Sabina: Holding onto hope while building a future for her family
Sabina arrived in the UK from Bangladesh in September 2024. She completed a master’s degree in project management at the University of Hertfordshire and hoped to begin a professional career in project management.
Like many migrants, she quickly faced multiple challenges to achieving her career goals. Having no UK-based experience (besides her studies), no UK standard CV, and English as a second language meant that despite applying for many, many roles, her applications were repeatedly rejected.
At the same time, Sabina was navigating new motherhood and financial pressures. Her husband is currently unable to work in the UK so Sabina is the only person who can make an income for her family.
“I always think about my baby, how can we give him a better life, better future.”
Sabina was introduced to Transitions HUB by her baby’s social worker. Along with her husband, she has been attending English classes and receiving employability support, including CV writing, interview preparation and career guidance.
Drawing on her experience in the care sector in Bangladesh, Transitions Hub advised Sabina to start applying for care roles to gain UK experience and keep improving her English - while continuing to pursue her longer-term ambition to work in Construction Project Management.
For Sabina, the impact of the Hub goes beyond practical employment support. It has helped rebuild her confidence during an extremely difficult period for her young family. The weekly sessions provide community, encouragement and emotional support at a time when isolation and stress could easily take over:
“Every week when I go to the Transitions Hub, I forget the stress. I just smile and talk with them and after the good communication I feel happy and go home relaxed.”
She credits the team with helping her stay motivated and resilient:
“They always motivate me. ‘You can do. Don’t lose hope.’ They give me strength.”
Transitions Hub ESOL tutor Tatiana, highlighted Sabina’s determination:
“She attends sessions in spite of the fact that she’s got a new baby. She does homework. She does her best.”
With this determination and the support she received through Transitions HUB, Sabina successfully secured a Support Worker role, marking her first step into the UK workforce and a crucial milestone for her young family.
Sabina’s perseverance echoes that of many Transitions Hub participants.