey in STEM.

Why do you volunteer for the University and what do you enjoy most?

Diversity in STEM is on the rise, but there is still a way to go. For example, we find less representation in leadership positions and by me sharing my own experiences I hope that I can encourage others to continue/start their journey.

I really enjoyed giving back to the University of Birmingham - there is nothing more rewarding than supporting the next generation of graduates. I would recommend those considering volunteering to absolutely try it!

What is your current role?

The Grow with Joe Community Garden is a student-led food growing project located at the top of the Green Heart, sandwiched between North Gate and the Alan Walters Building. The project has been developed by members of the Conservation Volunteers Society from the design and construction stage in 2018, right the way through to the ongoing maintenance today. We grow organic fruits, vegetables and herbs, and aim to co-exist with the ecosystem and habitats that surround us.

Due to obvious challenges over the last year our efforts have been concentrated closer to home, which has been great for our gardens. We've significantly increased the space we have for growing through the construction of new raised beds, and also developed a demonstration Forest Garden! Other projects have included: a community composting initiative for staff and students to come and deposit their organic waste with us; a cold frame made from scavenged materials discarded around Selly Oak; as well as a plant swap stand for people to share the joys of growing!

This time of year is always busy with lots of seed sowing and planting out, whilst trying to time it perfectly to avoid the last frost! The recent dry spell has also meant there's plenty of watering to do, with no let up in sight!

Why do you volunteer? What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

There are many benefits to practical volunteering - making new friends, fresh air and exercise. Small scale, organic agriculture is a beautiful thing and we want to represent that in a way that makes others want to get involved and learn more. We also strive to make the garden a part of the community, where staff, students and members of the public can come together as equals and enjoy one another's company.

Our garden is an inclusive space; you are always welcome here, and our project is richer for it (oh, and the fresh fruits and vegetables are really tasty too!).

What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

Come down to the garden, pick up a watering can and get to it!

How did you spend the Alumni Impact Funding the Society received, and what impact did this funding have?

Thanks to the Alumni Impact Fund, we have this year been able to graft 50 local heritage variety apple and pear trees that we're hoping to work with the estates team to plant around campus next winter. This activity taught our volunteers a new skill, and also means we get 50 fruit trees for a fraction of the price of buying them from a nursery. Some of the grant was also spent on high quality mushroom compost used to mulch our new 'No-Dig' trial beds. This is a method of growing that aims to preserve the mycorrhizal fungi and soil structure that locks up more carbon, and is also great for harvest yields!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A massive thank you to all the volunteers who have been involved in the garden over the last few years, and have contributed to what it has become today! For anyone interested in getting involved please don't hesitate to contact us at BUCV@guild.bham.ac.uk, or join our Facebook group to keep up to date with our events - Birmingham University Conservation Volunteers.

What is your current role?

We graduated from the LLB Law course last year. We are currently future trainees at Clifford Chance and Latham & Watkins and are due to start our LPC’s this year.

In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

We gave numerous free virtual presentations to University of Birmingham students about applying to law firms, attending assessment centres and tips for attending law fairs.

Why did you volunteer for the University? What did you enjoy most?

One day while having a chat, we were saying that there are so many things we have learnt now that we wish we could have known when we first started making applications. That sparked the idea to start the Commercial Law School channel on YouTube and create short videos explaining things we would have benefitted from knowing a long time ago. We enjoyed being able to touch base and find out what’s been going on at the University. It was also great being able to connect with other Birmingham students.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

Definitely get involved! You never know how many people you can help by volunteering in the smallest way. It also allows you to meet new people, build connections and maybe even present new opportunities in the future!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We’d like to thank everyone who nominated and voted for us. It really does mean a lot. Please also subscribe to our YouTube channel, Commercial Law School! 

What is your current role?

I am currently an Assistant Project Manager and a Graduate Civil Engineer at Mott MacDonald, a global engineering, management and development consultancy. I am also a career mentor as part of the Careers Network Mentoring Scheme that supports University of Birmingham students to gain real insight into their chosen industry, and an Alumni Ambassador for the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.

In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

Since graduating in 2017, I have volunteered and continue to volunteer in various ways. I have been volunteering on the University Careers Network Mentoring programme, where I share my experiences of being a civil engineering student at the University and my engineering career path so far. I have also been assisting the University Open Days, Engineering Application Events and outreach activities as an Engineering Alumni Ambassador, sharing my insight into the career options available to graduates with an engineering degree from Birmingham, and to encourage students from all social backgrounds to consider engineering as a career.

Why do you volunteer for the University?

When I was a student at Birmingham I received a lot of support. For this, I am truly grateful. Now I feel it’s time for me to give something back to the University and to the students that currently study there. I wanted to celebrate the experiences I had at the University and also support students to find a future career that suits their strengths and interests. I wanted to show them the opportunities that are available, which are not just working in engineering.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

Volunteering is something you will never regret doing. So why not have a go; I am sure you will enjoy it!

What is your current role?

I am currently the CEO of The R&A based in St Andrews, Scotland, after having had a 30-year career in investment banking in London.

In what capacity have you volunteered for the University?

I have been involved with the University for many years including with the Access to Birmingham programme. Since joining The R&A I have sought to assist in the College of Life and Environmental Science to provide some outside perspective as to how the sport of golf is developing in the UK and how the students can add most value as they transition to the next stage of their careers.

Why do you volunteer for the University?

The University was very good to me back when I was an undergraduate and whilst there was a long gap after I graduated, I have found over the last 10 years or so a greater appreciation for the excellent work of the University and how it engages more broadly. I have found during my career that listening to others gave me more perspective, and I wanted to help the students of today in a little way, by helping them think through how they can be most effective and prosper in their careers. It is incredibly rewarding to just help.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering?

Absolutely try it. You will be surprised how your experiences that perhaps you take for granted are so valuable to the next generation. One word of warning though: be prepared. The student body is not shy in asking difficult questions. I have also found that preparing to do such work has helped me in framing and presenting ideas and concepts. If you can find time to mentor and encourage, it is an incredible experience.