Who doesn't love marine life? It's cute and endlessly fascinating. Whatever causes you are interested in, there is an organisation that helps with the cause. In Anna's case it was contributing to conservation in here home country, leading her to volunteer at MOm.
Anna's Splash
I discovered the opportunity to volunteer with MOm (Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal) through my high school’s student services office. The prospect of contributing to marine life conservation in Greece, my homeland, deeply resonated with me. I was excited to explore something so unique and vastly different from anything I had done before. Alongside five other student volunteers, I spent just over a week on the picturesque island of Alonissos, immersing ourselves in the NGO's mission.
Our daily routine began at the NGO’s office in the town, where we learned about the Mediterranean monk seal and local dolphin species. We were introduced to certain individual animals the organisation monitored, gaining insights into their general behaviours and health. When the weather permitted, we would embark on boat trips to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. I vividly remember the thrill of spotting dolphins, capturing their movements with our cameras, and documenting their interactions with the boat and each other. We meticulously noted their time spent underwater versus jumping out, any visible injuries, and other behavioural patterns.
One memorable day, we encountered a particularly playful dolphin that stayed close to our boat, leaping out of the water with remarkable energy. This experience not only deepened my appreciation for marine life but also solidified my desire to contribute to conservation efforts in the future. The time spent volunteering with MOm was incredibly rewarding and has inspired me to continue volunteering, while also heightening my understanding of the importance of environmental degradation and preservation missions.
Surfacing Skills
When volunteering at an NGO, chances are the hard skills are very unique to the experience you've had. However, there are a range of soft skills that are very commonly used and developed in this scenario. In Anna's case, some of the hard skills she developed are :
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- Marine Life knowledge
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- Field Research techniques
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- Data collection and analysis
However, she also gained more transferrable skills outside the world of Mediterranean Monk seals:
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- Teamwork - From collaborating with other student volunteers in various aspects.
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- Adaptability - One day in an office, then the next a boat. Definitely brings an unexpected meaning to hybrid working.
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- Cultural insights - Travelling around to help with a cause demonstrates an ability to integrate into new environments quickly and understand new cultures (human culture not seal culture that is).
Making Waves on your CV
Volunteering at an NGO is a great way to get some experience on your CV. It can demonstrate a hands-on approach and a deeper understanding of the aim of the organisation.
Volunteer at Hellenic Society For The Study and Protection of the Monk Seal Summer 2024
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- Collaborated with a team of five students to effectively help the NGO to help better the understanding of endangered animals
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- Used field research techniques during boat trips to record Monk Seal behaviour, such as time spent above the water and individuals interactions
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