For Daria Slavuta, moving to the UK brought both excitement and uncertainty. A determined and hardworking individual, she had previously studied tourism at university in Ukraine and worked in hospitality roles in Turkey and Greece. However, upon arriving in the UK, she found herself at a crossroads—without work and unsure of where to begin her journey.
She learned about STEP through community connections at Mole Valley Council, where Mariia Makarova, her Employment Advisor, provided her with tailored guidance and support. While some job seekers struggle for months, Daria’s proactive approach and a bit of serendipity led her to a breakthrough almost immediately.
During an afternoon lunch at Mercure Burford Bridge, she discovered that they were looking for reception staff. Without hesitation, she seized the opportunity, proving that sometimes, success is about being ready to take the first step when the right moment arrives.
Now, Daria works as a Host at The White Horse Pub, a role that allows her to expand her skills and gain hands-on experience in hospitality and customer service. Her responsibilities range from greeting guests and preparing restaurant tables to managing reservations, responding to customer inquiries, and handling invoices. Each day brings new learning opportunities, and what once seemed like an unfamiliar industry has now become a field where she thrives with confidence.
Reflecting on her journey, Daria emphasizes an important lesson:
“You can wait for your dream job, or you can take an opportunity and turn it into something you love.”
Her experience underscores the impact of employment support programs like STEP, which empower individuals not just to find jobs, but to create fulfilling careers and stable futures.