An Exit Interview with Andrea Lauder
In honour of National Volunteer Month, we would like to give thanks to all the incredible volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to IABC Saskatoon!
IABC Saskatoon President Ben Borne sat down with one of these outstanding individuals who also happens to be a retiring board member, Andrea Lauder. She’s been IABC Saskatoon’s Director of Administration for the past four years.
Q: Why did you initially choose to get involved with IABC Saskatoon?
A: I had just moved back home to Saskatoon after living away for nearly 14 years. I was excited to get a feel for the communications community in the city, and to get connected with people in my field. Volunteering with IABC Saskatoon seemed like a natural choice.
Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your volunteer experience?
A: Being part of an amazing chapter that has delivered great content to the communicator community, and helping connect communicators from all backgrounds. It has been a lot of fun.
Q: What is your biggest hope for IABC Saskatoon as you leave your role?
A: I hope that the momentum keeps going for the chapter and the communications community in Saskatoon. There are some quality events that are put on by the chapter throughout the year and it would be great to see engagement increase amongst communicators, but also with larger corporations in the city.
Q: What is one important thing for a future volunteer to know coming into the IABC world?
A: Just soak it all in. There are so many great professionals around the board table and involved within the Saskatoon chapter that can answer your questions and help you out if needed. Ask a lot of questions, attend the events, network with others, try your hand at volunteering on the board, not only does it help you build your professional portfolio, but IABC has plenty of resources to help you build personal skills as well. It is an amazing experience and I would encourage anyone who is interested to give volunteering on the board a try.
Q: Would you do it all over again?
A: I would in a heartbeat. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. After four years on the board though, I’m ready to step aside and give other communicators an opportunity.
We would like to give thanks to Andrea for her time and contributions to IABC Saskatoon! If getting involved with the chapter sounds like something you might be interested in, check out our open board and volunteer positions here.
