Teresa Ramos in Spain
In this new blog series, I’d like to ask four questions to people from different countries, backgrounds, professions, and genders who have all one thing in common: volunteering. I hope you’ll get inspired by their journeys and take the leap into volunteering.
Notice: The positions, views and information contained published here are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily represent my views or opinions.
Teresa Ramos has a degree in theoretical physics (University of Salamanca), a degree in music (Conservatory of Salamanca), a master's degree in telecommunications engineering (Kings College, London) and an executive MBA (Instituto de Empresa, Madrid) and is a member of IoC (Institute of Coaching ) from Harvard Medical School of Harvard University.
Her extensive business experience encompasses commercial experience in big multinationals and start-ups, in some of the best academic institutions in the world as well as international organizations. She has worked as a senior executive leading global teams in the best technology companies worldwide such as British Telecom, O2, Vodafone, Telefónica and Siemens; she has academic experience collaborating with Said Business School of Oxford University, Judge Business School of Cambridge University, Instituto de Empresa and d.school of Stanford University amongst others. She also works with international health organizations.
Having lived and worked for many years in Germany and the UK, she is trilingual in Spanish, English and German.
How did you begin to volunteer?
I can´t remember as I have volunteered since a very young age. When I was in secondary school, I remember setting up and organizing an initiative to collect toys to then fix, clean and deliver to disadvantaged children. Around tis time, I also volunteered to conduct the small orchestra in my school. I guess these are some of my early experiences volunteering and organizing a group of volunteers.
Why did you continue volunteering?
It is very rewarding and fun. Groups of volunteers always share this enthusiasm, sense of purpuse and joy (you vonlunteer for fun, not for money!!) Volunteering gives you the chance to spot an opportunity to give back to the community and act on it immediately.
How has volunteering helped you in your career?
When you volunteer, you can try new skills that are not yet so refined. You would not be able to use them in a paid environment as your employer would likely request that you are an expert. However, if you volunteer, you ca be very open about your limited experience and the fact that you would like to improve your skills. Most often than not, people will be glad to have your contributions and help you develop your expertise.
I developed my project management skills by setting up initiatives like the one mentioned above (providing toys for disadvantaged kids),, setting up and organizing my school orchestra
When I started my coaching career, I used to volunteer for an organization helping unemployed people pivot their careers and find new jobs. I practiced tea and group coaching there and became very comfortable coaching big heterogeneous groups.
I did voluntary work for the United Nations, which helped me expand my network inside the organization which then led to other work opportunities.
Would you encourage other people to take up volunteering, and if so, why?
Yes, definitely! by all means! either join an organization of your likiing or set up your own initiative with some like minded people. It will help you make new friends and acquaintances, you can try new skills whilst giving back and making an impact in your community.
