A not-for-profit initiative designed to support migrants, refugees, newcomers to New Zealand, and job seekers in their career pursuits.
Our Mission
To empower individuals from all walks of life, including young professionals, those returning to work after a break, stay-at-home parents, and former migrants seeking to thrive in the New Zealand job market.
We offer:
Cultural Insights: Gain a deep understanding of New Zealand’s work culture and workplace etiquette.
CV and Cover Letter Development: Create impactful applications that highlight your skills and experience.
Job Search Strategies: Learn effective, customized approaches to navigating the New Zealand job market.
Interview Techniques: Sharpen your interview skills with practical sessions and expert feedback.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow participants and industry professionals to expand your career network.
Take flight with Udaan and elevate your career to new heights!
Our Values
The goal of the Udaan initiative is to empower individuals and guide them to become economically self-sustainable and have a positive impact on their overall well-being.
Whakapapa of the initiative name – ‘Udaan’ – Let’s Shine Together Udaan is a Hindi term with the literal meaning taking a flight. Udaan has a symbolic meaning, often used in encouraging others to fly high, or finding their wings to fly.
Guiding Principles of Udaan
Manaakitanga (Respecting Others)
Kaitiakitanga (Leading Responsibly)
Tika and Pono (Doing What We Say, and Being Honest)
Our goal is to create a dynamic, accessible platform for prospective employees, students and employers to network and build knowledge and employment opportunities ecosystem.
Our Team
A leadership team with vision
Shveta Shah
I am a Commerce graduate, a mom to a beautiful adult daughter, a successful IT professional, a well-regarded mentor, and a fantastic friend to many.
I have worked in the IT Education sector and then moved to IT corporate world. Being a migrant in NZ, I have been blessed with lots of opportunities to flourish and grow in this country. It is my humble wish to be able to enable growth environment for my fellow migrants and community members.
Having a multi-cultural perspective, I have recognised that this perspective is crucial in today’s globalized world. It aligns with the belief that understanding and bridging the cultural gaps can contribute to a more positive future. Hence, I have dedicated my time in community projects, especially in terms of education, awareness and empowerment.
Some of the community focused projects that are close to my heart:
Women Empowerment projects: to create gender equality and opportunities for women to thrive.
Migrant Mentorship Projects: To invest in the fellow migrants, helping them navigate challenges and develop the skills they need for success.
Financial Literacy Projects: to drive educational programs, resources, and community initiatives that empowers people to take control of their financial future, make informed decisions, and navigate the complexities of the financial world
On a lighter note, I am an exhaustive foodie and see food as a form of art, culture, and exploration. You will find me at various food hangouts in Auckland, actively explores different restaurants, food markets, and street food scenes.
Bela Divecha
Meet Bela, a dedicated mental health professional whose journey began in the IT sector as a software programming lecturer. Driven by a deep desire to connect with people on a personal level, Bela transitioned into the mental health field over four and a half years ago, accumulating qualifications from the American Board of Hypnotherapy and the American Board of Neuro-Linguistic Programming.
Bela’s expertise spans various modalities such as NLP, hypnotherapy, conversational hypnosis, and life coaching. In therapy sessions, Bela provides a safe and supportive environment, prioritizing empathy and compassion to connect with clients on a deep level, offering clarity and guidance through simple, accessible language.
With over 16 years of experience in the New Zealand tertiary education sector, Bela is deeply committed to fostering a culture of continuous growth for both tutors and students. As a lecturer, team manager, and colleague, Bela prioritizes creating safe learning environments where individuals can thrive.
Bela brings essential skills in organization, communication, and strategic planning to roles such as education team leader, lecturer, placement consultant, and pastoral care provider. Through open channels of communication, Bela facilitates the realization of full potential and achievement of aspirations for tutors and students alike.
Bela’s unique insight into both the education and mental health sectors enables effective mentorship and discipline for clients, aiming to inspire passion and dedication within a supportive community. Outside of work, Bela finds inspiration and energy from her two beautiful daughters, motivating her to make a tangible difference in the community.
Mahima Sukheja
Mahima Sukheja, Development professional, and a mother of a toddler, brings in 15 years of experience and passion for working in child rights issues and child protection in humanitarian responses in India and South Asia.
Having worked with International organisations, Save the Children and Room to Read, she moved to New Zealand with her husband in 2018 and is currently working in the Ministry of Children.
Her niche lies in programme management, policy analysis and networking with government. She enjoys reflecting her thoughts by writing in newspapers and publications.
In her free time, she does volunteering and shares her skills and experiential knowledge with others on a similar journey. She loves swimming, Bollywood workout dancing and is currently spending time in getting back to Yoga with her two year old son.
Jyoti Parashar
Jyoti is deeply committed to community empowerment, dedicating herself to enriching the lives of individuals and families. With nearly two decades of community service experience in New Zealand, she embodies values of compassion, resilience, and dedication to others.
Starting as a Children Development teacher, Jyoti initiated various programs aimed at improving the well-being of children, youth, and families. Her leadership has driven educational, health, and well-being initiatives that positively impact diverse demographics within the community.
