Discover your own path to success, says Miko

Miko, one of our Yes for Success work experience volunteers, is passionate about personal growth and empowering others. For eight months Miko has provided business support in our Wellington Hub. She brought enormous enthusiasm and energy to the office and comes away with new knowledge and skills and greater confidence in the workplace. Along the way, Miko has built lasting connections in the YFS team, learning from others while helping them succeed.

“The team comes from so many different backgrounds,” says Miko, “and everyone’s journey is different. I love to see how people define what success means for them and then forge their path to achieve it.”

The next step on Miko’s path is a Graduate Diploma in Arts at Victoria University, majoring in international relations. We wish her all the very best in her studies and career journey.

How did you hear about YFS?

I heard about Yes for Success through Volunteer Wellington. At the time I was struggling to find paid employment and wanted to devote my time and energy to a good cause.

Why did you come to us for assistance?

I wanted to gain more work experience, learn new things and further develop the skills I had to improve my chances of employment. I had experience in administration, contact centre and customer service roles but needed more confidence to feel ready for work in a professional environment.

How did we help you?

In a difficult job market volunteering at YFS has helped me build my confidence. It allowed me to work alongside people from different backgrounds and to strengthen not only my own professional abilities but to support other volunteers in building theirs. 

How did our volunteers make you feel?

The volunteers are so welcoming, friendly, kind and understanding. We uplift and encourage each other and I thoroughly enjoyed working alongside them. Every volunteer feels inspired and valued at this organisation.

Did our programme(s) meet your expectations?

The programmes and services at YFS are so beneficial, particularly the styling session. When I got a job interview, I struggled to find a suitable outfit until I had an interview styling at YFS – even my employment consultant was impressed!

What was the result?

Although I didn’t get the job, I came away feeling more confident in myself for future interviews. I’ve also referred some of my friends to apply for their own stylings. It is quite fascinating the power of styling and clothing on one’s confidence. 

How would you define success?

Success to me, is whatever makes a person happy. There’s so much emphasis on academic and monetary achievement but we should not forget to celebrate the success in living a fulfilling and meaningful life.

What advice would you give others?

Know your self-worth, be self-aware and always be kind. I get so much pleasure seeing growth in others. Everyone is on their own life journey, pursuing their own happiness. Everyone is influential and impactful in their own unique way. It is important to remind yourself how valuable you are as a person while supporting others.

What's next – have you set any goals?

My goal is to live each day with purpose to strive for success - firstly, by doing well at university. I want to inspire others while continuing my own personal and professional growth.

If you’d like to expand your skillset and be a part of a vibrant community of empowered individuals, check out our programmes and sign up today.