Volunteering, what's the point?

Organisations will often be very keen to have volunteers having an input, and not usually because its free labour.  They get valuable input from motivated, enthusiastic people who are committed to the organisation’s aims and objectives. But its not just a one way relationship. Volunteers can really get lots out of spending time volunteering, as will be highlighted later.

Have you ever thought about volunteering?  There are so many good reasons to give it a go, usually falling into one of three categories, giving something back to ‘society’, to improve your employability skills and future career prospects or for the social benefits, e.g. to make new friends.  The chances are that if you are studying a full time course, the main reasons you may want to volunteer will fall into the category of improving your career prospects.  Why? Because as the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) identify, volunteering can be a very good way to

Gain new skills, knowledge and experience

 

Develop existing skills and knowledge

Enhance a CV

Improve one's employment prospects

Gain an accreditation for a course

If you are thinking about volunteering, there are several issues to consider. Do you want the experience to help you get a career in the degree you are doing, or to move you in a new direction? Do you need to develop any particular skills or experience to strengthen your paid work applications? For instance, students on a conservation degree will often get relevant experience with organisations like Essex Wildlife Trust or English Heritage to develop conservation or surveying skills. But there will often be students who do not want to use their degree subject.  These students sometimes worry, unnecessarily, that their degree will somehow limit their career options or what they can apply for. The often quoted figure of 80% of employer vacancies not specifying a degree subject should reassure.  But the question then arises of how to ‘move’ from studying a degree to working in a graduate role. Experience of the working world, either through paid internships or volunteering is an important element in this process.



Image sourced from Wikimedia Author Druysts.t

So, in conclusion, the benefits of volunteering are numerous. Not only will you possibly make new friends, but you will gain invaluable experience and skills which you will be able to showcase to potential employers – indeed the organisation you volunteer with may well end up being a future employer.  Why the snakes and ladders? Well, quite often, doing something 'different' can lead to 'unexpected' chances presenting themselves. And also as importantly, you will see how your degree is relevant to your future career plans, regardless of  the content of your degree.

RDA National Championships!

Hi there! My name is Kyrby Brown and I am a 2nd year student studying Equine Studies and Business Management at Writtle College. I am also a competitive grade 1b para-dressage rider with the disability Arthrogryposis, which affects the movements of muscles and joints in all four limbs.

  

Kyrby Brown and Pip

I started riding at the age of three for therapy, but as I grew older I realised that I wanted to take this further and make it more than just a hobby. I have never owned my own horse, however over the last few years I have been fortunate enough to have access to some fantastic horses who have all taught me so much. My partner for this year, Pip (a 16.1hh, 19 year old Portugues), is one such horse.  

 

This year I was fortunate enough to qualify for the RDA National Championships, which are held every year in Hartpury, Gloucestershire. The Championships bring together hundreds of riders from all over the United Kingdom who compete in a range of disciplines including Dressage, Carriage Driving, Vaulting and Countryside Challenge.

 

In order to qualify riders must first take part in a Regional Qualifier and score in the top 2 with scores over 60%. I took part in this qualifier in 2014 but unfortunately did not qualify. However, this year I was determined to do so, I made it my goal to get to the National Championships in 2015. Pip and I came through with a personal best of 69% and first place at the regionals! I was ecstatic as this was my main goal for the year, to train and compete at Nationals.   

 

The National Championships are a huge event; each competitor is graded according to the severity of their disability and how they are affected. The grades are 1a, 1b,II, III and IV. There are also visually and intellectually impaired classes. The higher the grade, the more able (more movement, stronger, etc.) you are. The gradings mean that competitors compete as equals and makes the competition fair. Due to being affected in all four limbs I am classified as a grade 1b.

 

The tests are scored according to the ‘normal’ dressage rules and are ultimately about accuracy, harmony and level of training. The horses are all trained in the same way so they have to learn to adapt to the riders individual aids, special equipment can be used but must be authorised. For example, I use loop reins and toecaps on my stirrups. We all train using the same scales of training as able-bodied riders, I trained very regularly in the run up to the Championships, I also had to arrange and choreograph my freestyle which is ridden to music.

 

I was competing in the grade 1b championships and the 1b freestyle to music. Due to a bit of excitement in the warm up we were not as relaxed as I would like throughout the Championship test, scoring 63% and coming 4th. The freestyle went slightly better as we had had a little more time to 'tune in' and settle down so overall we came 2nd!

 

I was very happy with my results as it was my first year competing and a lot to take in, we have improved a great deal since last year and I hope to come back fighting next year as well! I have so much still to learn but I know, as my understanding grows, my riding improves - as does my results.

 

Above all, Nationals proved to be a fantastic experience for me, this is - in no small part - thanks to the fantastic team of riders, grooms and horses that is Oaklands RDA, who have supported me to achieve my goals this year and continue to do so with each ride.

 

I travelled to the championships alongside my family and groom/all-round-helpful-person Jen (Edwards), who is also on the same course at Writtle. I could not have had better support and cannot thank everyone enough.  I would like to especially thank Sarah Moreland and the brilliant team at Oaklands RDA who made the entire venture possible and Clive Milkins whose coaching has contributed a great deal to my understanding and progress in my riding. 

 

Finally, I would also like to thank my fabulous training partner Pip and his owner Emma Brown. This wonderful, experienced horse has taught me a great deal and continues to teach me each time I ride. 

 

Bring on next year and everything in between!

 

 

Written by Kyrby Brown