“If you can do a job that makes you happy, follow it. People are always trying to steer you where they want, but if you’ve got something you’re passionate about it stick with it.” – ITF Volunteer Charles Galayini

On Wednesday 14^th of June, 3 volunteers participated in speed career networking with a small group of  Year 10 & 11 students in Parramatta. The students are a part of the links-to-learning initiative run by our ITF partner the Australia Schools Industry Partnership (AusSIP) and go through a 6-week 1-day a week course that looks at careers, employability skills and building confidence. The students were encouraged to ask questions and find out about the volunteer's careers and how school informed where they are now.

Volunteer Candice from Fitted for Work revealed to one group of students that she “never thought community service was an area to work in because no one ever talked about it.” She left school due to family struggles and in turn found it difficult to enter the workforce. Candice volunteered for Fitted For Work and due to her initiative and hard work, was asked to take on a paid position when one became available. Now the assistant manager of the Parramatta store, she was able to share with current students her struggles and how she overcame them. The conversations between volunteers and students flowed freely, each group speaking for 10-15minutes before the volunteers rotated. Architect Edwin Vanegas shared with students that “the best thing about [his] job is that every day is a different day.” His career did not begin as an architect. His story of hard work to achieve his goals and change his direction demonstrated to the students the need for flexibility along the career journey.