Launch Your Career With Confidence — Read Elsasoa’s YES Success Story

When I first interviewed Elsasoa Jousse for the Youth on the Rise (YOTR) program, it was clear to me that I was speaking with someone who was both highly capable and conscientious. She was looking for a position in data entry and/or archiving — something meaningful that could provide the flexibility she needed to continue working toward her other goals and artistic practices. Typically, when we receive applications with these goals in YOTR, we spend a lot of time working one-on-one with participants to manage their expectations, knowing that “meaningful work” can take many forms. However, El demonstrated from day one that she was ready and willing to put in the work to define her career goals on her own terms, using the coaching she received through our program to guide her exploration.

In the end, she moved toward a position in marketing, which allowed her to meaningfully employ her many creative skills. This led her to accept a position as a Marketing Coordinator at Expertis Solutions. Based on the very first check-in I had with her employer alone, it was obvious that this was a match made in heaven. From our first conversations to the end of her work placement, El proved herself to be a highly resourceful, consummate professional with a keen eye for detail and a great capacity for self-awareness and growth. Seeing her grow in confidence and recognize her wide and varied skill set has been an absolute pleasure, and I am honoured to nominate El as Client of the Month.” (Jiselle Pinheiro-Dallaire, Project Manager, Youth on the Rise) 

Looking to launch your career with confidence? Read about Elsasoa’s inspiring journey with YES and learn how she found her path and purpose. 🏆

Finding Direction After Graduation 

YES: When did you start your employment journey and what were your goals?
Elsasoa: My first work experiences began while I was still a student, but the employment journey that led me to YES really started after I graduated from university. At that point, I started looking for full-time opportunities in communications, but I struggled to find work due to a combination of limited experience and the challenges of entering the job market during the pandemic. 🎯

Achievements and Growth

YES: What stage are you at now? What have been your greatest achievements?
Elsasoa: I am working as a Marketing Coordinator, Talent Acquisition at Expertis Solutions Inc., and I also pursue creative direction projects on the side. I feel like I’ve finally realigned with the career path I envisioned for myself after graduating. One of my proudest achievements has been securing a position where I get to improve the skills I want and stay inspired, while continuing to grow creatively outside of work.

Overcoming Challenges 

YES: What were your biggest struggles?
Elsasoa: Looking back, I definitely struggled with impostor syndrome. It held me back from confidently presenting my skills to potential employers. I also didn’t fully realize the importance of strategic networking beyond the in-person connections I was used to. 🚩

Discovering YES 

YES: What was the problem you were experiencing before you came to YES?
Elsasoa: Before connecting with YES, I didn’t have a clear strategy for my job search. I found it difficult to articulate the value of my experience, especially in corporate contexts, and I wasn’t sure how to position myself to stand out to employers. 🔎

Building Confidence and Strategy 

YES: What did you find as a result of using our services? What was the best thing about it?
Elsasoa: Through YES, I gained a clearer understanding of the job market and how to navigate it more efficiently. I learned how to network strategically, took time to reflect on my long-term career goals, and improved my CV. One of the best outcomes was finding my current role, but just as importantly, I gained a new level of confidence in the skills I already had and learned how to frame and communicate them effectively.

Support That Makes a Difference

YES: How do you feel about the service you received from YES?
Elsasoa: The service I received from YES was incredibly helpful. The team behind the YOTR program, in particular, was exceptionally skilled at supporting our cohort through every stage of the job search and career development process. Their genuine care for our success and well-being is what, in my opinion, made the program so effective. 🤝

Final Thoughts 💭

YES: Do you have any other thoughts you would like to share?
Elsasoa: I’m really grateful for the support I received from the Youth on the Rise program. It’s been empowering to gain tools and knowledge that I’ll carry with me throughout my career. I’d recommend YES to anyone who feels stuck or unsure of their next step.

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Looking to launch your career with confidence? You don’t have to do it alone – we can help you succeed. Check out this page to find out how we can help!

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