Alejandra Galofre is Legal Graduate Trainee at Société Générale. Alejandra tells us about the numerous personal and professional benefits of volunteering, and how it helps her in her career development.

Why do you volunteer?
As someone who is at the beginning of their career, I have found programmes, like Societe Generale’s Young Influencers Programme, to be extremely helpful. Hopefully, through bringing students who are still in school into a corporate environment this will motivate them to pursue higher education and apply for positions within the firm. Through my work with the Young Influencers Programme, I have seen first-hand the positive impact that exposure to the corporate world can have on students’ aspirations and career goals. By giving students a glimpse into what a career in banking can offer, this could increase diversity in the industry and support the next generation of professionals, creating a more inclusive workforce.

What have you gained from your volunteering experience?
I find volunteering to be very fulfilling because it provides an opportunity to use my skills and expertise to help others. Beyond the personal satisfaction of making a positive impact, volunteering has also allowed me to develop new skills, build my professional network, and gain valuable experience that can help me in my own career development. Through my work with the Young Influencers Programme, I’ve been able to develop my skills in mentorship, communication and leadership, and have had the opportunity to meet and connect with other professionals who share my passion for giving back to the community.

Would you recommend volunteering to a colleague and, if so, why?
Volunteering is an incredibly rewarding experience that I would highly recommend to any colleague. Not only does it provide an opportunity to give back to the community and help those in need, but it can also be a great way to develop new skills and gain valuable experience outside of the workplace.

Through volunteering, you can also expand your network and build relationships with like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a difference. This can lead to new opportunities and collaborations that may not have been possible otherwise, as well as giving you exposure to new industries and areas of expertise that may be relevant to your career path.

In addition, volunteering can have a positive impact on your mental health and overall well-being by providing a sense of purpose and fulfilment outside of work. It can also help you gain perspective and appreciation for the things you have and foster a sense of gratitude and empathy.