Faces of WEST
Ankita Sroa
Job Developer/Industry Placement Specialist
“My mother has consistently been my source of inspiration and a guiding light. Every day, she motivates me to accept myself fully and strive for continuous personal growth, enabling me to contribute sincerely and wholeheartedly whenever the opportunity arises.”
- Tell us about yourself. Career? Passion? Favourite book or tv show? Pets? Hobbies?
My name is Ankita, and I am from one of the culturally richest countries of the world, India. I embarked on a journey to Windsor as an International Student, beginning my Canadian experience in 2018. Currently, I serve as a Job Developer at WEST, where I interact with job seekers from diverse educational and experiential backgrounds daily. My passion lies in guiding and motivating my clients to pursue careers they’re passionate about. One of my favourite reads is ‘The Power of Different,’ which delves into how cognitive diversity drives genius work and create successful individuals. Outside of work, I adore spending time with my five adorable pets – two dogs and three cats – who bring immense joy to my life. I love to travel and always seek out unique experiences. I find solace in swimming for relaxation on weekends. - What does WEST mean to you?
WEST serves as a dynamic platform empowering job seekers with vital resources for self-education, networking, and embarking on their employment journey. It’s a catalyst for not only fostering individuality but also inculcate an impactful representation for women in the workforce by breaking down barriers to employment and guiding them towards meaningful employment opportunities. The comprehensive approach to helping clients with addressing unemployment challenges is what makes WEST a powerful platform in my view. My association with WEST has encouraged me to establish a resilient community foundation that not only fosters individual growth but also enhances market adaptability and sustainability. - In your experience, what are some of the key challenges faced by participants, and how does WEST effectively address them?
The key challenges encountered by participants at WEST are diverse and contingent upon numerous factors. Some of these include:- The challenge of inadequate financial resources to fulfill mandatory skills certification demanded by employers is mitigated through pre- and post-employment financial assistance programs. These initiatives empower participants to acquire essential competencies, transforming them into competitive candidates in the job market.
- The occupational stigma poses a significant social barrier to the job readiness of candidates, hindering their financial stability. This challenge is addressed by creating a platform that fosters direct engagement between participants and employers, enabling the development of long-term career by understanding employer needs.
- Educational Equivalency is also a major barrier for Immigrant for various skilled professions which is addressed by facilitating interactive training sessions through skilled trade workshops and helping candidates avail grants to continue education for skilled professions.
- Building a professional network poses a significant challenge for newcomers, women and individuals who have been disconnected from the job market for an extended period which is addressed through robust training and work placement services, empowering participants to establish connections and strengthen their foothold in the job market.
- Reflecting on your journey with WEST, what’s one significant lesson or insight you’ve gained that you’d like to share with others?
Working at WEST has taught me a lesson in the significance of self-reflection. Engaging with candidates and assisting them in exploring their career objectives, strengths and weaknesses, training needs, and passions has been incredibly enlightening. This experience has not only empowered me to guide them on their employment path but has also served as a source of personal motivation, driving me to strive for improvement each day. - Is there any woman that has inspired you or continues to inspire you?
My mother has consistently been my source of inspiration and a guiding light since I set out on my journey for success. She has achieved remarkable success both professionally and personally, imparting to me the invaluable lesson of maintaining a balance in life. Every day, she motivates me to accept myself fully and strive for continuous personal growth, enabling me to contribute sincerely and wholeheartedly whenever the opportunity arises.
