My volunteering experience at Eurovision: Sumeet Gupta

Posted on: 22 May 2023 by Samantha Riella in Student experiences

Sumeet Gupta shares more about his volunteering experience of working as a Host City Welcome Volunteer at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023.

As part of your Host City Welcome Volunteer role, what were some of your key responsibilities?

A large part of my responsibility was to provide general assistance and guidance to tourists in Liverpool. For this, I was placed at different spots in the heart of the city centre like Lime Street Station or Albert Docks. I would provide the tourists with information on what was happening at the Eurovision Village, give them directions to help them navigate their way through the city and most importantly, take their pictures. I am not exaggerating when I say that I took pictures of over 500 people during the Eurovision Song Contest. At one point in my shift, I was also directing traffic and managing queues of people where wait timing was over 90 minutes!

The perk of being a volunteer was that I did not have to stand in any queue! Overall, it was a wonderful experience. I met and networked with so many amazing fellow volunteers, and I got the opportunity to meet people from different cultural backgrounds. I have been grateful for this opportunity and I would definitely love to do it again.

How did you find out about this opportunity?

I found out about this opportunity during Feel Good February when local organisations from Liverpool where on-campus to provide information about upcoming job opportunities with them. One of the organisations at the Tipi was the Liverpool City Council that advertised this particular volunteering role. 

What did the application process involve and how did you prepare for it?

The application process involved filling up an online application form which consisted of 4 strength based and motivational questions. The second and final stage was a 15-20 minutes virtual interview. The questions were predominantly competency-based and motivational in nature.

I researched the role of Host City Welcome Volunteer by thoroughly reading through the job description. I incorporated the required skills for the role in my answers for the online application form.

In order to effectively prepare for the interview, I practiced answering the questions in front of a mirror. As the interview was conducted virtually, I also practiced video recording myself to build up my confidence. I ensured that all my answers were relating back to my strengths and previous experience.

From an employability perspective, how has this experience been helpful to you? 

I believe that this experience has been quite helpful. I have had the opportunity to enhance my communication skills and teamworking abilities. It has also significantly expanded my professional network as I have been able to meet with volunteers from diverse backgrounds that I now stay in touch with through LinkedIn. Most importantly, this role has helped me boost my overall confidence.   

What are some of the top skills you've picked up from this type of work experience opportunity?

The top skills that I have picked from this role are communication, customer-service, teamwork and time-management skills.

What is your top tip for students currently looking for work experience opportunities?

I would advise other students to never hesitate to take part in such opportunities during their studies. It helps in escaping from your day-to-day routine while also providing you with an opportunity to enhance your employability at the same time.