Juhi Pathak’s Post

The past weeks have been quite 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀, 𝗲𝘅𝗵𝗮𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴, and 𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 in many ways. One of my friends even asked, “How were you able to cope without a phone, and yet you’re still so happy?” 😊 But you know what? 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵, and I believe nothing can hinder my growth—not even the exam stress or the lack of a phone. 🙌 I know some of you might be thinking, “Why not just log in on your system?” Well, there’s more to it than that… but that’s a story for another day. Thanks be to God, I’m back on this space now! Despite all the setbacks, nothing has stopped my growth, which is why I’m 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 to share with you that I’m now serving as the 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿  for 𝗧𝗲𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮, 𝗔𝗸𝘂𝗿𝗲 🎉 I know some of you might be wondering, “Isn’t it just a volunteering thing? Isn’t it just a nonprofit organization?” But guess what? There’s more to it than you think! 😏 I’ve come to realize that 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘁 if you are passionate about it. It’s not just about mastering skills for yourself, but it’s also about 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. ✨ In Nigeria, we need to bridge the 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝗮𝗽, and Teens-Launch Africa is focused on 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵-𝘀𝗮𝘃𝘃𝘆 𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 and preparing them for a better future. 💡👩💻👨💻 At the last Teens-Launch Africa meeting I attended, Ayomipo George emphasized some key points that I think are important for all of us who are still in school. Here are a few takeaways: 📝 1. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁: Ask yourself why you're doing it. Many people today see volunteering as a waste of time, mainly because they’re only doing it to build work experience. But it’s more than that. 💭 2.𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴: It’s important to look back and be proud that you’ve touched someone’s life. Volunteering allows you to work with many people, collaborate, build relationships, gain experience, and network. 🤝💖 3. 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝗽𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱: While it’s great to network with successful people above you, don’t forget to network with those beside you. You never know how far they’ll go. Networking isn’t just about reaching upward; it’s about building connections all around you. 📈🤗 𝗪𝗘 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗪𝗘 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦💪🌍 I shared these key points clearly,because I genuinely believe in them. 💯 I remain, as always, your humble data scientist—Grace Samuel. #TeensLaunchAfrica #Volunteerism #TheDataGirl #GrowingTechLeaders #PassionForImpact #SkillBridging #Networking #VerticalConnections #TouchLives #TechForTeens #Lifechangers

💪 Volunteering as a Force for Good: Building Knowledge, Networks, and Impact for a growing career ! 💪 As an impact entrepreneur, I dedicate most of my time to growing my business. However, I’ve also invested hundreds of hours volunteering within my industry. Why? To enhance my knowledge, skills, expertise, and credibility! Volunteering in your industry is an incredible way to gain free learning, meet amazing people, discover fantastic projects, and align with wonderful initiatives. I understand that as an entrepreneur, you want to focus 100% on your business (I do too!). You might already be feeling the pinch of not paying yourself, let alone working for free. But trust me, there are rewarding ways to make it work. Here is my experience: 🌟 Volunteer at Industry Events: Get involved in events you can’t yet afford to attend. It's a great way to gain access and insight. 🌟 Network Building: Volunteering offers the chance to meet people you wouldn't normally have access to. At conferences or music festivals, for example, helping out makes key individuals more approachable, especially if you're by yourself. 🌟 Step Away and Reflect: Volunteering provides a break from your daily job, allowing for valuable reflection and fresh perspectives. Very important when you're growing a business! 🌟 Foster Industry Growth: my passion for fostering communities and supporting others inspired me to establish the French Tech Australia network and get involved with the Responsible Cafes movement. 🌟 Be Part of Something Bigger: If making a significant impact drives you, associating with industry events and community groups can be incredibly fulfilling. Ultimately, we’re all entrepreneurs to be part of something bigger, right? What volunteering experience has impacted you the most and what was your key driver to do it👇 #Entrepreneurship #Volunteering #CommunitySupport #Networking #Sustainability #Impact

