When I see those job ads that sound like they’re looking for a fresh graduate with five years of experience, I roll my eyes too. Unless you hit the workplace jackpot by landing a role at a multinational or your employer is heaven-sent, there’s no such thing as “I just arrived.” You better figure out how things work, fast. Hopefully, you interned somewhere that didn’t just send you to buy lunch for the office.

So where are young people supposed to learn the art of working and how organisations actually run? Volunteering.

Volunteering is unlikely to demand five rounds of interviews, and it gives you room to try, fail, and learn. The beautiful thing it does for your career, at least in my experience, is not just helping you build experience in your chosen field. It also offers the chance to discover what else you might be really good at. My guest agrees with me.

In today’s interview, I’m speaking to an organising powerhouse I’ve had the pleasure of working with. She may have studied science, but leadership and program management clearly had her name on it.

Welcome to another Kryvent Interview.

Can you please introduce yourself to our audience?

Hi everyone, my name is Abisoye Adenuga. I’m an impact-driven Programs and Project Manager with over eight years of experience building, leading, and scaling social impact initiatives across Africa. I’m passionate about driving development through inclusive systems, community engagement, and partnerships. My work has allowed me to collaborate with a range of organisations from grassroots NGOs to global institutions like Bank of America and Goldman Sachs.

I know you do a lot, but what do you currently do as a professional?

Right now, I wear a few hats. I’m the Project and Programs Manager at RKY Careers, a UK-based edtech organisation focused on helping immigrants transition into tech careers. I also serve as Director of Programs at TalentMine Africa, where I oversee partnerships and youth empowerment initiatives. In addition to my nonprofit work, I manage WashStation, a growing laundry business in Lagos. All these roles combine my passions for innovation, impact, and people-centred leadership.

Do you remember when and where you had your first volunteering experience?

My first real experience with volunteering was right after secondary school, when I joined Successors Generation Community in Ikorodu. It’s a youth-led nonprofit focused on education and outreach. We organised different community-based interventions: sharing learning materials, cleaning up the environment, and supporting underserved children. Being part of that team really opened my eyes to how much of a difference small efforts can make. It was my first taste of structured, purposeful impact. I knew I wanted more of it.

You’ve organised different projects. What was the most memorable project you volunteered for?

One of the most memorable projects I’ve volunteered for has to be the 2020 Charity Series Community Outreach by Executives Helping Initiative, where I served as Project Manager. It was a four-day intervention in Mafoluku, Oshodi, and the goal was to support the community in a well-rounded way.

We cleaned up the environment, offered free healthcare and eye screenings with glasses, held skill acquisition sessions, and shared educational materials and empowerment tools. We also introduced kids to tech and chess through hands-on workshops, which was such a fun and eye-opening experience.

The highlight for me was the final day, a full-on Christmas party for the whole community. It was joyful, dignifying, and full of real connection. That experience stayed with me because it reminded me that impactful programming isn’t just about showing up with help. It’s about creating spaces that feel inclusive, hopeful, and uplifting on every level.

That’s an important reminder. What do you enjoy the most about volunteering?

For me, it’s the opportunity to connect directly with people and offer something valuable, whether it’s time, skills, or even just a listening ear. Volunteering reminds me that purpose doesn’t always come from professional achievements. It’s often found in the small, selfless acts that uplift others.

Let’s talk about your career a bit. In what ways has volunteering influenced your career journey?

Volunteering is the reason I moved into program and project management. It gave me hands-on experience in community coordination, stakeholder engagement, and impact evaluation well before I held any formal leadership role. My work as Director of Programs at Executives Helping Initiative, which began as a volunteer opportunity, became the stepping stone to the full-time leadership roles I hold today.

You run a business and work at two organisations. I’m curious. Do you still volunteer? If yes, what factors do you consider before taking on a volunteering role?

Yes, absolutely. I still volunteer with organisations like Women Impact Nigeria, CYGEN, WARIF, Lagos Food Bank, and sometimes with Executives Initiative. These causes align with my values, especially gender equity, youth empowerment, and education.

Before taking on a role, I look at the organisation’s mission, how clear the expectations are, and whether my skills match what they currently need. Alignment and structure matter to me. If I’m showing up, I want to give my best.

From your experience , what would you say to these two groups of people?

To someone looking to volunteer for the first time:
Start with something small and close to your heart. You don’t need to have it all figured out, just a willingness to serve and learn. You’ll be surprised by how much you gain in return.

To a mid-level professional looking for meaningful ways to give back:
Leverage your skills. Your professional experience is a valuable asset to many organisations. Whether it’s strategy, project design, or mentoring, there’s always a way to contribute meaningfully without sacrificing your career priorities.

What would you say to founders or organisations on how to create an enabling environment for volunteers and strengthen volunteer management?

Invest in your volunteer culture the same way you would with paid staff. Onboarding, clear communication, and genuine appreciation go a long way. Define roles, offer mentorship, and make space for volunteers to contribute ideas and feedback.

Most importantly, keep the mission front and centre. When people feel connected to something meaningful, they show up wholeheartedly

Thank you for speaking with us Abisoye
Thank you for having me Pelumi.

Are you a young professional looking to save some time and outsource your laundry?  You should check out Wash Station NG

Do you know any penultimate student interested in Corporate & Investment Banking, Operations, Risk, Payment Solutions? Bank of America and TalentMine is having a career day in September, registrations close soon!