In this mid-term interview, we hear from Lorenzo Visentini, a volunteer with the European Solidarity Corps who is currently working with Serve the City. Lorenzo shares his reflections on how his perception of volunteering has evolved, the highlights of his experience so far, and the challenges he has overcome. From taking on more responsibilities to managing CSR events and learning the ins and outs of logistics, Lorenzo offers valuable insights into his personal and professional growth. His journey is a testament to the power of volunteering as a transformative experience, both in the workplace and beyond.
How has your perception of volunteering and the European Solidarity Corps changed since you started?
L: When I started this project I sincerely did not think that I would play such a central role in helping Serve the City in its projects, but as time went by I gained more confidence and more experience, and I received an increasing number of responsibilities that allowed me to be more efficient at work and to be able to handle more tasks by developing and improving my skills. At first, I thought ESCs were a more formative and less practical experience, whereas I am instead getting the chance to work a lot and gain a lot of experience in the field, which is something I really appreciate.
What have been the biggest highlights of your experience so far?
L: The high point so far for me has been starting to independently manage CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) events with teams from large companies. I went from attending these events as a spectator to managing teams of 10 to 15 people on my own, interacting with them, promoting our activities, and staying on top of things, all while learning how to solve any problems quickly and creatively.
Are there any challenges you’ve encountered that you didn’t expect, and how have you worked through them?
L: The biggest challenges have been to learn from zero all the ‘routines’ of all the various projects carried out by Serve the City, to have the big picture in mind and to know, now, what each of these needs to function perfectly. I had to learn how to handle logistics, orders and storage of all the materials needed, going from helping unload trucks with materials to making and handling orders myself by interfacing with vendors and project managers.
How do you feel you’ve grown personally or professionally since the beginning of your volunteering journey?
L: I think this experience is helping me a lot both personally and professionally. I feel more confident, I’m improving my English and French significantly, and most importantly, I’m gaining a lot of knowledge that I hope will be useful in my future career. I am enhancing my communication skills, my ability to work in a team, and my ability to make teamwork efficient and smooth. Also, thanks to the team’s trust in me, I have the opportunity to develop my autonomy by proposing ideas and projects, especially because I feel that I am being listened to and that my opinion is valued, despite being young and having less experience than others. I believe this is the best work experience I have had so far.
What feedback or advice would you give to the European Solidarity Corps based on your experience so far?
L: I think my current feedback is positive. I am having a great experience and learning a lot. I do wish I could have had my on-arrival training earlier (I started my experience at the end of April and had the welcome training in October, receiving information that would have been useful earlier). But otherwise, I am satisfied with my experience, the amount of responsibility I have to manage, and the general working environment.
Is there anything you’d like to accomplish or focus on in the remaining months of your volunteer period?
L: I would love to learn more about the HR field in my organization, as it has been the main focus of my studies, and I’ve never had the opportunity to work directly with someone specialized in that area.
How have your interactions with other volunteers or locals influenced your experience?
L: My interactions with other volunteers and locals have been very positive. I have made friends and connections with several people, and I am happy to be able to share experiences with them. I consider myself lucky to have met different people in my host country, as they are allowing me to fully experience my volunteering year and have many different experiences in Belgium.
Looking back at the first half of your volunteering year, what would you say to someone considering joining the European Solidarity Corps?
L: Take courage and apply! I think it has been one of the most important choices of my life so far. The experience is worth it, especially if, like me, you have never had any experience abroad, such as Erasmus or similar. It’s a great way to discover a different culture, learn or improve your language skills, and enrich your cultural background with multiple experiences, both professionally and personally.
