Amira’s Story – GREAT Project

Since graduating in 2018 with a Business Management degree, Amira had done agency work but was looking for a full time permanent position Admin role.

Amira’s found the GREAT Project through her local Job Centre. Since graduating in 2018 with a Business Management degree, Amira had done agency work but was looking for a full time permanent position Admin role. Amira needed support in looking and applying for jobs, she was open to volunteering opportunities and work placements.

Through the project’s delivery partner, Business in the Community, Amira attended a Behind the Scenes tour at NEXT HQ. Behind the Scenes tours are a great opportunity for participants to insight into the runnings of an organisation and the different roles available. Amira went on to attend another Behind the Scenes tour at the University of Leicester a few months later.

Amira met with her Employment Support Officer (ESO), Desrie regularly and was advised she would benefit from attending Work Club, receiving support with her CV, job searching and interview skills.

Amira was interested in applying for a work placement opportunity at NEXT head office. With Desrie’s support, she took part in a practice interview which boosted Amira’s confidence greatly. Her hard work payed off and she was offered a work placement in the ladies and home department, in a data entry position.

The one-to-one support Amira received was invaluable to her. It made her not feel alone on her journey to finding the right role.

Amira comments on what she’s gained from the GREAT Project:

“There was always someone there at the end of an email and phone. I feel the project has benefited my by boosting my confidence, I can now write an application on my own and I’ve gained invaluable interview skills.”

The support she received from the GREAT project, and Amira’s hard work and determination, helped her secure a job as an admin assistant at an office administrative service company.

Desrie, her ESO said:

“Amira was determined to find employment from the start. She was open to trying all avenues to find the right admin job for her, whether it be in a school, office or retail. Amira has put into practice the skills she gained on the GREAT project, including interview and job application skills. She has come a long way and I’m proud to see her secure a full time admin role.”

*Pseudonym used