Name: Param Varindani
Course: Msc. Sport Management
School & Dept: SSEHS
Current Year: Final year
Param Varindani
Event Management, MMC.
Param always goes above and beyond to support events and has done so since his first event in October. In addition to his Coordinator role with Lightning Netball, Param was selected as a Volunteer Manager at BUCS Big Wednesday, providing amazing support to volunteers and leading by example for those around him.
Tell us a little bit about yourself (hobbies, interests and background):
I’m Param Varindani and I have come from India to pursue a MSc in Sport Management. Having been exposed to sport from a very early age, I dabble in the occasional table tennis and swimming, but nothing competitive. I came here full of dreams to work in the sport industry as an event marketing professional and I work continuously to achieve those dreams.
How did you first get involved in volunteering within sport at Loughborough?
I was introduced to the CVA during the induction to our course at the university. The sheer amount of opportunities on display, in so many different strands was something that really attracted me towards this university in the first place. The first event I did was the National Division 2 Rugby league as an event volunteer. Ever since, Paige, who selected me for the role, has been an exceptional mentor and I have learned so much from her over the course of the year.
During your years at Loughborough what have you got involved in through volunteering within sport?
I have been involved in various events within and outside Loughborough University. Having logged in over 400 hours, I have been involved with the CVA as an Event Coordinator at the NSL, Volunteer manager at the BUCS Big Wednesday, and event assistant for football, wheelchair basketball, rugby and many more. As for media, marketing and communications, I was involved with the Nations Cup as part of the social media team of English University Sport (EUS). Other than this, I am a volunteer social media executive at a village football club called Quorn FC, and event assistant at the FIH Pro League.
What has your experience volunteering been like whilst at Loughborough?
My experience as a sport volunteer has been extremely fulfilling, both personally and professionally. The hours you spend volunteering become the perfect day out whether you’re doing it with friends or not. The fact that you get to meet people from different backgrounds coming together to work for the same goal – a smooth event, is truly beautiful.
How has being involved with Loughborough Sport helped you develop and progress (personally and professionally)?
Through the CVA program, I have made so many friends with whom I have made some of the best memories of my time in the country. Volunteering in sport has also boosted my confidence to speak to people and come out of my shell. Moreover, when you’re helping the community and sport industry grow with your efforts, it makes you feel like your time has been of great use.
The CVA has particularly helped me professionally by developing very important skills to know if you want to get hired in the sport industry. Each event has its own special needs, fires to put out, and therefore, new learning opportunities. The guidance I have gotten from experienced Loughborough Sport staff has helped me immensely. The value of good customer service, efficiency and planning ahead are all instilled into a volunteer over various events. Finally, the networking opportunities that sport volunteering provides where you get to meet industry professionals part of clubs and governing bodies are so important to finding employment in the industry.
What’s the best advice you could give to a Loughborough student looking to get involved in volunteering & gain the most out of their university experiences?
Have no expectations and just soak it in. Get involved in as many sports as possible, as many events as possible. It is very important to diversify your portfolio and get an insight about the workings of as many sport events as possible. Since it is just volunteering, the main focus has to be on doing a wide variety of tasks. Just volunteering for a limited number of sports may not unlock the amount of potential experience you can gain.
Finally, what do you enjoy most about volunteering?
What I enjoy most about volunteering is meeting and interacting with people. Whether it be my fellow volunteers, the highly experienced Loughborough Sport staff or the spectators that come to enjoy the event. It becomes a great platform to win over your social anxiety and see the enthusiasm within the people in the community.
Feeling inspired?
Feeling inspired by Jamie's experience? Check out the CVA Portal regularly for opportunities like this.