Stories
Fresh Insights from Euroclear Volunteers
After recently volunteering in JA Poland’s Open Company workshop this past November 2016, two Euroclear volunteers provided us with some feedback on their unique experiences in the classroom.
Marina Gordelean, Senior Funds Client Service Rep, Euroclear Poland
It is refreshing to come back to school and talk, interact with younger people, compare yourself in their age to them, see on their example how the society evolves. On the other hand, in this position, volunteers are on the opposite side of a coach or mentor, which gives you a different perspective on education and knowledge and the importance of it.
Is it important to make sure that there will be a replacement for the current generation of employees and continuity of business. The frank approach by showing the youngsters what the day-to-day reality looks like enables them take sensible, well thought out decisions that will be beneficiary to the company and their personal goals.
Although at the moment the outsourcing market is in Poland is blooming and offering a growing number of job and development opportunities, the future is not predetermined. Young people should be well prepared for a changing environment and shifting demands as well as being able to generate their own ideas and implement them.
Visiting new generation and seeing how the education system is changing in line with the new trends on the labor market was what I enjoyed most from this volunteering experience.
Ewelina Mente, Banking Operation Specialist, Euroclear Poland
When asked what made Ewelina want to become a volunteer in Junior Achievements’ activities, she replied, “I thought it would be interesting to find out how it is to be a teacher for one day. Also, if there is someone who wants to know more about the mysterious world of banking I am happy to share what I have learned.”
She explained why it is important for her company to be involved in such an educational programme, saying, “It is a good opportunity to share the knowledge and experience gained during working in Euroclear to school kids – it might help them to choose a career path connected with finance.”
When quizzed on the importance of entrepreneurial skills, Ewelina replied, “For everyone who wants to have an impact on their future career it is important to know how to achieve whatever is necessary to be on the top– there is no better way to do it other than using entrepreneurial skills, especially when economics is changing rapidly. And to do it, they need to have confidence and knowledge how to use the things that they have learned during their school days (or in a Junior Achievement programme!).”
What did she enjoy the most from the volunteering experience?
“I liked the fact that we could have an open conversation with youngsters. They participated in discussions, which made me feel comfortable and well prepared for the topic I was presenting. Also, it was nice to be on the other side of counter – acting like a teacher, not a student – for the first time!”