I significantly improved my soft and management skills that are not taught at a university through my volunteer work at Scouts Canada and the Austrian Scout and Guide Association. Teamwork, conflict management, group dynamics, feedback techniques, presentation and teaching skills are important aspects of the training courses that I provide to a diverse group of future leaders and trainers. I am a course leader managing small teams of 7-10 trainers.
In Austria, I have volunteered with the Austrian Scout and Guide Association. I was also involved in Scouting, with Scouts Canada as a member of the Quebec provincial training team and I was a trainer on 30+ seminars.
Networking, communication skills, a structured approach and the ability to improvise are useful tools for organising 2 – 14 day long camps that provide shelter, food and activities for 10-6000 youth and as well as running year round acitivities on a weekly basis together with large and small (sometimes international) teams of leaders. Additionally, these skills are useful in a professional environment to improve team work that is essential in a research oriented environment.
The Austrian Scout and Guide Association and Scouts Canada are recognized by international NGOs, the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).