Always Give Everyone a Chance

Dharshini joined the Work Experience Programme at Dress for Success to grow her skills and learnt more than she thought was possible - not only new skills but valuable lessons about persistence and the importance of teamwork. 

How did you hear about DFS? 

“I heard about Dress for Success through a friend.” 

Why did you come to us for assistance? 

“I came to Dress for Success because I wanted to grow my skills and contribute to the community in a meaningful way. I heard about the programmes and workshops DFS conducts and felt it was the perfect place for me to learn and grow both professionally and personally.” 

How did we help you? 

Dharshini shares that Dress for Success helped her to break through her personal barriers and that her fellow volunteers taught her the importance of teamwork. “Through Dress for Success, I worked in business support, learning CRMs and how to communicate effectively with customers. I also gained experience in marketing and learnt how to use Canva and create posters. From there, I explored retail, a more customer-focused role, which gave me the confidence to communicate clearly and handle any immediate situations on the spot.” 

“Sasmita has been a pillar of support throughout this journey. She noticed when I was struggling on days when I couldn’t give my best because I was worried about finding a job. She taught me to be persistent and brought a lot of positivity to our work environment. I still remember her encouraging words: “Dharshini, you are intelligent; something great will definitely come to you.” Sasmita has made a positive impact on my life and has shown me what a great manager is and how one should lead.” 

Dharshini notes that Sasmita has imparted her positive teaching not only to her but to every volunteer that enters the hub. 

How did our volunteers make you feel? 

Dharshini mentions that her fellow volunteers were good to her, which helped make her volunteering journey amazing. “During my second day at DFS, my colleague gave me a chance to do some of the major work. She told me, “Sasmita taught us to work as a team and to always give everyone a chance.” 

Did our programme(s) meet your expectations? 

Dress for Success taught Dharshini more than she ever thought she could learn. “It helped me grow not only professionally but also personally. The positive and encouraging environment made learning enjoyable and meaningful. It truly shaped me into a more confident and capable individual.” 

What was the result? 

“The result was learning valuable life lessons, from understanding how the job-hunting process works to learning about the New Zealand culture and ultimately landing a job.” 

How would you define success? 

“For me, success is becoming a better person from the previous year.” 

What advice would you give others? 

“Be open to learning, step out of your comfort zone, and trust the process. Every experience at DFS helps you grow, build confidence, and move one step closer to your goals.” 

What next? Have you set any goals? 

“Yes. My next goal is to continue my professional growth and keep learning as I build a stable career where I can gain experience, apply my skills and become a better version of myself every day.” 

We wish you all the best, Dharshini, as you venture into your new journey!