Giving Back, Moving Forward
4 Lessons from Volunteering
By Emilia Ferraro, Communications Volunteer for the Open Data Charter (2024–2025)
When I joined Open Data Charter as a volunteer, I knew very little about the Open Data ecosystem, but as a social sciences student I was curious and excited to learn. It was also my first real experience stepping into a professional environment.
Through ODC, I discovered the importance and relevance of opening data with a purpose and the central role it plays in society and democracy. It opened my eyes to a whole new world and to the power of data as a tool that can solve problems when used responsibly. This opportunity not only sparked a new professional interest but also gave me valuable experience working with a committed global team, helping me grow both personally and professionally.
- Discovering the value of Open Data
At first, Open Data sounded abstract. What did it mean to “open” data? Why did it matter? ODC helped me understand that Open Data is not just about making information public; it is about making it useful, purposeful and accessible so that journalists, researchers, policymakers and society at large can benefit from it. At the same time, I learned that data needs to be handled responsibly, striking a balance between openness and protecting people’s rights.
2. Teamwork and commitment
Personally, one of the most important lessons I learned was the value of teamwork. Early on, I noticed that nothing gets done alone. Collaboration makes the work richer and leads to better outcomes. Every project depends on people working together, complementing one another and supporting the team. This also brought a new sense of responsibility: teamwork requires commitment. I am truly grateful to the team I had the privilege to work with. Their expertise, dedication, and collaborative spirit greatly enriched my experience.
3. A global perspective
What made the experience even more special was ODC’s global reach. One of the highlights of my volunteering was the opportunity to learn from talented professionals from different countries. Reading their work, listening to their ideas, and seeing how they approached problems gave me a broader view of the world. At the same time, learning from diverse perspectives reminded me that there is never just one “right” way to approach a challenge. This exposure was incredibly enriching and helped me develop a more global mindset.
4. Shaping my career path
One of the most meaningful outcomes of my volunteering experience was that it gave me a clearer sense of where I want to go professionally. As a student, one of my biggest questions has always been: what comes next? Volunteering with ODC offered valuable clues. Before this, I hadn’t considered Open Data as a field I might want to work in. Now it has become one of my main interests. I realized that I enjoy working in a space that combines social impact, research and cross-sector collaboration. It became a compass pointing me toward the kind of work I want to pursue after graduation.
This experience also gave me practical insights into professional life. ODC provided my first opportunity to work in a professional environment, where I learned so much through hands-on experience.
Another aspect that made this experience especially valuable was how it fit with my life as a student. Since I didn‘t have the time for a regular part-time job, volunteering with ODC gave me the flexibility to balance my studies while still gaining meaningful work experience.
Key Takeaways
As ODC marks ten years of advancing Open Data, I feel grateful to have been part of its journey. Looking back, volunteering with the Open Data Charter has been a milestone in both my personal and professional growth. I learned about the power of Open Data and the vital role of civil society organizations in shaping a better society. It not only helped me build valuable skills but also gave me an enjoyable and motivating experience.
On a personal level, I learned how to be part of a team, how to commit and how to see the bigger picture through collaboration. Perhaps most importantly, I discovered new career paths I hadn’t imagined before.
For anyone curious about open data, social impact or the NGO world, I would encourage giving volunteering a try.
This September, we’re honoring our 10th anniversary by highlighting 10 stories from various community members whose works and projects embody our mission and vision. From now until the end of the month, follow along as we celebrate the people, moments, and milestones that have shaped us.
👉 Watch this space, follow us, and join the celebration using #ODCTurns10 or #10YearsofODC.
Thank you for being part of our story. Here’s to the next chapter we’re writing together — onward with openness!
