Career Services

This is an interview with Ashanti Harvey-Franks, the Communications/Volunteer Specialist at SAU.

What was your first volunteering experience, and what motivated you to get involved?

My first volunteering experience was participating in a flapjack fundraiser in 4th grade at Applebee’s. For the event, we sold tickets to family and friends in advance, and then on a Saturday morning, we helped serve breakfast to everyone who attended. It was a simple, fun event, but it was the first time I understood what it felt like to contribute to something bigger than myself. I remember feeling excited to help. Even at that age, seeing the community come together and knowing I played a small part in making it happen made me want to stay involved in service as I grew older.

How has volunteering influenced your personal or professional growth?

Volunteering has played a major role in shaping both my personal and professional growth. It taught me early on how to step outside my comfort zone, work with different types of people, and approach challenges with patience and empathy. Each volunteer experience strengthened my communication and leadership skills. Professionally, volunteering helped me better understand the value of teamwork, responsibility, and community engagement, qualities that continue to influence how I show up in my career.

What should people look for in a volunteer opportunity if they want it to lead to career growth?

People who want to volunteer to support their career growth should look for opportunities that help them build meaningful skills. Roles that offer hands-on responsibility rather than just observing tend to provide the most growth. It’s also helpful to volunteer with organizations connected to the industry you’re interested in, so you can meet professionals, learn how the field operates, and start building your network. Choosing opportunities that offer mentorship and training can give you real experience to add to your résumé. Ultimately, the best volunteer roles are the ones that challenge you, teach you something new, and allow you to make a genuine impact.

Did any of your volunteer roles lead directly to a job opportunity or internship?

Yes. My volunteer experience opened the door for me to become a VISTA Fellow, which later led to my transition into a full-time staff role. Through volunteering, I built strong relationships with professionals who got to know my work ethic, reliability, and passion for service. Those connections played a major role in creating opportunities for me and ultimately helped shape the path that led to my current position.

What skills did you develop through volunteering that you might not have had elsewhere?

I learned how to communicate with people from different backgrounds, adapt to unexpected situations, and stay calm under pressure. I also built leadership skills by taking initiative during events and projects. Volunteering strengthened my teamwork abilities, taught me how to solve problems in real time, and helped me grow more confident in connecting with community members and professionals. These hands-on experiences gave me practical skills that continue to benefit me in my career.

How do you think volunteering continues to influence your career decisions and values?

Volunteering continues to guide my career decisions by keeping me focused on work that has a real impact. It reminds me to choose roles and organizations that value community, service, and collaboration. My volunteer experiences taught me the importance of empathy and meaningful connection, values that now shape how I approach my professional goals. They also motivate me to stay involved in work that supports others, whether through mentorship, community engagement, or mission-driven programs. Overall, volunteering has helped me stay grounded in purpose and ensures that my career choices align with the kind of positive change I want to contribute to.

What advice would you give to students or job seekers considering volunteering to explore career opportunities?

My biggest advice is to treat volunteering as more than just a way to give back; see it as a hands-on opportunity to explore what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and what types of environments motivate you. Choose roles that challenge you or introduce you to new skills, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek mentorship from the professionals you meet. Show up consistently, take the initiative, and treat it with the same professionalism you would bring to a paid job. Most importantly, stay open-minded. Sometimes the volunteer experiences you least expect end up revealing the career paths that fit you best.