Yewande Olowokere

Between contracts and at a loose end, IT contractor Yewande Olowokere was concerned her technology skills would slip away so she signed up to share her time and talent through iT4Communities. That was nearly five years ago and now with five completed volunteer projects under her belt, Yewande is one of iT4Communities most active volunteers.

We spoke to Yewande about what motivated her to volunteer and what she has gained from her experiences:

iT4Communities: So what made you choose to volunteer back in 2004?

Yewande Olowokere: Well, at that time I was between contracts and at a loose end with time on my hands. I read an advert in Computing magazine asking for volunteers and since I wanted to keep my IT skills fresh I signed up straight away.

iT4C: How did you choose the charities you wanted to work with?

YO: I looked through the Project Definition on the website first to see if the project was suitable then looked at the location and checked if it could be carried out remotely.

iT4C: Is remote working important for you?

YO: Yes, I prefer to work remotely and many opportunities can be done from a distance whilst communicating using telephones, the internet, instant messaging and webcams. On a recent project I did, I trained the charity to use instant messaging and was then able to answer all their questions online. Doing it this way meant they could store all my answers and develop their own bespoke database manual. They were sceptical at first, but were then really happy with the way it went!

iT4C: What was it like when contacting the charities?

YO: I've worked as a contractor across many different sectors from Local Government to large corporations and SMEs, so I went into the charity with a professional mindset. I read the advice and tips on the iT4Communities website and sold myself to the charity without simply assuming they wanted me.

iT4C: Do you have any advice for new volunteers?

YO: The best thing is to treat a project like a business opportunity with a paying client which keeps it professional. I have developed personal relationships with the charities, but I always maintain an underlying professionalism.

The advice I read on the iT4C website is exactly right, so I didn't encounter the problems that others may have had. If I met an organisation where there wasn't a match I stepped back. I have turned down projects that just weren't suitable. I always size up the organisations and reject the ones I can't work with.

iT4C: What impact has volunteering for iT4Communities had on your life?

YO: Personally I found my volunteering very fulfilling and it gave me back my confidence. I'd never had a problem finding work as I'm highly qualified, so I found it really difficult being out of work.

I also felt I was giving something to the world and leaving my own legacy which was important to me.

Volunteering has been a springboard for me to setup an IT business of my own!

10th September 2008