I haven't blogged in a while now. One of the reasons is because I've been somewhat preoccupied with my induction training and new role as a Programme Manager for another charity, Business Dynamics, that goes into schools and 'brings business to life' for young people aged 13/14 and up. It is incredibly rewarding work - this week one kid wrote on his feedback form, "You have changed my life." Kids who are usually angry, disengaged, withdrawn or crippling shy, find their feet. They engage, realise they do have good stuff to offer the world and seeing them grow in confidence is heart-warming - and at times, emotional.
As a Programme Manager, I have to book the programmes into schools, create the format/schedule and book Seminar Leaders who are volunteers from the business world. The volunteers deliver 1hr long 'seminars' within the context of one of the programmes. The format is generally a brief intro about what they (the volunteer) do for a living and how they got there, followed by an activity that teaches a key skill eg. communication, teamwork, problem solving, budgeting, marketing, interview techniques etc. and a feedback session. Volunteers are drawn from big corporates eg. PwC, Deutsche Bank, Coca Cola Enterprises, Morgan Stanley etc. as well as small businesses.
Apart from the good that you would be doing and the warm feeling inside you'll probably get from that, it is also fantastic public speaking and presentation practice. We offer a training session to prepare you and naturally this is free.
I am particularly interested in hearing from London based business people who would like to give their time in this way and remember, you do not have to be from a big corporation - sole traders and freelancers are very welcome too. To find out more about this rewarding opportunity, please email me. If you are interested but live outside London, please visit the company's website at www.BusinessDynamics.org.uk for contact details.
