Recently I spent a morning with a couple of my colleagues at a local school doing some volunteering with 14 and 15 year old girls – here at Sage People we are lucky enough to have 5 days a year to dedicate to Volunteering. The morning was entitled Spotlight on Careers and we spent the time talking to girls about working in Tech and helping break down the barriers, to inspire them to get thinking about what is next for them after school.

It's never too early to be thinking about what to do next. In fact, today more than ever it’s critical to be thinking about what’s next so that you can plot your route. I read a lovely quote by Stephen Covey (author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People) “I am not a product of my circumstances I am a product of my decisions”. This inspired me and I think it’s an important message to communicate to young people. Whilst we cannot control the family we are born into or the school we went to, we are truly responsible for our destiny. We are also responsible for helping young people and inspiring them.

Do you receive volunteering days from your company? These are just as important to use up as your annual leave. Not only do you get to leave your desk and help someone else, you might also find yourself inspired from doing it.