Stock photo used to protect client’s privacy.
Kavya faced uncertainty and hopelessness while trying to enter the workforce after two moves and raising her newborn for several years. Through Archway’s Employment Mentors program, she learned the skills employers were looking for and was able to land her first job in Canada.
After receiving her degree in computer science in India, Kavya got married and moved to Seattle when her husband received a job offer. They called Seattle home for several years, during which Kavya stayed at home to raise their newborn daughter. They decided to move to Abbotsford in 2021 once her husband’s work visa was nearing expiration.
As Kavya and her family settled into their new lives in Abbotsford, her daughter was about to start school, which gave Kavya more free time and led her to consider looking for work.
However, having never worked before, she felt overwhelmed by the prospect of entering the workforce. Despite holding a degree in computer science from India, years raising her daughter meant she had no prior job experience.
“I applied for many jobs but never heard anything back. I was losing hope and getting very distressed, wondering what we will do,” said Kavya.
A friend told her about Archway’s Employment Mentors program which builds connections for employment through one-on-one employment coaching, training for job seekers, and professional mentorship.
That’s where she met Rupinder, an employment outreach specialist in the program who would become instrumental in her journey.
Did You Know?
The Employment Mentors program provides employment readiness sessions, networking events and topical workshops.
“Without this program, I wouldn’t have known where to start so thank you Employment Mentors for the support and guidance from the beginning.”
Finding Clarity and Confidence
At first, Kavya was nervous. She lacked confidence and was unsure how to navigate the Canadian job market.
“I didn’t know how to approach employers, or which field was right for me,” said Kavya. “I needed someone to guide me.”
Rupinder worked with Kavya to discover what she was passionate about. Kavya had always assumed she would work in IT, but the more she thought about it, the more she realized she enjoyed being around people. With that in mind, Rupinder suggested customer service roles and helped Kavya develop a strategy and gain the skills for finding a job.
“Our goal is to provide personalized support and guidance to each client,” said Rupinder. “We strive to understand their unique strengths and aspirations and help them build the confidence and skills needed to succeed in the Canadian job market.”
“Our goal is to provide personalized support and guidance to each client. We strive to understand their unique strengths and aspirations and help them build the confidence and skills needed to succeed in the Canadian job market.”
Building Job-Readiness Skills
Kavya attended the program’s Employment Readiness Series where she gained invaluable knowledge about the Canadian job market in a group setting. The workshops covered resume writing, cover letters, job search strategies, and interview skills.
“We had mock interviews where we learned about posture, eye contact, and how to dress professionally,” said Kavya.
“The Employment Readiness Series is designed to equip participants with practical skills and insights to understand and meet the expectations of Canadian employers so they can navigate the job market confidently,” said Ranni Tolman, Employment Mentors program lead.
Kavya also attended networking events, where she met professionals from various industries.
One speaker from the Sandman Hotel shared her story of starting small and working her way up, reinforcing the idea to Kavya that any job experience is valuable.
The program also introduced Kavya to volunteer opportunities at the Archway Food Bank, where she learned the importance of gaining Canadian work experience.
“I loved the environment at the food bank. The staff was welcoming and volunteering felt good,” said Kavya.
Landing the Right Job
“I love my job because I get to interact with people every day,” said Kavya.
Working in customer service has helped her build confidence, develop communication skills, and gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment.
Looking Ahead
Kavya is grateful for the support she received from Archway’s Employment Mentors program.
“Without this program, I wouldn’t have known where to start so thank you Employment Mentors for the support and guidance from the beginning,” said Kavya.
With a stable job, Kavya remains ambitious and continues to plan for her future.
“I want to secure a job in a large community services organization like Archway, because I’m genuinely passionate about social services and I love to help people.”
With her newfound confidence and skills, Kavya is excited about the future and looks forward to continuing her journey of personal and professional growth in Canada
“I want to secure a job in a large community services organization like Archway, because I’m genuinely passionate about social services and I love to help people.”