Pippa and the Youth Action team

 


The Leeds Youth Action Team comprises of 30 young volunteers who play an integral role in ensuring that the project stays focused on young people. Pippa first joined the Youth Action Team in August 2008. She is currently in her second year at Leeds University and decided that it was time to do something more productive in her spare time. Pippa saw the Youth Action Team as the perfect opportunity to do so whilst also giving something back to the community. “Being young volunteers ourselves we have a better understanding of the types of projects that might interest others.”

Having volunteered previously Pippa knew how rewarding this could be. In the past Pippa has been involved in a diverse variety of projects, including promoting FairTrade, helping at an animal shelter and working as a conservation volunteer. She was keen to continue with her volunteering experiences as she finds that she gets a lot out of it. “As well as feeling like you’re really making a difference to others lives in some way, I have also found it provides opportunities to meet new people and friends. For instance by getting involved in [the] Youth Action Team I’ve been able to meet people I perhaps wouldn’t have merely through university life. This includes students from Leeds Met. as well as people of varying ages from all across the Leeds community.”

Pippa believes that volunteering has helped her to develop as an individual; as a result of her volunteering she has been successful in obtaining an internship with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in the summer of 2009. “Many of the skills I needed to demonstrate for this job are those I have built upon whilst volunteering. For instance teamwork is vital when working on any project, as well as effective communication, skills any employer looks for. Working with a diverse range of people I have learnt how to adapt my communication style as appropriate and to listen to other people’s ideas.” Pippa is especially proud of this achievement which will stand her in good stead when she leaves University and continues with her aspiration of becoming an accountant in one of the big four accountancy firms.