Recognizing the importance of women’s empowerment, Jyoti established a ladies’ group providing a supportive platform for women to connect, grow, and access resources for personal and professional development. Through this initiative, she has empowered countless women to thrive in their communities.
As a migrant herself, Jyoti understands the challenges newcomers face. Through her volunteer work and advocacy, she provides essential support and resources to help them integrate into their new communities smoothly.
Jyoti’s commitment to children and youth development is evident in her longstanding dedication to Children Development classes. Through these programs, she nurtures the talents and abilities of young individuals, equipping them with skills for success in life.
In her free time, Jyoti enjoys kitchen gardening, further demonstrating her passion for nurturing and growth.
Jyoti also serves as a Justice of the Peace. She has been recognized for her exceptional contributions with a Local Hero Award, highlighting her dedication and impact.
Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community. Join Jyoti in her journey of empowerment and transformation.
This workshop is designed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge to successfully navigate the New Zealand job market. We cover job search strategies, crafting impactful CVs and cover letters, preparing for interviews, and mastering the overall job application process.
Who can benefit from attending this workshop?
This workshop is ideal for anyone at any stage of their career, whether you’re a recent graduate, considering a career change, career gaps, returning to work or new to the New Zealand job market.
What topics will be covered in the workshop?
The workshop includes a comprehensive range of topics, such as:
Job search strategies tailored to the New Zealand market
Crafting effective CVs and cover letters
Preparing for job interviews
Understanding the job application process in New Zealand
Will personalized guidance be provided during the workshop?
Our experienced facilitators will offer personalized guidance and support throughout the workshop.
How long is the workshop, and what is the format?
The workshop typically lasts around 3 – 5 hours and includes multiple sessions with breaks. It features a mix of presentations, interactive exercises, role-playing, guest speakers, and Q&A sessions to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the topics.
Can I attend the workshop if I am currently employed but looking to change careers?
Absolutely. The workshop is beneficial for anyone looking to make a career change or explore new opportunities, whether you are currently employed or not.
Will there be follow-up support after the workshop?
We offer follow-up support to help you implement what you’ve learned and continue your career development journey. This may include additional resources, advice, or one-on-one consultations.
Are there any prerequisites for attending the workshop?
There are no specific prerequisites. However, we encourage participants to come with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and any relevant documents, such as their current CV or job descriptions they are interested in.
Will there be networking opportunities during the workshop?
Yes, the workshop offers opportunities to network with fellow participants, facilitators, and guest speakers.
Who is eligible to attend the career workshop?
This workshop is specifically designed for migrants, refugees, and newcomers to New Zealand who need assistance in finding employment, building their careers, and adapting to their new environment.
How can I register for the workshop?
Each workshop will have its own link for registration simply fill out the registration form with your details, and you will receive a confirmation email with further information.
Is there a cost to attend the workshop?
The workshop is offered at no cost – FREE to participants as part of our commitment to supporting career development and job search journey
What if I have specific questions or challenges related to my career?
During the workshop, you will have opportunities to ask questions and discuss specific challenges with our facilitators. We encourage you to bring any concerns or questions you have so we can address them effectively.
How can I contact the facilitators or organizers if I need further assistance?
For any further assistance, you can reach out to us via the Contact Us page on our website. We will be happy to address any additional questions or concerns you may have.
Is the workshop available online or only in person?
Currently, our workshop is offered in person. However, we are exploring options to provide online sessions in the future to accommodate more participants.
Have a question not listed here?
If you have any other questions, please Click Here to Contact Us.
Can I provide feedback about the workshop?
We welcome your feedback! After the workshop, we will provide a feedback form where you can share your thoughts and suggestions to help us improve our future sessions.
Testimonials from recent workshops
It was a pleasure meeting all of you and it was a fruitful workshop Thank you so much for all the emotional support and encouragement that you bestowed.
Sreema K
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the workshop. Overall, I found the content informative and relevant to my needs. The presenter was engaging, and the organization of the workshop was well-executed. Additionally, I appreciate the insights into New Zealand culture provided during the workshop. It was valuable to gain a deeper understanding of cultural nuances. Thank you for the enriching experience!
Swati Sharma
I gained confidence from the workshop and made some valuable contacts and friends. Afterward, I searched for volunteer jobs and was pleased that one person contacted me.
Ancy Issac
your dedication towards helping people is commendable
Chamari
Very positive experience and I gained knowledge about different organisations that are helpful in the job search.
Sowmya Nataraj
I am so thrilled and grateful that I met you all and participated the most amazing community driven program, not just as a Sri Lankan as an Asian I am very much grateful for your exercise.
Weerarathna Gallage Thilani Kaushalya Weerarathna
I appreciate ur time n efforts to make the event successful. U all 4 girls rocks.
Soumi
Workshop is very helpful and it gave me confident. Thank you for arranging this workshop.
Sangkeerthana Balasubramaniam
I would like to thank the team for there selfless act and investing their time and energy. We would be glad to attend such networking events in the future.
Eric Rodrigues
Get in touch with us
Please fill form below to contact us or you can reach us from various social media platform.
Acknowledgement
Special Thanks to Bharatiya Mandir and Whau Ethnic Collective for their support.
Enquiries
We also welcome other enquiries for collaboration to run these workshops at different locations.
