Working for a charity or social enterprise is often a popular way for an individual to give something back to those who may be less fortunate than themselves. But for others, it’s an experience that can also shape their own path in life.
For Modesta Jonauskyte, her time with Aberdeen-based Iceberg Print and Design has done just that. After moving to the Granite City from Lithuania four years ago to study Communication with PR at Robert Gordon University (RGU), the 22-year-old is currently combining her honours year with working part-time at the growing social enterprise.
After learning more about the social enterprise and its link with homeless charity Aberdeen Cyrenians, Modesta has used her experience with Iceberg to shape her dissertation to look at how this type of business model can be of growing benefit to charities. And perhaps more importantly than that, it is now an area of work that Modesta would like to pursue a career within once her time with the university comes to an end in the summer.
She said: “I first heard of the work of Iceberg when I saw a marketing assistant job advertised while I was at university. I had been looking to get a part-time job for throughout my studies and thought that this role would be a good fit. At the time, I didn’t really appreciate just how big a role PR and marketing had to play when it came to a not-for-profit organisation but during my time at both Iceberg and at university, it’s become apparent that it is such an important part of any success a good cause experiences.
“I’m now working towards my dissertation which looks at the communication practices between charities and corporations and the benefits that social enterprises can bring in this process. My role at Iceberg has been so valuable in helping me build up this picture.
“The crossover between my work and studies has provided a fantastic insight into this business model and I’m so lucky that I was given this chance. Working with a social enterprise has been fantastic and is certainly something I’d love to continue once my studies are complete.”
Iceberg was established by Aberdeen Cyrenians in 2008 and offers a range of print and graphic design services with all profits going to aid the charity in its work within the north-east. As well as the commercial element, the enterprise also provides opportunities for those affected by homelessness and other social challenges to undertake training, work experience and creative development in an effort to increase their employability.
However, like any burgeoning business, Iceberg is not immune to the various challenges that come with running a successful social enterprise, something that Modesta is looking to tackle head on in the coming months.
She added: “With social enterprise being essentially a new business model for charities, there’s a challenge that lies with people’s understanding of what it actually is. There’s an education process to be completed to explain to people how they can help others as well as helping themselves. Obviously, it’s my role to allow as many people as possible to know exactly what Iceberg does and how it helps Aberdeen Cyrenians and it’s one that I’ll continue to relish throughout my time with the organisation.”
