Sample cover letter for Full Time position at Suas

I am writing to apply for the Team Coordinator position as advertised on Active link. I have a track record of youth and student leadership and have managed many projects during my college years, both my own academic work as well as activist projects and work-related projects. I am well qualified for the role as I have a track record of leading in youth settings, as well as volunteering in social change organisations in Ireland and more recently in Mexico. I want to take part in this programme because, I want to give back and I believe there is no better way than to volunteer. For one to make a difference they do not have to change the world but to make a difference in a persons life no matter how small, one person at a time. Changes that matter most to me but yet very challenging to achieve are, global equality, all be it in gender related issues, the promotion of peace, poverty eradication, giving a voice to young people by promoting and educating them of their rights, and the encouragement and promotion of mainstream education. I am a Somalian refugee who grew up in Kenya came to Ireland soon to be six years now.I now feel that Ireland is my second home. My background has taught me a lot and because of this I understand what it is to lack something or to be disadvantaged. I have been able to come through this, gain a degree and study for a Masters programme, and I can show others that it is possible to overcome difficulties and thrive.

This summer, I volunteered in Mexico as an EIL Intercultural Learning Award winner 2011. There I got a chance to work in very challenging but very rewarding environments. Overcoming daily challenges (starting from crossing the road safely, to navigating the system on how to rehabilitate street children and integrating migrants) in Mexico City made me grow as a person, but it also gave me a chance to test my ability to adapt, which have previously been stretched in my move from Kenya to Ireland when I was 14 years old. I learned how to think on my feet and exercise good judgment and to be aware of my surroundings at all times. As a Project Liaison Officer for the Ombudsman for Children Office’s Separated Children Seeking Asylum Project,I led a team of young people in the development and publication of two reports that received widespread publicity. As aDCU Access Service Leader and student mentor, I was able not only to develop but grow my leadership, and team work skills. As a leader, I know that being a team player is really important however, so is working independently and being able to take the initiatives while making assessments of risk at the same time, being able to think on your feet and exercise good judgment, enshrining confidence in your team, and prioritizing the wellbeing of your team at all times. Inclusion of all team members and being able to work together in shared goals are also what I learned to do well. Also I have worked as Portfolio Assistant for the One Foundation and interned for Atlantic Philanthropies, during recent summers. These opportunities enhanced my abilities to work independently and as part of a team. As DCU Access Service leader and student mentor, I mentored first year students coming into college. Many young people find that transition difficult - being able to mentor a young person and directing them to the right channels to get the right assistance so s/he may not drop out was another opportunity for me to play a leadership role while also giving back.

I speak Swahili which might be an asset in translation, and communication with local people in Kenya. From my experience in Mexico volunteers who were able to speak the local language not only eased daily tasks, but also helped with the acceptance of other volunteers by the local community, as the locals saw us as one of their own which in the end impacted positively on the projects.

Through my work experience and personal experience I believe I can contribute all that I have learned along the way. I think the best way to learn is through experience and I believe the experience gained from this programe if I were to be chosen will be invaluable not only for me, but for my peers as well.Being disadvantaged things do not happen in the same way/at the same pace as those who are in different positions. Hence, my benefit from this will be an opportunity to show other young people like me that we too can make a difference.

Please give me an interview for the role as I am really keen to learn more about it and to get a chance to show how I can meet the needs of the role.