The power of purpose: Elevating your career through volunteering

The nuclear industry, like other sectors, relies on volunteers to bring about a sense of community amongst its workforce. This transcends the boundaries of our employers and works across all sectors – from civil and defence to medicine and space exploration.

At the start of June, National Volunteer Week offers us all the chance to think how to elevate our careers through volunteering. No matter how much time or how regularly you are able to give, there are opportunities for everyone – and this is my personal story of volunteering and the benefits it has given me and my career.

Ever since I was a little girl, I can always remember having instilled in me the importance of volunteering, if you can give the time. Many members of my family do it, and I started to volunteer in the nuclear sector in the early stages of my career as a nuclear safety case professional. At that time, I was acutely aware – and still am – that as a young female, I was in the minority, so I wanted to help change this. My volunteering has resulted in a series of approaches, outcomes and opportunities that have helped me to help others, help the industry and help my own career through personal development.

1. Promoting the nuclear sector

I stumbled upon the nuclear sector whilst at university. Nuclear power was never a topic I remember discussing at school, so it was not on my radar as a career option. This is not uncommon for those who do not grow up near a nuclear site, yet the career opportunities for STEM and non-STEM roles in nuclear are numerous. It was important to me to help grow that awareness, so I have volunteered to support engagement in schools, to ensure the seeds can start be sown for future generations at an early age.

2. Personal and peer development

Depending on the company you work for, you will have exposure to different parts of the nuclear lifecycle and, thus, different development opportunities. To understand how the whole sector works holistically, it is important to learn about the other parts of the lifecycle and grow your overall knowledge of the sector. For me, that came through organising events like site tours, so that my peers and I could visit a nuclear licensed site and learn about different parts of the nuclear lifecycle.

3. Building a network

Having the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and build a network in the sector is key for retention. I knew I was not alone in starting off with little to no network, so I appreciated that if I could help others to foster and develop their networks – which would then stay with them throughout the career – they would be more likely to stick with the sector and have an even more rewarding career.

Achieving career alignment

Finding the right volunteering opportunities that align to your career is crucial. During my Master’s Degree in 2015, after some Googling, I spotted the European Nuclear Young Generation Forum (ENYGF) was taking place in Paris that year. This was my first encounter with the NI’s Young Generation Network (YGN) and I was about begin my volunteering journey, alongside starting my career.

I started out supporting the planning for the ENYGF, which was to be held in Manchester in 2017, then joined the YGN Committee initially as the Membership, Retention and Development lead, then Vice-Chair, prior to being approached to become co-Chair of the Next Generation Nuclear Industry Council (a shadow board to the Nuclear Industry Council), which was being setup at the time.

As my volunteering evolved, the more I put into it, the more I got out of my time, and over the last eight years, my volunteering has predominantly been through three organisations: the YGN, the Next Generation Nuclear Industry Council and STEM Ambassadors. Through alignment of these volunteering roles alongside my personal career development, I have benefitted significantly in a number of key areas.

1. Rewarding experiences

Volunteering has elevated – and continues to elevate – my career through ‘soft skill’ development. Whilst this was already being supported by my employer, the additional opportunities I gained through volunteering expedited their development. From public speaking through to running events and engaging with senior industry figures, having the additional opportunity to hone these skills has been invaluable.

2. Greater industry knowledge

Volunteering has exposed me to conversations and experience that have given me a greater understanding of the micro and macro factors at play within the nuclear system and how these have changed over time. This has led to me having a deep level of knowledge and understanding of the sector early in my career. In turn, that has supported my curiosity and drive to continue to work in the sector as well as helping me to understand the importance of the work being done both at a local, national and international level.

3. Nuclear sector exposure

Opportunities to meet individuals beyond one’s own company can be few and far between in the early career years. However, volunteering changed this for me. It automatically propelled me into a group of individuals from different companies, at different stages in their career and working in different parts of the nuclear life cycle. It also provided me the opportunity to attend events, either through organising them or as a representative of my volunteering organisation. This led to building a network beyond my early career peers.