**Life After Masters as an Immigrant: The Power of Volunteering and Finding Balance** Another week has passed, and I’m excited to share some experiences that have enriched my journey here in the UK. Life after completing my master’s degree has been a blend of professional growth, personal development, and community involvement—each aspect playing a crucial role in shaping my immigrant experience. This week, I had the privilege of attending a training session courtesy of my workplace. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn, connect with colleagues, and expand my skill set. This kind of professional development is something I deeply value, as it not only enhances my capabilities but also helps me contribute more effectively in my role. Being in a leadership position, continuous learning is key to staying ahead and making a meaningful impact. But my week didn’t end with work. Over the weekend, I had the chance to volunteer with the Shama Women's Centre an experience that left a lasting impression on me. Giving back to the community, especially to a cause that resonates deeply, was incredibly fulfilling. For any new immigrants, particularly those currently studying, I can’t emphasize enough how valuable volunteering can be. It’s not just about giving your time; it’s about building connections, understanding the community you’re now a part of, and developing a broader perspective on life here. Balancing a career and volunteering can seem challenging, but it’s absolutely doable with a few key strategies: 1. **Prioritize and Plan**: Map out your week ahead of time. Identify windows where you can fit in volunteering without it clashing with your work commitments. 2. **Start Small**: You don’t need to commit a whole day. Even a few hours on the weekend can make a significant impact. 3. **Align Volunteering with Your Interests**: Choose causes that you’re passionate about. This way, volunteering won’t feel like an obligation but something you look forward to. 4. **Communicate with Your Employer**: Many employers are supportive of volunteering, and some even offer time off for it. Don’t hesitate to have a conversation about your intentions. Of course, amidst all these activities, taking care of one’s health is crucial. I made it to the gym twice this week, and I can’t stress enough how important it is to carve out time for physical well-being. The energy and mental clarity that come from regular exercise are invaluable, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities. In the coming weeks, I’ll continue sharing insights and experiences from my journey as an immigrant professional. I hope my story encourages those of you on a similar path to seek out opportunities for growth, give back to the community, and maintain a balanced lifestyle. Your favorite immigrant NEXTALAKIJA

Are you a serial volunteer like me? Or do you shy away? Throughout my academic career, my personal life and even now I always put my hand up to help. People who know me well will often say I do too much 🤷♀️ And yes - sometimes I overcommit and promise a little too much of myself and at those times I do wonder why I do it but I love to give back. And it isn't purely selfless - I do it to build my network, to build my experience and exposure to things outside my circle. Here's why I think volunteering is important: 1️⃣ Builds Meaningful Connections: Volunteering opens doors to invaluable networking opportunities. Whether it's collaborating on projects or engaging in community initiatives, the connections you make can inspire your career trajectory in unexpected ways. 2️⃣ Shaping Career Choices: Volunteering exposes you to diverse experiences and challenges, helping you refine your skills and uncover hidden passions. These experiences often serve as guiding lights, steering your career decisions towards paths that align with your values and aspirations. 3️⃣ Cultivating Skills and Expertise: Dive into volunteering roles that complement your academic and professional expertise. Whether it's mentoring aspiring scientists or spearheading STEM outreach programs, each opportunity hones your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Here's my caveat! It's crucial to strike a balance and safeguard your time amidst the enthusiasm to contribute (read: learn from my overcommitted self!). Here's how to maximise the benefits while preventing burnout: 🔒 Set Boundaries: Define your limits and commit to projects that align with your priorities and schedule. Quality contributions outweigh quantity when it comes to volunteering. ⏳ Prioritise Your Commitments: Assess the time and effort required for each volunteering opportunity. Focus on initiatives that offer the most significant impact and align with your long-term goals. 📅 Schedule Strategically: Integrate volunteering into your routine in manageable chunks. Whether it's dedicating a few hours each week or organising intermittent events, consistency breeds sustainable impact. Remember, the true essence of volunteering lies in its ability to create meaningful connections, foster personal growth, and drive positive change. Embrace the journey, but always ensure it complements your overarching career aspirations. Ready to unlock the full potential of volunteering in your STEM career? Let's connect and explore how strategic volunteering can propel you towards your professional goals! #STEM #CareerDevelopment #Volunteering #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerCoaching

✨ Looking for a trip that matters? Volunteering might be your best adventure yet! ✨ Why settle for the usual when you can have an adventure that’s a win-win for everyone? Volunteering abroad not only costs you nothing, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to make a real impact and connect with amazing people from around the world! 🌍 This July, I had the fantastic experience of volunteering in Latvia, creating a teenagers camp and organizing a festival with a group of 10 volunteers from Latvia, Poland, Georgia, Spain, Italy, Germany, Macedonia, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Ukraine. Here’s a glimpse of what we achieved: 🚀 Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: We designed and implemented the entire camp program from scratch, including workshops, lectures, and games. It was inspiring to see how our diverse backgrounds and ideas came together to create something meaningful. 💸 Education and Fun Combined: I delivered financial literacy lectures to teens, organized concerts and social events like party and board games, and facilitated a large festival for over 150 people. These events included art therapies, quizzes, concerts, yoga sessions, sports tournaments, and much more. 🌐 Multilingual Magic: As one of the few who spoke both English and Russian, I helped bridge the communication gap between the children and volunteers, ensuring everyone felt included and understood. 🔥 Hands-on Help: From setting up campfires to assisting in the kitchen and managing logistics, we all pitched in to keep things running smoothly. 🤝 Cultural Exchange: Connecting with volunteers from different countries enriched my understanding of various cultures, languages, and traditions. The friendships and memories we made are priceless! Volunteering isn’t just about giving back – it’s about learning, growing, and making unforgettable memories. So next time you’re planning a trip, consider volunteering! It’s an experience that’s truly rewarding, both for you and the communities you serve. 🌟 This post is part of a visibility campaign to raise awareness among young people about the opportunities available through European Solidarity Corps (ESC) and Erasmus+ projects.

