Building Confidence and a Career in Office Administration
January 20, 2026
Janice, a 25-year-old youth, came to the Maple Ridge WorkBC Centre at a turning point in her life. After being laid off from her role as a Packaging Assistant in January 2024, she found herself uncertain about her career direction and struggling with anxiety, depression, and low confidence. Although Janice had completed high school and briefly attended Douglas College in Psychology, she withdrew after her first semester due to feeling overwhelmed and a disinterest in the courses. Her work history consisted primarily of warehouse, packaging, and parcel service roles, and she lacked experience in office administration despite her interest in the field.
Identifying Barriers and Career Direction
When Janice connected with WorkBC Maple Ridge, her primary goal was to determine a realistic and meaningful career path that aligned with her strengths. Key challenges identified included:
- Mental health barriers, including anxiety and depression
- Lack of a clear career goal
- Limited experience in office administration
- Low self-confidence and introversion
Through career exploration and case management, WorkBC staff supported Janice in identifying transferable skills and narrowing her employment goal to Office Administration—a role that
Skills Development and Training Support
Janice participated in the Skills for Success Program, where she developed foundational workplace skills and confidence. With continued guidance from her Case Manager, she applied for Skills Training and was approved to attend the Administrative Office Specialist program at Ridge Meadows College. Janice successfully completed the program, gaining practical administrative, organizational, and technical skills.
Employment Preparation and Job Development
Following her training, WorkBC provided comprehensive employment supports, including:
- Resume development reflecting her newly acquired skills
- Interview preparation to build her confidence and reduce anxiety
- Referral to a Job Developer to assist her connect to employers
Because Janice was newly trained, WorkBC also supported her employment transition through the Wage Subsidy program, helping her bridge the gap between training and long-term employment. With this support, Janice secured full-time employment as an Office / Sales Assistant with QOI Systems Integration.
A Confident Transition into Employment
In her new role, Janice has overcome her fear of interacting with others onsite during project check-ins and has gained confidence using accounting software, scheduling systems, and staff deployment tools. This position has not only provided financial stability but has also helped her build self-assurance and professional identity.
Reflecting on her journey, Janice shared:
“I am grateful for the services and programs that have served as a vehicle for me to pursue the career path I have always dreamed of. For most of my life, I struggled with shyness and a lack of self-confidence—until the dedicated workers here saw potential in me and helped me see myself through their eyes.”
