My First 50 days: Abbas Bukhari
My first 50 days volunteering at ACH Birmingham has been an enlightening journey.
At the outset, I anticipated a lot of learning while leveraging my expertise and investing my time to contribute to the organisation's growth.
Coming from a professional background in Pakistan where software systems were not as advanced, I was eager to immerse myself in more advanced technologies. However, something else took me by surprise and this was the remarkably flexible environment at ACH, where everyone is willing to lend a helping hand at any time. This contrasted with my previous work environments which was characterised by rigidity and has greatly reshaped my perception of office dynamics and instilled in me a strong desire to seek further opportunities within ACH.
I did encounter challenges, one of which was the language barrier while communicating with tenants, many of whom spoke Tigrinya or Eritrean. Overcoming this hurdle was necessary because I am at the Front Desk and therefore the first point of contact; it required patience and creative communication strategies.
Nevertheless, the most rewarding aspect of my experience thus far has been the wealth of learning opportunities beyond my expectations. Engaging in meaningful conversations with clients over the phone and collaborating with ACH staff have significantly enhanced my communication skills. Additionally, I am also volunteering with the HR department, and this is providing me with invaluable insights which are aligned with my career aspirations.
The unwavering support, politeness, and generosity of the ACH staff have fostered a sense of belonging. Their inclusivity has made me feel like an integral part of the team from day one.
What resonates deeply with me is ACH's mission to support refugees and homeless individuals across the United Kingdom. As an immigrant myself, I understand and empathise with the challenges of seeking accommodation and support in a new country.
I firmly believe that my contributions thus far have made a positive impact on the organisation. Whether assisting new refugees with registrations or aiding tenants with housing queries, I am committed to providing assistance wherever needed. Moreover, engaging in various projects and reports is not only benefitting the organisation but also honing my skills.
Looking ahead, my goals for the next 50 days include mastering the HR toolkit and gaining proficiency in Salesforce. I am also eager to explore job opportunities within ACH, as I am deeply invested in contributing to its mission and growth.
UPDATE:
I’m excited to share that I now have a full-time job as an HR Assistant! While volunteering here at ACH, a job opportunity came up in HR, and after interviewing, I was offered the position. All those months of volunteering, gaining knowledge, and improving my English really paid off. I'm grateful to Himilo for the role it plays in upskilling individuals through employability support. I’m eager to continue contributing to ACH’s mission and growth in my new role!
