In our next instalment of Where are they now?, Lyrique Sua shares her story. Lyrique is a dedicated Case Manager at the Ministry of Social Development and a Talent RISE success story. With the guidance and skills gained through Talent RISE, Lyrique transitioned seamlessly into her public service role, where she assists people from all backgrounds. Read on as Lyrique discusses how the program empowered her journey, her growth in the role, and her aspirations to improve frontline experiences for both clients and employees.

Can you tell us about your career journey?

I joined a program with Talent RISE back in 2022 with very little professional experience, but the team helped me see my potential. I started out with customer service experience but wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take. During the program, we discussed various roles, and they encouraged me to explore front-facing positions. That guidance led me to my current role as a Case Manager for the Ministry of Social Development, where I work directly with people needing assistance.

The transition was challenging at first as I had to quickly learn about the complex policies and processes involved in social development. But now, I’m the first face clients see when they come into our office, which I love. I help them navigate available options, answer questions, and assist with benefit applications. The fast pace and variety are challenging but fulfilling.

How did the skills and experience you gained with Talent RISE contribute to your success?

Talent RISE provided me with invaluable skills, especially through a workshop on transferable skills. Before joining, I underestimated my abilities and was only considering entry-level roles. But the team helped me recognise my strengths in communication and service. They showed me how these skills could apply in a wide range of jobs, even in areas I hadn’t thought about before.

Today, I use those skills constantly. My role involves interacting with people from all backgrounds and helping them navigate tricky situations. Many of the skills and approaches I learned with Talent RISE, like effective communication and resume-building, are now part of my day-to-day tasks as I help others seeking employment. It’s rewarding to be in a position where I can offer the same support and guidance I received.

What are the achievements or milestones you’re particularly proud of?

I recently reached my two-year milestone, and that felt like a big accomplishment! I’m also proud to be one of the more senior Case Managers on my team. I’ve become adaptable enough to take on various roles, whether it’s managing reception, conducting client interviews, or handling back-office processing. This flexibility has allowed my manager to utilise me in multiple areas, and I feel like I’m making a real impact in our team and with our clients.

What are your goals for the future?

I want to stay in social development but eventually move into a behind-the-scenes role. My goal is to help improve the experience for both clients and front-line employees by leveraging my own frontline knowledge. I love working with clients directly, but I also see areas for improvement in the system, and I want to contribute to making it more efficient and supportive for everyone involved.

What advice would you give young people who are currently struggling with gaining valuable employment?

First, I’d say don’t take it personally if you’re not getting offers right away. The job market can be tough, and you might be up against a lot of competition. Remember that every step is a learning experience, so keep going. Also, think about what types of roles you’d actually enjoy and where you’d want to grow. Sustainable employment comes from finding something you’re passionate about, so try to identify what really interests you.

Finally, perseverance and resilience are key. The right opportunity will come if you keep learning and building your skills, as I did with Talent RISE. And don’t hesitate to reach out to programs like RISE—they can help you realise your strengths and open doors you hadn’t considered.