Mary Ikudehin drives businesses and individuals toward heightened visibility, reputation, and financial success.
I was really excited when Adedoyin asked me to volunteer for her Mentorship Program. At first, I had just signed up to attend the event, but when Adedoyin invited me to step in as a volunteer, I jumped at the chance. I knew it was a valuable opportunity for growth.
Planning and Execution
Planning the event was no small task. I took on the roles of managing publicity, coordinating vendors, and creating content, relying heavily on the support of my team and the community to help spread the word. My main responsibilities included handling publicity and content creation, coordinating with vendors, developing an event plan, and reaching out to media outlets for coverage.I was really excited when Adedoyin asked me to volunteer for her Mentorship Program. At first, I had just signed up to attend the event, but when Adedoyin invited me to step in as a volunteer, I jumped at the chance. I knew it was a valuable opportunity for growth
To make sure the event was a success, I reached out to various blogs for coverage, even without getting Adedoyin’s approval first. I only heard back from a few, which was pretty frustrating, but it taught me how to adapt. We leaned on the community for publicity, and a couple of other sources came through, showing me that sometimes things don’t go as planned, but I could still make it work.
Event Day Success
On the day of the event, my focus was all about creating a smooth experience for everyone. We kicked things off with some fun games to break the ice, followed by writing letters to our younger selves, which set such a positive tone. Adedoyin shared some really valuable insights on career challenges, and the mentors opened up about their unique journeys, which truly inspired everyone in the room.
We had a roundtable session where mentors shared advice and their personal stories, and the networking breaks gave everyone a chance to connect. I made sure everything flowed seamlessly, from coordinating the speakers to organizing the seating and catering. I’m proud of how it all turned out.
Lessons Learned
Volunteering taught me important lessons, especially about teamwork and support. The collaboration among the team was key to the program’s success. I also learned the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone. Juggling work and volunteering was tough, but it pushed me to grow. I had been hesitant to take on leadership roles because of imposter syndrome, but this experience helped me see what I was capable of. Growth happens outside of my comfort zone, and I learned that firsthand
A major takeaway for me was the significance of being data-driven. Adedoyin really emphasized using data to make informed decisions. Listening to Daphne’s story reinforced that even if I can’t land a job in my desired field, I can still gain valuable experience through volunteering, which is exactly what I did.
Personal Growth and Networking
This event allowed me to connect with inspiring mentors and fellow volunteers, and it really broadened my network. I learned to adapt to every situation, which boosted my confidence. Contributing to a meaningful cause and seeing the attendees benefit from the program made every effort worthwhile. It also helped me realize the importance of having a strong support system. When I wrote an article for blogs prior to the event, I shared it with Tofunmi, a friend of mine who provided valuable feedback. This experience reinforced the importance of surrounding myself with a supportive network.
Transformative Experience
Volunteering at Adedoyin’s event was truly transformative for me. I developed essential skills like event planning and public speaking while working alongside a dedicated team. So, as a young professional, I highly recommend considering volunteering. It’s one of the best ways to build skills, expand a network, and discover strengths. This experience was more than just volunteering; it was a stepping stone for my career. I had opportunities to grow, learn, and tackle challenges I wouldn’t have faced otherwise. I learned how to manage multiple responsibilities, ask for help, and trust my abilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, volunteering is a fantastic way to build a career. It played a significant role in helping me land my first job after graduation when I was still figuring out my direction, despite studying Mass Communication. Volunteering opened doors and helped me find my path. Whether it’s for a cause I believe in or to explore a new career path, volunteering pushes me out of my comfort zone, where the real growth happens. It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding, and I’ve been amazed at how much I gained from the experience.
