Interview with Fatoumata Moussa Sidibé
Fatoumata Moussa Sidibé, a fourth-year uOttawa communication and political science student, got involved right from the start of university as a Career Corner volunteer. Her position involved promoting campus services to students. This experience helped her develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork and organization, while building confidence in her speaking ability and in getting out of her comfort zone.
Her volunteering earned her a $3,000 university scholarship. In addition to this recognition, it enabled her to make important professional connections, including with a supervisor who gave her a crucial reference that helped her get her current position as a communication officer. Her experience was also an asset in the recruitment process, showing that volunteer work can enhance a CV and be a real advantage.
“During the interview, the employer particularly appreciated my community engagement. This experience also let me demonstrate in real terms my skills in answering questions,” she says.
Beyond this professional edge, Fatoumata stresses that her involvement helped her get to know herself better and direct her career choices in terms of her values, such as her desire to help others. While she acknowledges that balancing school, personal life and volunteer work requires good organization, she insists that the benefits far outweigh the efforts she’s made. Fatoumata’s experience shows how community engagement can become a real springboard. Along with enhancing her university experience, it’s been truly instrumental in her entering the workforce.
“Getting involved not only allows you to help others, to discover yourself, and to open doors to your future”
Fatoumata Moussa Sidibé, Fourth-year communication and political science student
Daniela Blanco Canela, community engagement expert
For Daniela, community engagement is much more than an extracurricular activity, it’s a real push towards the labour market.
Citing her own career path, she says that getting involved helped her stand out right from the start, going from volunteer to co-op student, and then to full-time employee at uOttawa’s Career Corner. For her, this trajectory is far from unique: lots of students manage to get a job through contacts they’ve made and skills they’ve developed during volunteer work. With many arriving at university with neither references nor experience, volunteering is a valuable entry point. Daniela also reminds us that employers put considerable stock in skills developed in this setting, such as in communication (honed through contact with a diverse public) and time management.
Thus, it’s essential to highlight your volunteering on your CV. “Leaving out volunteering on a CV is a big mistake,” says Daniela. Volunteer work helps demonstrate skills that are transferable to several areas. Finally, she stresses the importance of networking and the right attitude: getting involved seriously and authentically lets you not only leave a lasting impression, but also opens the door to recommendations and future opportunities. Even if you don’t have much time, she offers a reminder: there are flexible, even remote, volunteer arrangements. To sum up, her advice is clear: Don't be afraid to get involved, you will benefit from your efforts.
“taking the chance to get involved now is a genuine investment in your future career.”
Daniela Blanco Canela, Community engagement advisor
Some on-campus community engagement resources
Want to get involved but don’t know where to start? Here are some on-campus resources:
- Clubs and associations: The University of Ottawa Student Union (UOSU) brings together over 300 on-campus clubs and associations. Whether for sports, poetry or humanitarian work, get involved in one of them and take part in activities that enrich student life! See the UOSU list of clubs
- University of Ottawa Career Corner: A service for everything job related. In addition to helping you with your job search, it offers personalized advice from community engagement advisers. The Career Corner is on the second floor of the University Centre (Room 216) Learn more about the career corner
- Community Engagement Navigator: A one-stop shop for information on volunteer opportunities in Ottawa and across Canada. You can find various volunteer placements based on your interests and schedule. Select the Applications tab in your uoZone portal.
- Community Service Learning (CSL): A program offering for-credit learning experiences integrated in courses. If CSL is offered in your course, you can take part in organized volunteer activities that meet community needs. Learn about the Community Service Learning program.
And if your commitment today became tomorrow's opportunity? It's up to you to take the first step.