How can volunteering and internships help you build a career, gain experience, and open doors you never expected?

In this episode of The ReadyforWork Podcast with Tom-Chris Emewulu, originally recorded during Tom-Chris Emewulu's 2024 Guinness World Record Interview Marathon, Tom-Chris sat down with Ike Nwibe, a community development and nonprofit leader based in Canada, to discuss his career journey, the power of volunteering, and how young professionals can intentionally build experience beyond the traditional classroom.

Ike shared how his volunteering journey began shortly after high school and eventually took him across different countries, including the UK and the Philippines, where he gained practical experience, built international networks, and developed skills that continued to shape his career. He also explained how volunteering helped create opportunities for him in Canada, from securing educational opportunities to gaining his first roles in the nonprofit sector.

The conversation also explored the importance of knowing where you want your career to go, developing the competencies required for your desired field, and using volunteering or internships strategically when your current job doesn't align with your long-term goals. Ike reflected on his progression from frontline work to case management, supervision, management, and eventually executive leadership.

For young people, Ike emphasized the value of developing skills beyond academics, making yourself available for opportunities, building diverse experiences, and developing a global perspective that can help you navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

In this episode:

• How volunteering opened unexpected career opportunities
• Why internships can help you transition into a new career
• Building experience when your current job isn't your long-term goal
• Developing skills beyond academic qualifications
• The value of international exposure, networking, and global perspectives

About the show:

The ReadyforWork Podcast with Tom-Chris Emewulu brings you exclusive conversations and practical insights to grow your mindset, money, productivity, and well-being. Subscribe now and don't miss the next episode!

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Connect with Ike Nwibe:

• LinkedIn: Ike Nwibe