On Saturday, the 27th of July, the Udaan team and Whau Ethnic Collective hosted another highly successful Career Development and Networking Event at the New Community Centre. This event marks the third successful workshop by Udaan, an initiative launched at the beginning of 2024 by Jyoti Parashar, Shveta Shah, Bela Divecha, and Mahima Sukheja.
Event Highlights
The event drew a full house and provided attendees with valuable knowledge and skills to enhance their career prospects. Participants engaged in sessions covering essential career development topics, such as NZ culture, CV writing, cover letter techniques, job search strategies, and job interview techniques. These sessions equipped attendees with the tools and confidence needed to navigate the job market successfully.
Insightful Panel Discussion
A standout feature of the workshop was the panel session with mentors and hiring managers, which was packed with valuable insights and practical takeaways for migrants navigating the job market. The panel included:
– Monita Singh, an HR professional, who provided guidance on avoiding common application mistakes and emphasized the importance of aligning skills with job descriptions.
– Gagan Salgotra, Head of AI and Data Analytics, who offered advice on accurately interpreting job profiles and succeeding in AI-driven interviews.
-Gayatri Thakker, an experienced recruiter, who highlighted the importance of soft skills and shared strategies for standing out in a crowded job market, particularly for entry-level banking roles.
Key tips from the session included tailoring resumes/CV to highlight relevant skills, thoroughly researching companies before interviews, practicing with AI tools for interviews, leveraging social media to understand company culture, and focusing on both technical and soft skills to improve hiring prospects. These mentors shared invaluable advice and answered questions from the attendees. The Q&A session that followed was particularly well-received, providing a platform for attendees to gain personalized feedback and guidance.
Community Support and Impact
Ayushi, a participant who has been a dedicated supporter of Udaan since attending the first workshop, played a crucial role in the event’s success. Her ongoing commitment and sincere efforts have been instrumental in the continued success of Udaan’s initiatives.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive:
•”It was a confidence-boosting session. It gives confidence and comfort to face the job search battle.”
•”I am so thrilled and grateful that I met you all and participated in the most amazing community-driven program. Not just as a Sri Lankan, but as an Asian, I am very much grateful for your exercise.”
•”I would like to thank the team for their selfless act and investing their time and energy. We would be glad to attend such networking events in the future. The presenter was engaging, and the organization of the workshop was well-executed.”
• “Additionally, I appreciate the insights into New Zealand culture provided during the workshop. It was valuable to gain a deeper understanding of cultural nuances. Thank you for the enriching experience!”
The collaborative effort of the Udaan team and the support from our mentors and volunteers were highly praised. We remain committed to our mission of supporting career development and networking within our community, especially for young aspirants, individuals with career gaps, and migrant professionals.
We look forward to organizing more events and workshops and invite everyone to stay tuned for upcoming opportunities. Together, we can continue to grow and succeed.
For more information or to get involved with Udaan, please contact us at info.udaan.nz@gmail.com.-TIN Bureau