Do you have any spare time? If the answer is yes, volunteering could be a game-changer for you and your career. Here’s why: 1.Skill Development 🚀 Volunteering allows you to develop essential skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are highly valued by employers and can set you apart in the job market. 2.Networking Opportunities 🌐 Through volunteering, you meet a diverse group of people, including professionals and fellow volunteers, who can become valuable contacts in your future career. 3. CV Building 📄 Including volunteer work on your CV shows that you’re proactive, dedicated, and community-minded. It’s a great way to demonstrate experience and commitment to prospective employers. 4. Personal Growth 🌱 Volunteering exposes you to different perspectives and challenges, helping you grow personally and develop a deeper understanding of the world around you. 5. Making a Difference ❤️ There’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing you’re contributing to a cause bigger than yourself. Volunteering allows you to have a positive impact on your community and make a tangible difference in people's lives. 6. Career Exploration 🔍 Volunteering can help you explore different fields and industries, giving you a taste of various career paths before you make long-term commitments. 7. Boosted Mental Health 🌞 Studies have shown that volunteering can reduce stress, combat low motivation and provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Why not start today? Whether with a local charity, a student organisation, or an international cause, there’s a place for your skills and passion. #careers #guidance #Volunteering #UniversityLife #PersonalGrowth #CareerDevelopment #MakeADifference #skillsforlife

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐘: 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟑: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠. As we navigate our careers and personal growth, it's essential to recognize that skills are the keys that unlock doors to new opportunities. However, many young people struggle to find their place in professional settings, feeling like they lack the knowledge and experience to make meaningful contributions. I’ve been there too, and sometimes still feel so. Reflecting on my own journey, there have been moments where I've found myself in spaces I never imagined I could access. Often, I had to nudge myself and ask, "How did I get here?" The answer, time and again, has been volunteering. Volunteering has not only opened doors to opportunities but also helped me develop essential soft skills, such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which have been invaluable in my interactions with people from diverse backgrounds. Volunteering has given me a sense of purpose and belonging, allowing me to connect with like-minded individuals and build meaningful relationships. If you're considering volunteering, here are some tips to keep in mind: 📌Volunteer with intention: Clearly define your goals and what you hope to achieve through volunteering. Identify the skills you want to develop and track your progress. Remember, volunteering is not just about giving; it's also about growing. 📌Be mindful of predatory volunteering opportunities: While many organizations offer valuable experiences, some may exploit your time and energy. Be cautious and prioritize your well-being. 📌Know your limits: Volunteering for a cause you're passionate about can be rewarding, but be aware of the risk of martyrdom syndrome. Prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy balance between giving and receiving. As Shirley Chisholm said, "If you can't get a seat at the table, serve water to get in the room." #volunteeringmatters #skillsdevelopment #personalgrowth #careerdevelopment #networking #professionalgrowth #buildrelationships #youngprofessionals #students #lifeafteruniversity

The best bit about running your own business is you get to choose where you spend your time, it’s not all about the work… Our ability to give time 🕰️ to others is one of the greatest gifts we have, and yesterday mine was spent working with an incredible bunch of students at our local Young Enterprise Company Awards. So why do it? *Sense of Purpose: Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment by making a meaningful contribution to society and the lives of others. *Building Connections: Volunteering allows you to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, fostering new friendships and social networks. *Developing Skills: Volunteering provides opportunities to develop new skills and strengths, such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving, which can enhance your personal and professional life. *Improved Well-being: Helping others has been linked to improved mental and emotional well-being, including reduced stress, increased happiness, and a greater sense of self-worth. *Making a Difference: Volunteering allows you to directly impact the lives of individuals and communities in need, creating positive change and leaving a lasting legacy. *Gaining Perspective: Volunteering exposes you to different perspectives and life experiences, fostering empathy, compassion, and a greater understanding of the world around you. *Career Advancement: Volunteering can enhance your CV, demonstrating your commitment to social responsibility and showcasing valuable skills and experiences to potential employers. *Promoting Health: Research suggests that volunteering is associated with better physical health outcomes, including lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, and increased longevity. What’s there to lose? If you want to know more about Young Enterprise, go here ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/e5wqStMy #volunteering #giversgain #youngenterprise #leadingwithimpact #thenextgeneration Adam Durrant DFSM CerRBCB Gavin Styles FCCA CTA Jackie Kelly MSc. Helen Ridlinton John Hathaway Lee Underwood Amanda Claesens Jennifer Castelino S. Sharon Smits David Holley Graham Parcell David Hall Joey Russ Sharon Davies

