Dayana Strides with Confidence Towards the Future

Dayana arrived in New Zealand a year ago, unsure of herself and lacking courage in her skills. She came to Yes for Success (YFS) looking for experience in the workplace but came away with so much more. Now, she is working for an IT company and confidently taking steps towards her career goals. “I honestly believe that anyone who joins YFS will learn so much and gain valuable skills for their future,” she says.

For Dayana this meant building confidence in her abilities, gaining knowledge of how professional environments operate, and developing the skills needed to take her career to the next level. She’s determined it won’t stop there. Having secured her position in IT support, Dayana will continue striding forward. We are excited for her future and wish her all the best.

How did you hear about YFS? I heard about YFS through Seek Volunteer.

Why did you come to us for assistance? I moved to New Zealand from India last year and wanted to understand the local work culture better. I believed that volunteering with a non-profit like YFS would help me adapt to the Kiwi way of working, improve my speaking skills, and build my confidence.

How did we help you?YFS completely changed my journey. Before joining, I used to be shy and unsure of myself, especially in new environments. Volunteering with YFS helped me overcome those fears and become more confident and positive.

The team encouraged me in every step, and the Wellington Hub Coordinator, Sasmita, played a big role in helping me discover hidden talents I didn’t even know I had. She believed in me, guided me through different tasks, and gave me the confidence to take on new challenges.

How did our volunteers make you feel? The YFS volunteers are some of the kindest, welcoming, and supportive people I’ve met. They always created a positive environment full of laughter, learning, and encouragement. I felt comfortable expressing my ideas, asking questions, and learn freely. I really miss all the volunteers; they made my time at YFS very special!

Did our programmes meet your expectations? Yes, absolutely! The YFS programmes went beyond my expectations. The Work Experience Programme was incredibly helpful; it gave me real-world exposure and helped me understand how professional workplaces in New Zealand operate. The Careers Advice, Interview Styling, and Career Coaching sessions were also amazing. They taught me how to present myself confidently, improve my CV, and dress professionally for interviews.

What was the result?Thanks to YFS, I developed stronger communication and teamwork skills, learned how to prepare for interviews, and improved my confidence when speaking with others. Most importantly, the work experience I gained at YFS opened doors for me to explore opportunities in the IT field, which is my area of passion. I’m now much more confident in taking the next steps in my career journey.

How would you define success? For me, success means taking one step forward toward my goals. YFS helps people move forward in life and achieve many steps toward their goals.

What advice would you give others? If you ever feel stuck or things aren’t going your way, don’t give up. I was once in that position too. Keep trying, stay positive, and trust yourself.

What’s next? Have you set any goals? Yes, I have a goal to grow further in the IT field. I want to keep moving forward, keep learning, and continue inspiring others on their journey and eventually start my own business.