A year later: a message from Civil Digital Service Volunteers.
In the aftermath of the fifth National Universal Civil Service Day (December 15), officially established by a directive of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers on December 11, 2020, we are particularly pleased to share what happened at the last monitoring meeting on the digital civil service (December 10), coordinated by Roberto Minervino and Chiara Cetrulo from Assifero. The eight digital civil service operators were asked to "write a speech for hypothetical future volunteers to describe their experience with the civil service at FMD." A request that was perfectly in line with this year's focus: "A choice that changes your life. Yours and that of others."
Here are the two collaborative messages written by the young operators, who shared and developed their ideas in two working groups:
Hello everyone,
Today, I would like to speak to you about a choice that could represent an important turning point in your life – the Civil Service – and why it could be the right choice at an organization like FMD.
First of all, the Civil Service is a unique experience of personal and professional growth. It is not just about providing your time to a host organization, but it is a pursuit that accompanies you in the discovery and enhancement of your skills. During the course of the year, you will be able to get involved, learn from your achievements, and also from moments of difficulty. It is an opportunity to get to know yourself better, to grow as a person, and to prepare yourself to face the world with greater awareness.
It is ideal to test yourself, to experiment without fear of making mistakes, because the goal is not only to do, but to learn. The Civil Service also represents a gateway to the working world. It is a protected environment that provides a mellow yet also challenging first step. Furthermore, it will give you the opportunity to reflect on what your impact on society and the community can be, on how much we can change things, and what a difference we can make.
FMD is an ideal context for this experience. It is an organisation that welcomes many different realities, giving you the opportunity to interact with very heterogeneous audiences and contexts. It is a perfect environment to understand what your ideal working "habitat" could be, where you feel most at ease, and where you can best express your potential.
The Foundation is a dynamic environment, in which every day is different. The daily challenges will drive you to measure yourself against your limits, but you will never be alone. One of the most beautiful aspects of this experience is learning to recognize when it is time to ask for help and to do so in an environment that welcomes and supports you. Moreover, it is a reality that promotes 360-degree growth. You will acquire not only practical skills but also learn how to deal with complex situations with a spirit of initiative and problem solving. Working at FMD also means immersing yourself in the world of new technologies, discovering that innovation and fun can go hand in hand. Finally, FMD is an excellent initial working environment, a place where you will find collaborative and welcoming relationships to accompany you step by step in your path to growth.
However, it’s a choice that takes determination, motivation, and conviction. It is a year in which you will have to be proactive, ready to learn, and to contribute. It is not just about receiving, but about giving: your ideas, your commitment, your enthusiasm.
So, if you feel ready for a challenge that will make you grow, that will open new doors and will give you the opportunity to make a difference, doing it at FMD could be the right choice for you. Thank you!
GRoUP 2
During our year of service, we had the opportunity to experience a gradual insertion into the working world with a constant support and guidance that enhanced my skills and give me the tools to face daily challenges. In fact, each volunteer is supported by a contact person who accompanies them. This does not only mean receiving practical advice but also having a point of reference to better understand one’s role and the expectations.
The Foundation is a dynamic and stimulating environment, full of different projects in terms of objectives, targets, and methods of implementation. At the beginning, it wasn’t easy to find one’s way around. There were so many activities and so many people to interact with that we felt a bit disoriented. But over time, thanks to the patience and support of the team, everything became clearer, and I started to feel truly part of something special.
One of the most enriching aspects of the Civil Service was the training we received. During the year, in fact, we participated in meetings that ranged from the general presentation of FMD to the history of the Civil Service, from safety at work to orientation to the working world. This not only helped us better understand the context in which we operated but also provided us with valuable skills that we will take with us into the future.
The environment at FMD is extremely inclusive and welcoming. There are moments of aggregation that make you feel part of a big family, and this human aspect has been one of the most beautiful for me. In addition to growing professionally, we had the opportunity to grow on a personal level. We have learned to work in a group, to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds, and to manage new situations with serenity and determination.
During the service, you learn a lot about work dynamics, but without feeling overwhelmed. You do not work under stress like in a traditional company, but you do not sit idle either. You learn to adapt, to be dynamic, and to build valuable relationships with colleagues, children, the elderly, and people from all walks of life.
To fully appreciate this experience, we recommend that you acquire some basic skills: how to use a computer, a smartphone, or a tablet will be useful. However, above all, you will need the desire to be involved, the ability to adapt, and an openness towards the people you will meet.
In conclusion, we can tell you that the Civil Service at the Fondazione Mondo Digitale is an experience that leaves its mark. It is not only a way to enter the working world, but also an opportunity to get to know each other better, discover new passions, and develop useful skills for the future. Enjoy this year to the fullest, be curious, ask questions, get involved, and don't be afraid of making mistakes. Every mistake will be an opportunity to learn and improve.
December 15, 2023, Training Volunteers