🌟Maximizing Learning Through Unapplied Knowledge🌟 Many of us spend countless hours attending lectures, courses, or workshops. But do we actually retain anything from these experiences? Do they enhance our personal, professional, or practical lives? One thing is clear: passion and motivation are key. A fundamental principle in skill development is, “What you don’t apply, you won’t remember.” Imagine attending a time management course. If you don’t make small changes to your habits, the lessons will slip away. The real value is in applying what you’ve learned. So, how can you apply what you’ve gained from courses or workshops? If you’re employed, implement what you learned at work. But if you’re not employed or still a student, you can still put your knowledge into practice through volunteering. I’ve been volunteering for the past 15 years with organizations like the Saudi Red Crescent, the Saudi Ministry of Health, and the FAKHAR volunteer team under the Community Partnership Unit at KSU. Through volunteering, I’ve not only put my learning to use but also gained far more than traditional educational settings offer. Volunteering can sometimes replace the need for additional courses by equipping you with practical skills. Many of the skills I’ve developed wouldn’t have been honed without my volunteer work. Volunteering is like a skill-generating factory, uncovering hidden potential. I’ve seen people conquer their fear of public speaking, boost their self-confidence, and enhance their professional skills through volunteering. The range of skills you can gain and apply is vast. From leadership and team building to effective communication, public speaking, time management, problem-solving, and stress management, volunteering offers diverse experiences that expand your skill set. For example, after participating in COVID-19 prevention campaigns in 2020, my skills were enriched. The diversity across different entities and associations fosters a wide skill spectrum, adapted to various departments and cultures. Volunteering is a significant focus in Saudi Arabia, evident through the national volunteering platform and various platforms associated with ministries and entities. Vision 2030, led by His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, aims for a million volunteers in the Kingdom. In conclusion, the challenge of applying theoretical learning is never insurmountable. The horizon is open for new experiences and discoveries. You hold immense potential—just give yourself the opportunity to apply what you know and acquire what you don’t. #volunteering #Learning #Softskills #vision2030 #leadership #Learningneverstops #futureinyourhand

When a company walks the talk ------------------------------------------ The #AdityaBirlaGroup commits to being a "force for good" . So it was not very surprising when they decided to embark on a Deep Volunteering initiative to invite employees to spend two weeks exploring the social sector while contributing time and skills . I had the privilege to co-create the journey as part of the transformative volunteering initiative I lead at #iVolunteer . The intent was to provide employees a deep volunteering experience where they would not just contribute their time and skills but also explore what the experience meant for each of them from a learning and skills adaptation perspective There were many many moments of inspiration through the entire process. 1. The clarity of intentionality in my conversations with Padma Rajeswari Nandi , @Krupa Shah and Ashok Ramchandran, Samik Basu aligning with actioning the articulated purpose and creating an opportunity for employees to experience the same  2. The agency that was given to employees to choose from multiple projects 3. The democratic approach to ensuring that a fair selection was made through an application process. We had a heaterning and unanticipated response of nearly 300 employees across the group responding . 16 of them made it to the first cohort.  4. The generosity of line managers to consent to their colleagues taking two weeks to work on a social project  5. The willingness of the NGOs to open their spaces and opportunities for learning and engagement of the volunteers  6. Employees had to work out of the NGO sites for two weeks , engaging with the staff and the communities across a diverse range of proh=jects from creating marketing and branding strategies, to designing products to creating HR and people strategies for the NGos where they were placed . In the reflections that we did post the 2 weeks as well as during the engagement , without exception every one of the employees shared with authenticity and grace how the experience had truly been perspective changing , how they realised what privilege meant, and most importantly how little it takes to make a difference . I have often been personally sceptical about corporate India 's approach to volunteering, and that it ends up being tokenist and transactional, lacking equity .Many of us in the sector also dont challenge this enough- it seems like a losing battle to fight. But every now and them there will be a corporate like ABG that will be refreshingly authentic and deeply intentional of being the change they want to see and profess . #transformativevolunteering, #volunteering, #employeeengagement, #learninganddevelopment, #hr, #CHRO, #ngos , #csr, #corporatesocialresponsibility , #communityimpact , #selfdevelopment #corporatevolunteering Ashok Rathod, Praveen Singh , Kalpana Pant ,Dr. Pratibha Narayanan