Ingrid’s experience as a Mentoring Works volunteer
Name: Ingrid Vergel
Company and role:
Euromonitor International,
Global Research Operations Lead
BIG Alliance programme: Mentoring Works
What motivated you to volunteer as a mentor via your company’s volunteering programme?
I clearly remember being 16 and feeling lost about what career to choose. So, the “Mentoring Works” opportunity spoke directly to me and I thought it would be fantastic to be a guiding hand to someone. Young people in this position are in an amazing point of their lives. The world seems full of possibilities, yet it can also be daunting: not knowing what the options are, wanting to measure up to your parents’ expectations and so on. I certainly wished I had had more guidance. And hence, I love I can help, even a little, through this program!
How has your experience as a mentor been so far? What kinds of things have you covered with your mentee in your sessions?
I have been ever so impressed with the programme and my mentee. I truly find the experience rewarding as we are both learning a lot. For once, I am a mum, so the program in a way also works like a training ground for when my two little girls get to this time in their life. The material provided by the Mentoring Works is great in planning for activities and the team are great is sharing ideas to help plan the sessions.
We have been doing lots of fun activities focused on building relevant skills for my mentee’s career preferences. We started by discovering her preferences, interests, strengths and motivation. We explored multiple roles, where she did a hands-on research and evaluation that resulted in the top two options, we are deep-diving on. A really exciting part of the program has been to connect my mentee with relevant people in my network and for her to have the opportunity to hear direct from them about their careers and ask tons of questions. These both inspire as well as aid her career decision. Over the coming weeks we’ll be exploring more practical topics around creating a resume and interviewing, among other. Overall super exciting!
What’s the best thing about volunteering?
Volunteering genuinely makes me happy! It brings a sense of purpose in knowing that you are someone’s helping hand and potentially can make a positive impact in their wellbeing and future progression. In my case, I also find my mentee inspiring. She is disciplined, focused and creative!
What advice would you give to your colleagues who are thinking about volunteering?
Volunteering is such a win-win! These days, partly due to covid, a lot of us are seriously rethinking our purpose. So, if you are one of those people, here is an amazing opportunity. Grab it! You get a shot at making a difference for a young person, you will learn new skills, you will have tons of fun and I bet you that your own wellbeing will improve. You want a rock-star feeling, volunteer!
Do you work for a company or community organisation that would be interested in the Mentoring Works programme? If so, contact maria.tonchievici@thebigalliance.org.uk