We were delighted when Veena Madavanathara Narayanan agreed to take part in a volunteering case study. Veena is a PhD student in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, due to graduate in March 2029. Alongside her academic studies, she has shown a strong commitment to community engagement, already completing 55 hours of volunteering through a variety of university and community-based initiatives.

Since registering on the Volun-tees platform in mid 2025, Veena has applied for a wide range of opportunities, including event support, committee membership, environmental projects, and initiatives focused on inclusion and diversity. These experiences have enabled her to make a positive contribution to both the university and the local community, while also developing valuable personal and professional skills.

Veena is a familiar face on campus, whether she is working, studying, or volunteering. With her warm smile and excellent interpersonal skills, she has a natural ability to connect with others. We always look forward to seeing Veena sign up for a Do Good, Feel Good volunteering project, as we know she will bring energy, positivity, and a genuine sense of enthusiasm to everything she does.

We encourage you to read on to learn more about Veena’s volunteering journey and how Volun-tees can support you every step of the way.

I chose to volunteer through Volun-tees because it offered flexible opportunities that allowed me to give back to both the university and the local community while balancing the demands of my PhD. Being able to support meaningful projects, work with people from different backgrounds, and contribute to positive change really motivated me to get involved.

My volunteering roles have included supporting Volun-tees Do Good Feel Good projects, serving as a Society Committee Member, volunteering at events such as ISSMART 2025, TEDxTeesside, and Middlesbrough Art Week, taking part in environmental community work, and contributing to Access and Participation Plan project groups focused on ethnic and cultural diversity. These varied opportunities meant that no two days were the same.

A typical volunteering day involved helping with event set-up, working closely with staff and other volunteers, engaging with participants, and ensuring activities ran smoothly and safely. I also supported tasks such as clothing sales, Energy Society activities, and litter picking, before helping with clear-up at the end of the day. Working as part of a team and adapting to different responsibilities was a key part of every role, and the Volun-tees team was always supportive and well organised.

Through volunteering, I have developed strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. I have learned how to manage my time effectively, adapt quickly to new situations, and take responsibility in fast-paced environments. Volunteering has also helped me build confidence, improve my organisational and problem-solving skills, and gain experience working with people from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

What I enjoy most is the sense of purpose that comes from giving back. Working alongside staff and students, supporting initiatives that benefit others, and seeing the positive impact of these activities has been incredibly rewarding. The teamwork and social interaction make volunteering both enjoyable and meaningful.

Alongside volunteering, I have also engaged with career development support offered by the university. Accessing guidance and resources has helped me reflect on my skills and future career goals, and these services complement volunteering by supporting my overall professional development.

My advice to future volunteers would be to get involved early and try a range of opportunities. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, ask questions, and work with new people. Volunteering is an excellent way to build confidence, develop transferable skills, and make a real difference, so make the most of the experience and enjoy it.