Victoria sets her dream job in motion

Congratulations to Victoria, one of our volunteers, who has pursued and realised her dream job. Although it was a difficult decision to leave her home in Russia last year, Victoria remained determined and has achieved her career goal to become a data analyst at Stats NZ. She and her husband are now focusing on settling into the New Zealand lifestyle and culture. Victoria first graduated with a Masters of Management from WelTec, before joining Yes for Success (YFS) as a work experience volunteer. She found YFS a very valuable experience for meeting new people and getting local workplace experience. Two months and 27 job applications later, her hard work and determination have paid off.

“It’s so important to hang in there and believe in yourself,” says Victoria. “If you want to achieve something, plan it and do it. Use every opportunity to make it happen.”

Well done Victoria, we wish you the very best as you launch your new career.

How did you hear about YFS?After finishing my studies here in Wellington, I started looking for a job. I knew it wouldn’t be a one-day process so I decided to volunteer somewhere. I wanted to be helpful and gain local experience at the same time. I found YFS on one of volunteering websites in Wellington.

Why did you come to us for assistance? I wanted to get local work experience, improve my English skills and meet new people. Also, I read a lot of success stories about other YFS clients and volunteers and wanted to be among them one day.

How did we help you?I gained New Zealand experience in business support in a kind and supportive team. I felt really valued here. I also had a session with Irene, one of the YFS stylists, who helped me to choose the smartest outfit for my job interview. It helped me a lot. YFS has many other interesting and very useful programmes,for example, 30-minute career advice sessions with a recruitment agency representative where you get great advice about your CV and learn more about the current labour market.

How did our volunteers make you feel? I met so many lovely and friendly people here who encouraged me in my job search. It helped me to feel more confident and reduced my stress levels a lot during the job hunt. It was so valuable to socialise and talk with people I didn’t know. We don’t do that so much in Russia so it was another adjustment and YFS was a great environment for me to learn this.

Did our programme(s) meet your expectations? Absolutely! I believe it is a great opportunity to meet new people, gain necessary experience, improve language skills and boost the confidence for newcomers to New Zealand, students and young professionals.

What was the result? I got the job I’d dreamed of and in a company I’d wanted to work for since I arrived in New Zealand. I had referenced Stats NZ reports in my Masters thesis so to be part of that team, and to attain my goal of becoming a data analyst, is amazing.

How would you define success? Dreaming and making your dreams real. Before I came to New Zealand I was working in the banking industry but I desperately wanted to be a data analyst. I did courses on it in Russia then came here to do my Masters and now I’m working in my dream job. It didn’t just happen, I took steps to make it happen and now it’s all falling into place.

What advice would you give others?Never give up! Be open to new opportunities, always believe in yourself and don’t underestimate yourself. It won’t always be easy. I know how hard it can be to set up a new life away from home. But if you get involved, talk to people and take opportunities, you can get to where you want to be – and it’s a great feeling when you do!

What next- Have you set any goals? My next goal is to succeed in my new role, learn new programmes and become more proficient in this sphere.