Working Wales helped Maryna start a new career in the UK after moving from Ukraine.
Maryna, 31, relocated to Wales in April 2025 under a sponsorship scheme for Ukrainians. She stayed in St. Asaph with her host for three months before moving to London to join her fiancé.
Before arriving, Maryna had a diploma in interpreting but had never worked in the role. She worked on cruise ships for five years, but her goal was always to use her interpreting skills.
She said, “I spoke to my council, and they recommended me to go straight to Careers Wales. I spoke to someone in the Working Wales service, and they said they could check my CV and help me with tips on how to find a job.”
Working Wales is delivered by Careers Wales and funded by the Welsh Government. This service provides careers guidance and employability support to those aged 16 and above.
CV and job support
Gareth is a trainee careers adviser, who is based at Rhyl careers centre. He told Maryna that his wife is an interpreter and was able to provide her with some practical tips.
Maryna said, “Gareth was so helpful. I told him I was looking for a job as an interpreter, but I didn’t have any experience.
“He checked my CV, suggested changes, and shared links to agencies. He even told me about a course for interpreters in Cardiff. He was always quick to respond to all my questions, which I really appreciated.”
Gareth shared several agency contacts, and two of them led to work.
Achieving her goals
Within a month, Maryna secured her first interpreting role with a telephone agency. She later joined a second agency offering face-to-face interpretation.
She said, “Now I work for two agencies. One is remote, and the other is in person. I love the role. It was scary at first, but everything went smoothly.
“I also signed up for a 10-week online course in public service interpreting that Gareth recommended me. I’ve finished all my assignments and will soon get my certificate from Cardiff University.”
Reflecting on the journey
Maryna said, “Gareth gave me confidence. Everyone told me it would take six months to find a job, but I got one in a month. He went beyond his role and shared everything he knew. That support made all the difference.”
Her advice for others: “Even if it’s scary, do it anyway. Give yourself some time to try. If it doesn’t fit, you can change. There are so many opportunities.”
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