We are excited to be able to share another #pathways update with you as our PNG team ventured into the community this month to engage in mentoring and career coaching to over 150 eager students.
In case you don’t know, at Peopleconnexion, we are proud to work towards our Pathways drive each year, where we forge pathways that unlock the great potential in those that we work with across the community. It is our commitment to continuously give back, make a meaningful impact and lay the groundwork for lasting legacies for people, their families and their communities.
On 3 August 2023, our PNG team took a significant step forward in our commitment to community engagement and professional development by facilitating a Career Coaching workshop in partnership with International Training Institute (ITI), Badili Campus in Port Moresby, PNG.
In the role of career coaches and brand ambassadors, our team orchestrated a dynamic 2-hour session with the mission to empower and guide these young adults and emerging professionals on their journey towards discovering fulfilling careers. The workshop commenced with an engaging icebreaker activity, aptly named ‘Are You Going to Eat That.’ This game ingeniously spotlighted the subtle yet profound impact of verbal and non-verbal communication on the overall messages we convey about our priorities. A parallel was drawn to the job application process, where individuals communicate both explicitly and implicitly with potential employers, thereby effectively marketing their personal brand in the competitive job market.
Throughout the session, we fostered interactive discussions, inviting questions and actively engaging with the participants. Our team underscored the invaluable insights, tips, and techniques necessary for:
- crafting compelling CVs and cover letters
- the art of interview preparation using our own TRIUMPH method
- Online branding and your digital presence
- the significance of dressing for success, and
- emphasising the power of first impressions.
Our team is always incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to pass on their knowledge and skills, with the aim to upskill and empower others. We asked some of our team to share their feedback from their experience, particularly the key take away from their unique presentations:
CV writing
“Engaging with students about crafting an impactful CV was a valuable opportunity to equip them for their professional futures. We emphasized the importance of a well-structured and formatted CV in influencing potential employers’ perceptions. We shared key insights on effort, adept formatting, accurate date inclusion, customizing CVs for various roles, and the CV’s role in communicating to prospective employers. This empowered students to create CVs that showcase their qualifications and highlight their suitability for specific positions.” – Mitchell Sarufa, Resource Consultant
First impressions
“One great thing about first impressions is their lasting impact. The initial perception that people form when they meet someone or encounter something new can have a significant influence on their future interactions and opinions. A positive first impression can set the tone for a successful and meaningful relationship, whether it’s a personal connection or a professional opportunity. Making a strong and favourable first impression allows you to create a foundation of trust, credibility, and interest, which can open doors and lead to further positive experiences.” – Miriam Koibi, Payroll & Admin Officer
Cover letters
“It was a great opportunity to be able to educate the students on what exactly cover letters are and the importance of having a strong, tailored cover letter to support a resume and application. We talked about how they are typically a personalised 1–page document which includes a brief introduction, unique to the specific job you are applying for, a brief summary of your qualifications and relevant skills, and a closing statement expressing your enthusiasm and contact details should the company wish to contact you. Cover letters are important as they allow applicants to personalise their applications, highlight their skills, achievements, and genuine interest in the role, helping them to stand out from other candidates in a competitive job market.” – Lelisa Gavara-Nanu, Resource Consultant
Digital presence / Online Branding
“During the session, we delved into the nuances of LinkedIn and other social media, guiding students on leveraging these platforms for a compelling online presence. We emphasised the importance of curated profiles and mindful online interactions, which offer employers a window in to your personal but professional personalities, interests, and values. It was invigorating to engage with enthusiastic students ready to advance in their careers and the level of engagement and active involvement displayed by the students during this session was truly remarkable.” – Eleanorah Giaro, Resource Consultant
The workshop was not merely a monologue from our end; it was a two-way street of knowledge exchange. The participants actively shared their insights, experiences, and concerns, making it a truly collaborative and enriching learning experience.
As we wrapped up the session, the resounding message was clear: every interaction, every application, every online presence is a unique opportunity to convey one’s professional identity. Armed with enhanced communication skills, a polished personal brand, and a comprehensive understanding of the recruitment process, these young individuals are now better equipped to embark on their career journeys with confidence and purpose.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the ITI Badili Campus for providing us with the platform to empower these future leaders. This workshop was not just a one-time event; it embodies our ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and contributing to the growth of our community.
I felt truly privileged to be part of the Pathways Program, sharing knowledge that I often take for granted with young adults. It was an honour to contribute to, and the prospect of helping even one individual become employment-ready feels incredibly impactful. Being able to make a difference in their journey is immensely rewarding and underscores the value of such initiatives. – Gima Tavaperry, Operations Lead & Senior Recruitment Consultant
We look forward to sharing our next #pathways update with you all next time!
If you would like to find out more about our PX Pathways initiative, visit our About Us website page or you can download our IMPACT brochure here.
