"The opportunity to see the outcome of your work providing real results direct to the community is a very humbling experience"

My occupation: Senior Marketing Manager – Infrastructure, Government, Health - Ernst & Young

My responsibilities: I manage the marketing strategy and develop the campaigns for the Infrastructure, Government and Health advisory practices at Ernst & Young.

What inspired me to get involved in skilled volunteering: Developing the marketing and communication strategies for non-for-profit organizations is a simple but effective way of contributing to the community. But it’s not all about what I can provide for them. I get a lot of satisfaction working with people that are very passionate about what they do and who they work for. The opportunity to see the outcome of your work providing real results direct to the community is a very humbling experience.

Which organisations have I fulfilled volunteer projects for: Prahran Mission, Childwise, Retina Victoria, The Alfred Hospital and the Dolphin Research Institute. I have been associated with the Goodcompany for more than four years and it has exposed me to some fantastic organizations that are making a real difference in their communities.

Example of a fulfilled volunteer project with a good outcome: I am currently a board member and chair of the communication committee of Dolphin Research Institute (DRI). I have been in both positions for twelve months. The Dolphin Research Institute is an independent marine conservation organization that has provided valuable solutions and services for nearly two decades.

What the community group gained: Marketing and communication experience

What I got out of volunteering my time and skills: I am consistently benefiting from my time through a deeper appreciation of Victoria’s marine life and conservation. The experience of working for an organization that is not-for-profit but manages to reach out to more than 50,000 school students and 20,000 adults is incredible. DRI's capacity to achieve outcomes for the environment has been validated by the community through winning various awards. I have also had the opportunity to work with some amazing people in the DRI team and board. Jeff Weir's (the CEO of DRI) passion for Victoria’s marine life is contagious.

The main difference between the NFP and private sectors: The main difference is the need to be more thrifty and savvy with smaller budgets and generally less resources.

Tips for Community Groups working with skilled volunteers: Be clear and frank about what your requirements are. Be open about timelines and expectations at the front and be willing to be flexible.

For more information about Dolphin Research Institute, please go to: www.dolphinresearch.org.au