Midweek Meet the Member or MWMTM is an opportunity each Wednesday to find out a little more about one of JCI UK's members.  Including why they joined JCI, their careers and of course the odd random question.

Our first 'volunteer' is Ben Goddard

Which chamber are you a member of?
JCI Cambridge

How long have you been a JCI member?

Since 2012

What made you join?
Curiosity. :)
Also, a friend was looking to join at the time and I followed (she’s now in Hong Kong, but I’m still a member!)

What is the most interesting JCI event you’ve been to and why?
The Global Village Night at the World Conference in Leipzig, Germany. Most countries would offer up the best of what they had (all for free, as part of the main ticket), which included gin from JCI UK, escargot and wine from JCI France, soju from JCI South Korea, sake from JCI Japan, biltong from JCI Botswana, tequila from JCI Mexico etc. etc., all leading to a great night.

Has JCI presented any unusual/interesting opportunities?
Being able to visit new parts of Europe and the World with local, national and international friends whilst listening to interesting speakers is definitely interesting. World Conference allowed me to visit an open pit mine, coal fired power plant, fire testing lab and take a bike tour around the city (again, all for free as part of the main ticket). I still had the energy for the great evening events that were held.

What is your job/career/profession/business?
I’m a freelance chartered civil engineer.

Has JCI had any impact on your job/career/profession/business?
I’ll be honest… no. But that is not the reason I joined JCI or the reason I continue to be a member.

What’s your proudest achievement?
No particular defining moment, but I’m proud that I’m generally understanding myself better and better as I get older, knowing where I want to work and travel to, who I want to associate with, what I want to do with my time etc.

What’s your dream car?
I’ve had a car licence for more than 10 years and a motorbike licence for more than 2, yet I’ve never owned either type of vehicle. I live in Cambridge, so a better question is, ‘What’s your dream bike?’…. maybe a nice Cannondale or Pinarello.

Tell us something crazy/dangerous/inspiring/unusual you have done
Have travelled and stayed for varying periods in Thailand, Kenya, Poland, Houston and Bangladesh as part of work.