The power of giving back: Insights from our alumni volunteers
As part of this year’s Global Day of Volunteering, the Alumni Centre hosted a panel discussion titled The Power of Giving Back: How Volunteering Shapes Careers, Wellbeing and Community Impact.
The session, chaired by Dave Coles Manager of the LSE Volunteer Centre, brought together four alumni whose commitment to volunteering continues to shape their professional paths and personal development. The event was organised by William Weston, a final year BSc International Relations student, whose interest in sustainability and social inequality helped frame the conversation.
What motivates our alumni to volunteer?
Each panellist described a different starting point for their volunteering journey. For Ekow TachieMensah, (MSc Media, Communications and Development 2023) curiosity was the catalyst. His work with organisations such as UNICEF and UNFPA, and now as a fellow with the beVisioneer programme, reflects a wish to explore issues that matter to him both globally and locally.
Anshu Choudhary (MSc Social Policy and Development 2020) also spoke of curiosity, but emphasised the joy of building community. Her work with the LSE Alumni Women’s Network and mentoring schemes reflects this focus on connection and empowerment, particularly for women and students from marginalised backgrounds.
For Katherine Igras (MSc International Political Economy 2008), volunteering is grounded in purpose. Alongside her professional role, she volunteers with the British Red Cross, serves on its Board of Trustees and supports democratic participation through election monitoring and migrant advocacy. She spoke about an early moment supporting a young person from Afghanistan who struggled to make eye contact. That experience, she said, taught her that purposeful work begins with trust.
Freya Thompson (BSc Politics and History 2022, MSc Development Studies 2023) described her motivation as a commitment to youth engagement. A former LSE student volunteer ambassador and now secretary of Abortion Rights, she has carried her passion for social justice into her career. She noted that much of London’s civic infrastructure is held up by volunteers, and that the personal benefits are “immeasurable.”
Balance volunteering with other commitments
Volunteering is a wonderful way for alumni to “pay forward” but the panel also discussed the practical realities of fitting volunteering around work and study. Ekow described volunteering as a “mutual interest partnership”, grounded in shared aims rather than obligation. For him, the relationship works best when volunteers and organisations recognise the value they bring to one another.
Freya added that many charities now recognise the realities of modern work. They offer flexible structures, remote roles and time commitments designed to fit irregular or nontraditional schedules. Her advice was to be selective: focus on a small number of causes and allow volunteering to complement life rather than compete with it.
What volunteering gives back
Each panellist highlighted the reciprocal nature of volunteering. Katie drew a distinction between two forms of impact. Ground level work allows volunteers to see direct results. Board level and strategic roles offer slower but wider change by shaping organisational direction. Both, she said, help volunteers build skills that extend across their professional lives.
Anshu described how volunteering strengthened her confidence, adaptability and leadership. She noted that supporting others is matched by the chance to learn from different perspectives, a quality that matters as technology continues to reshape workplaces.
Advice for new volunteers
To close the discussion, the panellists offered guidance for those considering getting involved. Here are some of their insights:
- Start small, stay curious and trust that expertise develops through practice.
- Everyone has something to offer and volunteering provides an opportunity to stretch one’s skills and shape projects that matter.
- Motivation matters more than prior experience.
- Follow through on commitments - reliability is essential.
A shared commitment to community impact
The panel demonstrated the breadth of alumni engagement at LSE and showed how curiosity, purpose and community drive people to volunteer. These experiences shape careers, strengthen wellbeing and deepen the social connections that support both individuals and organisations. Their stories reflect values that continue to define the LSE community: engaged citizenship, a commitment to social progress and a belief that individual action can create meaningful change.
Global Day of Volunteering February 2026
LSE alumni mark Global Day of Volunteering
