Dr. Nadja Ruhl, Program Director of Women in Localization’s Global Community, shares her personal experience.
Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Why should I spend my time volunteering? What’s in it for me?” That’s a fair question. Having volunteered with Women in Localization (W.L.) for almost three years, I can confidently say I have never regretted my decision. Let me share my experience and explain why volunteering has been one of the best personal growth decisions I’ve ever made.
Building a Global Network with Like-Minded Professionals
Volunteering with W.L. provides direct access to a global community of over 15,000 registered members and 30,000 LinkedIn followers, including industry leaders, coaches, and experts. You can connect with mentors, collaborators, and even discover job opportunities through these relationships. Since I began volunteering, I’ve added over 1000 people to my network, and I’m not planning to stop there!
Accelerate Your Career with Real-World Experience
Volunteering is not only a way to give back, but it is also a strategic move for your career. It provides a smooth transition into a new field you’ve always wanted to explore.
Picture this: You’re a translator hoping to transition into marketing. You start applying for marketing roles, but let’s be honest, what are the chances that an employer will take a risk on someone without any official marketing experience? No matter how talented you are, your chances of getting that opportunity are close to zero.
But now imagine you’ve volunteered for two years as a Marketing Manager with W.L. You have created social media campaigns for two years, creating campaigns, writing content, planning events, and analyzing metrics. That’s not a hobby. That’s legitimate, résumé-worthy experience. Instead of “aspiring marketer,” your CV now reads: Marketing Manager, Women in Localization (NGO).
It’s a game-changer!
Stand Out to Recruiters
These days, employers don’t just read your résumé, they check your LinkedIn. They want to see your personality, values, and interests in action.
Hiring decisions involve more than just your résumé or cover letter, so maintaining a complete and consistent online profile is essential to presenting a professional image.
Volunteering helps you build a credible, visible personal brand. You gain achievements worth showcasing and stories worth telling, plus a network that can vouch for your skills.
Are you making the most of your social media presence?
Lead with Purpose, Not a Title.
Volunteering with W.L. is your opportunity. Here, you don’t lead with a title or money. You lead by example, inspiring others, and using your soft skills.
When I started as a member of the Chapter Management Team in the Netherlands and later became Program Director of the Global Community, I learned that leadership isn’t about “managing” people; it’s about EMPOWERING them. The era of rigid managers is over. The future belongs to emotionally intelligent leaders.
ARE YOU ONE OF US?
Industry Learning Without the High Price Tag
Why pay full price for courses and conferences when you don’t have to?
W.L. volunteers receive exclusive discounts on courses, conferences, books, and events designed to keep you at the forefront of the industry. @Sila and the rest of the team organize training sessions for volunteers on cutting-edge tools and techniques that you can implement in your work.
Real Access to Industry Leaders
At W.L., you don’t just see industry leaders on stage; you get to talk to them. Thanks to W.L., I had the incredible opportunity to connect directly with inspiring professionals like Anna Schlegel, Nataly Kelly, Soeren Eberhardt, Ludmila Golovine, Madhu Sundaramurthy, Cecilia Maldonado, Carrie Livermore Fischer, Daniela D’Amato, Rose Morgan, Agustina Pioli, Manon Debuire, and many more! This is something I never thought was possible before joining W.L.
Prioritizing Your Growth and Your Well-Being
Finally, volunteering with W.L. is not just about what you give. It’s also about what you GET. You’ll have access to our new Mental Health and Wellness Program (learn more in our blog – here), where you can learn from wellness experts, psychologists, and coaches from around the world, and you can even be part of the team organizing it. #womeninLocalizationCare
It took me longer than expected to list all the benefits, because there are so many. And I haven’t even covered them all. So, if you’ve been thinking, “Why should I volunteer?” Consider this: You’re not just giving your time; you’re investing in yourself.
Ready to explore open volunteer roles? Visit our volunteer page or reach out to me directly at nadja.ruhl@womeninlocalization.com to share how you’d like to contribute.
Can’t volunteer but still want to support our mission? Consider making a donation: https://womeninlocalization.com/sponsors/donate/