Finding a volunteering opportunity

If my volunteering journey has inspired you and encouraged you to seek volunteering opportunities that align with your purpose to elevate your career, the following are excellent places to begin your search:

• NI Regional Networks: connecting with other industry experts in your local area, all at many different stages of their career journey
• NI YGN: joining other early career nuclear professionals to ensure the next generation’s voice is heard in shaping the future of the sector
• Women in Nuclear (WiN, including regional opportunities): addressing the industry’s gender balance to improve the representation of women in leadership and support the industry with tools and information
• REiN UK (Racial Equality in Nuclear): participating in grassroots, action-oriented activities dedicated to the elimination of barriers that disallow ethnic communities, including communities of colour, from thriving in the nuclear sector
• Professional bodies: exploring opportunities associated with other professional bodies with which you and your chosen career may be aligned
• Employer schemes: supporting your employer with a variety of outreach activities.

When you find an opportunity that aligns with your purpose, ask your organisation if it provides ‘giving back’ days to support you in your volunteering. At PA Consulting, we can access three days each year for this purpose, giving time for initiatives that can either be organised centrally through our ‘PA in the Community’ initiative or be carried out with a chosen volunteering organisation or pro-bono project.

The PA Foundation, an independent charity that expands access to quality education, skills, and careers, particularly in STEM-related fields, has distributed more than £3m to charity partners globally, one of which is The Economist Educational Foundation. Last year, we supported the development of a nuclear lesson plan for teachers reaching thousands of young people. We often also undertake volunteering days as a project team, for example visiting a school local to Dounreay to run a session to help the children to understand and explore their strengths.

Once you have found an opportunity it can be difficult to know where to start and become a trusted member of the volunteering community. There are, however, four key rules to follow that will set you in good stead.

1. Ensure it has a strong ‘why’ for you

There needs to be a specific purpose to your volunteering choice, to make it worth the time involved. Take time to understand the opportunity and talk to other volunteers to ensure it is the right one for you.

2. Understand the commitment

You could spend infinite time volunteering – but clearly that is rarely possible! Before you take on an opportunity, make sure you understand the time commitment, including any peaks that could arise, to ensure it will work for both you and the organisation involved.

3. Be reliable

You need to be able to deliver what you promise, even though you are not being paid for it – because someone is relying on you. By being a reliable volunteer, you will find more opportunities come your way, adding greater responsibility and offering increased exposure.

4. Enjoy it

Lastly, but most importantly, make sure it is something you love to do! This is an added commitment, beyond your day job, that will take you away from time with family, friends and hobbies. It should therefore be something you enjoy and have fun doing.

Case Studies

Julianne Antrobus, UK Head of Energy and Utilities and Global Head of Nuclear at PA Consulting:

"I volunteer and sponsor Women in Nuclear (WiN) at both a strategic and active level. I co-developed WiN’s current five-year strategy in 2021 and lead on the implementation of one of the key strategic objectives – Leadership Development Framework. The framework was developed to give WiN members access to a range of leadership tools and techniques as they move through their career journey, acknowledging that everyone’s needs are different.

This came to life by augmenting the skills of willing volunteers, who are passionate about leadership, with a cohort of fabulous professional coaches, who have created online modules, ‘lunch-and-learns’ and virtual courses to support development. Helping to see others develop and find their own leadership style is so rewarding and encouraging as it gives members the confidence to succeed."

Robbie Lyons, expert in nuclear at PA Consulting:

"I currently volunteer with the NI as the chair of its SMR Special Interest Group, the purpose of which is to support the development and deployment of SMRs. I took on this role first and foremost because I genuinely believe that SMRs can make a significant contribution to the UK’s prosperity, through supporting both energy security and indigenous technological capabilities.

The SIG seeks to bring together relevant experts and interested parties to develop relevant thought leadership. I enjoy this opportunity to leverage expertise developed during my PhD studies, whilst broadening my awareness and understanding through engagement with NI members from across the sector that are similarly excited about the potential of SMRs."

Ananda Buchanan, expert in operating model at PA Consulting:

"I volunteer as Deputy Chair for the London & South East Branch of WiN. This is a newly formed branch that aims to bring women together from across the nuclear lifecycle, as well as ancillary organisations and universities.

I have had the fortune of hosting several events across the past year in which we have had panellists share their experiences as female leaders. I love this role in WiN because there is such a buzz in the region right now. Nuclear is at the forefront of everybody’s mind and working with WiN to harness that energy and excitement is a real honour."

This article was first published in Nuclear Future.