The LSE Community Engagement Programme is a supported initiative in which teams of LSE students volunteer as consultants for UK and overseas charities. Each team is given a project brief they must address within 10 weeks, and which focuses on a ‘challenge’ a charity faces. Student applications to the LSE Community Engagement Programme 2023 are open until 12 November to all current LSE undergraduates and postgraduates.
In this blogpost, we hear from Christine about the learning she did in collaborating with community!
A Glimpse into the CEP: An Inclusive Opportunity for All
The Community Engagement Programme (CEP) is a well-structured PROGRAMME designed to help you build your capacity and allow you to actively ENGAGE, making a positive impact while receiving invaluable support from your COMMUNITY. But what does it really mean? Let’s break it down into C, E, P…
Community: A Supportive and Diverse Network
Through the CEP, I had the incredible chance to collaborate with a team of seven, taking on a real-world consulting project for an NGO. The program introduced me to a supportive and diverse network of individuals. My teammates came from diverse backgrounds, majors, and years, enriching my journey in countless ways. Moreover, I had the opportunity to interact with departments other than my own, receiving support from Rosie, the programme manager, and Serena, our mentor, both personally and regarding our project. I fondly recall a time when our team faced technical challenges, and we felt lost. However, Rosie kindly connected us to LSE’s Digital Skills Lab, offering us an invaluable opportunity to learn from experts and receive the support we needed. The LSE support lab was professional and provided essential mentoring and advice in organising and handling technology. Through this experience, we learned new skills, not only for the client’s sake but also for our own learning and personal growth.
Beyond LSE, the program connected us with charity partners, offering insights into different challenges and opportunities in both larger and smaller communities. Volunteering and making a meaningful impact became an unforgettable part of my journey through this program. The best part is that this opportunity is open to everyone, making it an inclusive and transformative experience for all participants.
Engagement: Achieving with Flexibility and Genuine Impact
The program is well-structured to ensure deliverables and valuable learning, yet flexible enough to let you identify client needs and communicate effectively with your teammates to make crucial decisions. Our charity partner valued our input and treated us as student guides, allowing us to identify opportunities and challenges that may not be fully detailed in the project brief. This offered our team a valuable opportunity to make a true impact in the real world by working on actual projects for real clients.
Programme: Building Practical Skills and Consulting Experience
Through interacting with real clients, I learned the importance of active listening and identifying genuine needs. The program has provided me with the opportunity to build on existing skills like research and analysis. In this regard, I honed my abilities in using Canva for designing and drafting professional reports and presentations, which differs from academic work. Working within a diverse team came with challenges like disagreements and communication issues, but we learned to collaborate effectively and develop vital skills applicable in practical job settings. This consulting-related experience is not only valuable in the specific “consulting” context but also holds broader applicability across various settings.
Last but not least – How much you pay in, how much you get out
The CEP offers a valuable experience for job prospects and personal growth. Regardless of your background, putting effort and a willingness to learn will yield remarkable results. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking achievement and impact. The more you invest, the more you’ll gain. It’s time to explore your potential with the unwavering support of your community, adding a unique spotlight to your journey from LSE and beyond.
If Christine has inspired you to volunteer, check out one of our other ongoing opportunities or book a one-to-one with David Coles, the Volunteer Centre Manager if you have more questions. And why not follow us on Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date with our events and opportunities and read our blog for more volunteering tips and stories.
