Meet Ceryse — case manager at Ministry of Social Development

The path can sometimes be windy

Ceryse thought she had to go to university when she left school, but quickly discovered that wasn’t for her. And although she’s in a career she loves at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), it wasn’t a straight path to get there.

Helping people was her motivation

After high school, Ceryse shopped around and did a lot of community work, where it soon became clear that being in the community realm and helping people was the right fit for her.

Still, Ceryse didn’t discover this immediately. She started working in events, which came to a standstill due to COVID-19, and for a while, she struggled to find a full-time job. In October 2021, she came across the Trailblazers Internship through the Selwyn District Council, which enabled her to gain valuable work experience within local government. During her internship, the MSD presented to the interns about the support they could offer them, which gave her insight into which direction she wanted her career to go.

A spark of interest

I really connected with what the MSD said, and the work they do sparked my interest. So, I put a job alert on for the Ministry of Social Development and applied when I saw a case manager role come up.

Not only did the internship introduce her to options that suited her skills and qualities, but it was also valuable for networking skills and learning about the structure of local and central government.

There were also a number of support networks that gave Ceryse great insight into people and diverse groups. The Pacific Youth Leadership and Transformation Council (P.Y.L.A.T) run civic youth events, which built on her passion for community work, and with the Nawawi Centre, she learned more about the Muslim community.

Through everyday life and her community work, Ceryse developed a portfolio of transferable skills that fit perfectly with her role as a case manager. In particular, communication and empathy.

She wants to see young Pasifika people thrive

I really want to help young Pasifika people and see them thrive here in New Zealand and to take all the opportunities they can. My experience working in different communities has developed important skills and given me the confidence to do this.

Ceryse’s career change was not always obvious, but she believes she took the right path. Everyone’s career journey is their own, she says, and it might not go the way you expect.

Ceryse's message for women

My advice to other women facing a career change is to use support networks and try new things. Learn your strengths and build on those to find what you want to do in your future.