Janice says, don't fear failure

Janice, one of our dedicated volunteers, recently headed home to China. She takes with her the new skills and confidence she has found through her work experience at Yes for Success (YFS). When she arrived in New Zealand a year ago Janice faced the many challenges of finding a job in a new country. When she heard about YFS, she joined our team as a volunteer sales assistant. After meeting a recruitment advisor at one of our career events, it wasn’t long before Janice was resuming her accounting career with a local internship.

For Janice, success is about making steady progress toward her goals no matter how small the steps. As we know, small steps become great strides. Soon she’ll be harnessing her new skills back home where she hopes to continue her accounting career in an English-speaking environment.

How did you hear about YFS?

I learned about YFS at a Wellington Volunteers session about volunteer opportunities. I found a position as a sales assistant at Dressed on the Terrace.

Why did you come to us for assistance?

When I first arrived in New Zealand, I had a difficult time finding a job due to my lack of local work experience and limited English. By volunteering at YFS I gained experience and grew my confidence in speaking English. Volunteer work also allowed me to feel fulfilled while learning new skills.

How did we help you?

Through YFS I learned retail and customer service skills. It was a friendly and relaxed work environment that gave me a sense of achievement and confidence working in an English-speaking environment. YFS also connected me with a professional recruitment agency that gave me clear guidance on the career I want to pursue and the job positions that suit me best as well as practical advice on CV writing and interview skills.

How did our volunteers make you feel?

I am very grateful to Sasmita, the Wellington Hub Coordinator, who gave me a lot of help and guidance, answered many of my questions at work, and gave me plenty of encouragement. She motivated me to keep improving in my role. I really enjoyed working with the other volunteers, talking to them about their interesting life experiences and learning about different cultures and lifestyles. Being surrounded by friendly and helpful volunteers gave me a sense of belonging.

Did our programmes meet your expectations?

Yes, and more! I came away with new skills, a new job and great satisfaction in working with varied but like-minded people.

What was the result?

My volunteer work at YFS has helped me become more familiar with the work environment in New Zealand and boosted my confidence in working in an English-speaking environment. Through the careers advice, I got a local internship as an accountant and was able to apply the skills I learned at YFS to my own profession.

How would you define success?

To me, success means making steady progress toward my goals each day, no matter how small the steps may seem. It's about feeling a sense of fulfillment and growth, knowing that I’m continuously improving and moving in the right direction.

What advice would you give others?

I suggest trying whatever you want to do without fearing failure and don’t be afraid to seek help from others when facing challenges. The YFS programme provides support to people facing various challenges. Becoming a volunteer allows you to help other people discover their interests and unlock their potential.

What next-have you set any goals?

My goal is to gradually become an experienced and professional accountant, continuously learning new things at work to improve myself while also developing hobbies that help me relax in my free time.