After a ten-year career break to raise her family, Sangeeta is preparing to return to employment with renewed confidence thanks to the support of Grow.
Originally from India, Sangeeta relocated to the UK after getting married. Although she had previously worked as a Technical Associate, she had been out of the workplace for a decade while raising her children. Wanting to rebuild her confidence, update her skills and prepare for work in the UK, she discovered Grow through the Hillingdon Council website while completing a digital skills course with Learn Hillingdon.
Sangeeta said:
“I found out about Grow in September 2025 while I was doing a digital skills course with Learn Hillingdon. I was also looking for job opportunities and came across the Grow programme on the Hillingdon Council website. I discovered that Grow could help me improve my skills and my confidence, so I joined.”
Looking back, Sangeeta says a lack of confidence and being away from work for so long were her biggest barriers.
“I was not having much confidence and I also wanted to improve my skills because it had been a long time since I was working. I had no work experience here after relocating to the UK, so I thought it was a good idea to join Grow. It has really helped me.”
Although her background is in accounts and technical work, Sangeeta decided to focus her job search on administrative roles as she felt they would provide a good route back into employment.
Through Grow, Adviser Sheeja recommended several learning opportunities to help Sangeeta build new skills and strengthen her CV.
“Sheeja recommended several courses that aligned with my career goals. One of them was a Canva course, which was really helpful. It developed my practical skills in creating professional designs, presentations and digital content.”
She also completed a Social Media course through Capital City College, helping her develop practical digital communication and marketing skills.
“The course gave me practical experience in digital communication, content creation and online marketing. I also use these skills for my artwork, which I do as a hobby. It isn’t my full-time business, but it has helped me promote my work while I’m looking for employment.”
Alongside learning new skills, Sangeeta has become an active member of the Grow community, attending Coffee Mornings, using the Grow App and working one-to-one with her Grow Adviser, Iryna.
“I join the Coffee Mornings and I use the Grow App regularly. I find job opportunities there and apply for them. My mentor, Iryna, has encouraged me throughout my journey. She has supported me with job applications, improving my CV and strengthening my interview skills.”
The one-to-one interview preparation has made a real difference.
“It was really helpful. It improved my communication and my confidence.”
As well as applying for jobs, Grow has also helped Sangeeta take another important step towards employment by supporting her application for an NHS volunteering opportunity through Imperial Health Charity.
“Grow’s adviser Khatera also supported me in applying for an NHS volunteering opportunity with Imperial Health Charity. I’m attending the selection day next week and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Now that her children are older, Sangeeta feels ready to return to work and is excited about the future.
“My children are grown up now, so I have time to come back to work. I haven’t worked since moving to the UK, so now I’m looking for a full-time job. Grow has helped me understand my transferable skills, build my confidence and improve my digital skills. I feel much more prepared for the next step.
Beyond employment support, Grow has also encouraged my personal development. Liz has been very supportive of my interest in art and gave me the opportunity to showcase my artwork. Being able to present my artwork with the Deputy Mayor of London was a proud moment that boosted my confidence and reminded me of the importance of nurturing my creativity alongside my career goals.”
Belina GRoW CIC 
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