Career Counselling & Mentorship

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My name is B Frotan , and I am originally from Afghanistan. Before coming to Australia, I worked as a Finance Manager at a private university. Following the events and changes in Afghanistan in 2021, my family and I were forced to leave our country and begin a new life elsewhere.

In 2023, I arrived in Australia. At the beginning, adjusting to a new country was very challenging. Everything was new to me, including the systems, culture, and job pathways. I did not know where to start or how to plan my future. Like many other newcomers, I experienced feelings of stress, uncertainty, and confusion.

My first important connection in Australia was with the Australia Afghanistan Initiative Inc. Through this organisation, I participated in several programs, including workshops, goal-setting sessions, and career support activities. These programs played a significant role in building my confidence and helping me set clear goals for my future. They supported me to take small but meaningful steps towards my personal and professional development.

These opportunities helped me understand my strengths better, develop new skills, and gain a clearer direction for my future career.

Later, through these programs, I was introduced to the Coaching Network. The Coaching Network connected me with a mentor, and I now meet with my mentor once a week. These mentoring sessions have been very valuable in helping me stay focused, improve my decision-making, and continue building my confidence.

In addition, I was referred to Employment Plus at the Salvation Army, where I was registered as job ready. Through their support, I received guidance on employment pathways in Australia and learned more about opportunities with employers who actively support humanitarian entrants. This support helped me better understand the Australian job market and strengthened my confidence as I continue working towards my career goals.

For me, this experience has not only been about learning, but also about receiving real support and encouragement. It helped me feel that I am not alone and that there are people who genuinely want to support my growth and success.

I am sincerely grateful to the Australia Afghanistan Initiative Inc., the Coaching Network, Employment Plus at the Salvation Army, and everyone who made these opportunities available to me. This experience has been truly life-changing and has helped me rebuild my confidence and future direction in Australia.

I hope my story can encourage other newcomers to take advantage of such opportunities and continue building their future with hope, confidence, and determination