A Reflection of My Volunteer Experience
I moved to the United States with my husband to accompany him for his work. Having worked for four years in India as a marketing communications professional, with leading global Public Relations firms, it was a challenge coming here and not being able to work due to the legalities. While I thought, I can do away with vacationing in the U.S. and watching Netflix while my stay here, even Netflix eventually started asking me “Are you still watching?” Soon the realization came to rather use my time constructively. I thought of social responsibility and started looking for volunteer opportunities. Thanks to my husband and his senior colleague at Trustmark Companies, I found myself at United Way of Lake County.
For nearly a year and a half, I had the privilege to work with the marketing team of United Way of Lake County. I can truly say that this experience doesn’t feel at all like volunteering, but more like being a part of another family. United Way’s employees are such nice people, so accepting, so accomplished but down to earth, passionately working for the well-being of others and I am really happy that I got a chance to do my bit in wake of them all.
At WLC Power of the Purse 2014
Under the guidance of the marketing team, I worked on strategic public outreach initiatives to address the most critical local need of children in Lake County and in shaping positive opinion of United Way in mind of its key media influencers.
This by far has been the best work experience I have had. Not only have I learned how education and working together is the key to a strong community, but I also got an opportunity to learn about U.S. work culture, how the media operates here, network with my peers, and learn about the Lake County community and its needs.
Annual Community Celebration Event 2014-2015
From my America experience, United Way of Lake County will hold a real special place. I plan to utilize the skills and experience that I gained during my volunteer experience here in my next job and take some of the good practice back to India too with me.
Red Nose Day Fun with the Social Media Team
There are many reasons to consider volunteering or interning with United Way of Lake County, but perhaps none is more worthwhile than being a part of something greater than yourself. The work being done here s truly creating lasting changes for lives in Lake County. I would highly recommend for anyone interested in social responsibility to apply. Be part of a great team, have your voice be heard and make a difference in the Lake County community.
