On 25th October 2024, Women in Rail Malaysia (WIRM) organised a career workshop at a shelter for young women who are unwed mothers, addicted to pornography, and involved in relationships with sugar daddies. Women in Rail Malaysia deliberately reached out to this shelter because most times, these communities are shunned. The session was designed to equip the girls with essential skills for job applications, covering CV and resume writing as well as interview preparation.
More than 20 participants were divided into two groups, where they had the unique opportunity to learn from two experienced corporate professionals, Nina Jamil, Senior Communications Manager at YTL Construction and Khairatul Akhmam Head of Human Resource at Menta Construction.
During the workshop, Nina provided an insightful session on CV and resume writing while breaking down the different types commonly used in various industries. She shared valuable tips on structuring a resume effectively, highlighting key information and presenting themselves professionally when applying for jobs in the future.
Meanwhile, Khairatul Akhmam led an engaging session on interview preparation, emphasizing the importance of body language, tone of voice and how to confidently respond to interview questions. She also shared practical tips on how to make a strong first impression and build rapport with interviewers, essential skills for those preparing to step into the workforce.
For many of the participants, this workshop was their first exposure to career-building insights, making it a crucial step in empowering them for future employment opportunities. The knowledge shared not only provided them with practical tools but also boosted their confidence in navigating the professional world once they leave the shelter.
Women in Rail Malaysia deliberately decided to get involved with these marginalised young women, because we believe everyone deserves support when embarking on rehabilitation and desperately needing a second chance. We hope that the session left a lasting impact on the participants and that they will carry these lessons with them as they embark on their future career journeys.