Hiya, I’m Marina. I moved from Hong Kong to the UK in December 2021 via the British National (Overseas) Visa route, marking the start of a new chapter in my life in Manchester. Like many newcomers, finding a job that matched my previous experience was a real challenge. At first, most roles I came across were temporary or contract-based, which meant that every time a contract ended, I had to start the whole job hunt process again.
Job hunting can be exhausting. It’s time-consuming and drains your energy, especially when you’re constantly checking job advertisements and attending job fairs, all while trying to keep your skills up to date. Staying competitive is crucial to get noticed by employers and secure interviews, but the uncertainty sometimes brought self-doubt, especially when I felt capable but faced repeated rejection.
My first introduction to Breaking Barriers came through a flyer advertising a Job Fair on 11 September, 2024. At that point, I had just finished a one-year contract as an Admin Officer at a charity, but after nearly ten months of sending out applications, I hadn’t had much luck. I was really hoping to get expert advice to improve my CV and interview skills, and to understand the local job market better. Breaking Barriers seemed like the right place to find this support.
After attending the Jobs Fair, I reached out by email, but with many people seeking help, there was a waiting list. Eventually, in February, I was contacted by Fatih, an Employment and Integration Advisor at Breaking Barriers.
Setting career goals
Our first meeting was a turning point. Fatih helped me set clear career goals with a timeline and an action plan. By March, I was invited to two interviews — one for a teaching role and another for an admin position in facilities management. Fatih and his colleague Rachel supported me with mock interviews, using questions based on the job descriptions. They taught me how to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to effectively share my experiences and show why I was a good fit for the roles. This really boosted my confidence and changed how I presented myself.
Throughout the process, Fatih kept me updated about upcoming job fairs, preparation workshops, and relevant job opportunities, which was invaluable. The feedback I received helped me refine my interview technique and gave me a clearer sense of direction. Attending job fairs also opened doors to meet potential employers face-to-face.
I eventually secured a temporary role as a Service Coordinator at a facilities management company. That role lasted seven weeks and ended in mid-May, and now I’m actively searching for my next opportunity.
To me, meaningful employment is about working collaboratively to achieve shared goals. No one is perfect, but by combining everyone’s strengths and efforts, we can accomplish great things grounded in shared values.
Looking to the future
Since receiving support from Breaking Barriers, I’ve been able to refine my career goals. Before joining the programme, I was considering enrolling in a one-year teacher training course to become a qualified teacher. However, with their guidance, I realised I still need to improve my English proficiency before confidently starting teacher training.
Looking ahead, I have three main career aspirations. First, to become a qualified teacher and teach Geography, my favourite subject, to children or teenagers in a school. Second, to work in the GIS (Geographic Information Systems) field — one of my best and most enjoyable subjects. And third, to become a Play Therapist, supporting sick children and ensuring they have the right to play during their recovery.
Each of these paths would allow me to contribute meaningfully to society, build a stable life here in the UK, and find long-term, fulfilling employment.
