After graduating from high school in 2024 and completing his first year of university, Jakob decided to pause his studies and take a gap year. “I decided to take a gap year to save money and figure out what my interests are and see what potential jobs/ industries I might like to work in the future”, said Jakob. The START Program became an essential part of that exploration, giving him clarity, skills, and the tools he needed to begin shaping his career path.
Building Skills and Confidence for the Job Search
Jakob began the START program hoping to strengthen his job readiness, and he quickly gained the practical tools he was looking for. He explained, “The START Program has impacted me as I now have a good-looking resume, some certifications and tips for interviews that will allow me to have the best chance to getting a job.”From resume development to interview preparation, Jakob walked away with a stronger sense of how to present himself to employers and how to approach the early stages of his career.
Knowledge, Tools, and Personal Growth
When reflecting on his favourite moments in the program, Jakob points to the hands-on experiences and practical supports the START team provided. “There were many parts of the START Program I enjoyed. I would say the highlights were getting all the certifications, having a speaker come in to talk about financial literacy and how we were able to get professional-looking clothes that we can use for job interviews,” said Jackob. These experiences helped him build both confidence and professional readiness as he prepared to enter the workforce.
Where Jakob Is Now
With a clearer understanding of the job search process, Jakob has begun taking action and putting his skills to use. “The program has prepared me by showing me the processes on how best to apply for a job. I have dropped off my resume at a couple of different businesses and have also made some connections with people who can potentially help me get employed at a certain position”, said Jackob.
Jakob is now entering the workforce with confidence, a stronger professional toolkit, and a clearer vision for the opportunities ahead.