I was asked to write about why I volunteer and, to be perfectly honest, I’ve never really thought about it before. However, being forced to reflect on it now, I guess I just do it because I want to give back to an industry that has given me plenty.

I also want to see the next generation coming in, with fresh minds and fresh thinking, to make our industry even better. I never really had the opportunity when I was in school or university to hear from people like myself, in the position that I'm now in. As a result, trying to raise the profile and awareness of entry routes is something I feel passionately about and, as a little bit of my time doesn't really cost anything, I’m happy to help promote what we do.

I joined CIHT about six years ago and was invited to the Emerging Professionals Regional Committee, later becoming chair. Through that, I'm now an Emerging Professionals representative on the Regional Committee and will soon be stepping up into a more formal Regional Committee member role.

When I joined CIHT, I wasn’t intending to volunteer my time for committees. I didn't go in with any prior knowledge, but I've found the roles rewarding. I particularly like being part of the National Council, which offers the opportunity of influencing decision and policy. At a more regional level, it's more about giving back and encouraging more people to get into CIHT and be part of it and the benefits it brings.

I also find my time volunteering as a STEM ambassador and mentoring university students highly rewarding. The STEM role means getting involved with local schools, promoting the industry with different age groups. Generally, the response is positive: the kids are interested and engaged, and they seem to take something away from it.

I certainly find it rewarding, especially when I get to see the results. For example, there was a student from a minority background who wanted to get into the industry but didn't know how. I gave some pointers and they went off to university. By complete chance, I ended up getting assigned as their mentor for three years, so I was able to give more help and advice. They then went on to do a masters and again, by complete chance – and at a different university – I ended up being their mentor there as well. I was able to help them get a job at the end of the course and they now work in an office in the same city as me.

Of course, I’ve benefitted from volunteering – although that’s not why I do it. Perhaps the biggest thing is that I’ve increased my self-confidence, in the sense that it reaffirms that, actually, I do know what I'm talking about. Plus, getting up in front of big groups of people has added to my skillset, as I can now present myself and whatever content I’m presenting.

My experiences, which have been entirely positive, mean that I would urge fellow professionals to volunteer. As I see it, we've all got a responsibility to give back. We've all entered the industry for some reason, so why not portray that and encourage others to do the same.

Mark Harrison was in conversation with Craig Thomas.

Being an active member ensures that you get the most out of your CIHT membership. If you’d like to volunteer, please see the range of roles available and put yourself forward today.

Words by Mark Harrison, Chair of the Yorkshire and Humber Emerging Professionals Committee

Being an active member ensures that you get the most out of your CIHT membership. If you’d like to volunteer, please see the range of roles available and put yourself forward today.