Volunteering Changed My Life: Opening Doors to My Dream Career

They say one small decision can change your entire future, and looking back, I can confidently say that volunteering did just that for me. What started as a simple choice—to step outside my comfort zone and try something new—ended up shaping not just my career, but my entire outlook on life. It introduced me to lifelong friends who feel more like family, gave me hands-on experience in fields I had only dreamed of working in, and led me to opportunities that I never could have imagined. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the power of saying “yes” to unexpected paths. Most importantly, it showed me that sometimes, the smallest decisions can lead to the biggest, most life-changing adventures.

From Videography to Wildlife Conservation

At the end of 2022, I completed my studies in videography and photography. Like many young graduates, I wasn’t sure exactly what my next step should be. I knew I wanted to travel and work, and my love for animals—especially horses—had always been a huge part of my life. But I never expected that a simple scroll through TikTok would be the start of a life-changing journey.

That’s where I first came across Worldwide Vets. Something about their mission spoke to me, and before I knew it, I was signing up as a volunteer for one of their equine and wildlife projects in Africa. It was an incredible experience—working closely with animals, learning from passionate professionals, and immersing myself in conservation work. But what happened next proved just how powerful volunteering can be.

From Volunteer to Full-Time Job Offer

After completing my time as a volunteer, I was offered a three-month internship at the same project as a stable manager intern. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Those three months were intense, challenging, and completely transformative. I took on more responsibility, learning the ins and outs of managing a team, caring for animals in a professional setting, and handling the day-to-day operations of a busy conservation project. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone, but I loved every second of it. It gave me hands-on experience, deepened my knowledge of wildlife and equine care, and solidified my passion for conservation.

Then, once again, my path took an unexpected turn. As my internship came to an end, I was offered a full-time job as a volunteer coordinator. I had moved abroad, found a job I loved. Through this, I learned not just about animal care and conservation, but also about teamwork, leadership, and the behind-the-scenes coordination that keeps these projects running. As a volunteer coordinator, my role was dynamic and exciting. I helped new volunteers settle in, ensured operations ran smoothly, and acted as a bridge between the staff and the volunteers. I loved watching people arrive, unsure and nervous, and then leave with newfound confidence and unforgettable experiences—just like I had.

The most incredible part of this journey was the people I met along the way. The friendships I made during this time are ones I know will last a lifetime. There’s something special about working with people who share your passions and values.

The Full Circle Moment

Unfortunately, life threw me a curveball, and due to health reasons, I moved back home to Cape Town. It was a difficult decision, but life has a way of opening new doors when you least expect it. Not long after I was back, I saw that Worldwide Vets was looking for a media and marketing intern. Given my background in videography and photography, and my love for their mission, I knew I had to apply.

Once again, volunteering paved the way for an incredible opportunity. I secured a six-month internship. Working as a media and marketing intern was an entirely different experience, but one that felt just as rewarding. I had the chance to use my creative skills to tell the stories of Worldwide Vets, share the incredible work being done across the globe, and inspire others to get involved. It was an amazing way to stay connected to the world of conservation while exploring a new side of my career.

And, in a moment of full-circle irony, I found myself working alongside Sarah, the manager of media and marketing—who, funnily enough, had been my booking agent back in 2023 when I first signed up to volunteer. It’s incredible how life works sometimes, a full circle moment.

Once again, an internship led to something bigger. My six-month placement turned into a full-time job offer, and now, I get to combine everything I love—wildlife conservation, social media, storytelling, and remote work—all while being part of an organisation that changed my life.

The Power of One Decision

Looking back, I never could have predicted where that one decision—to volunteer—would take me. It led me to new countries, lifelong friendships, unexpected career opportunities, and ultimately, to my dream job.

Volunteering isn’t just about giving your time; it’s about gaining experience, building connections, and opening doors you never even knew existed. If you’re unsure about your future, if you want to make an impact, or if you’re looking for something more—take the leap. You never know where it might lead.

For me, it led to a life filled with adventure, wildlife conservation, social media, and an incredible team of people who share the same passion. And it all started with a single TikTok.