In the words of Olha Falatiuk: “Thanks to the Women For The Future initiative, I learned how to develop myself further and found a new job”

Olha Falatiuk, 26, from Kyiv, participated in the Women For The Future mentorship program to overcome professional uncertainty and discover new career growth opportunities. Photo: courtesy of Olha Falatiuk

Before joining the two-month mentoring program of the Women For The Future initiative, Olha Falatiuk had been working as a receptionist at a telecommunications company. After several years in this role, she started to experience professional uncertainty and burnout.

“I have been following Happy Monday for a long time. Back in 2022, I wanted to join the mentorship program, but then I found a job and put that decision aside. By 2024, it became clear that my current work no longer gave me any sense of meaning or the growth I desired. I wanted to increase my salary, develop my skills, and move forward, but I felt stuck. My mindset was negative—I had given up," Olha shares. "During this period, I saw a new application notice for the mentorship program and decided it was time to take action. My goal was not only to discover what I truly wanted but also to find support and inspiration from a woman who had already achieved professional success."

Olha systematically worked with her mentor, setting clear deadlines, creating action plans, and focusing on real progress.

“What inspired me the most was her proactivity: she didn't just talk; she acted. This motivated me to take action, too,” says Olha about her experience working with a mentor in the program.

During the program, Olha and her mentor analyzed Olha’s strengths and weaknesses, values, and career aspirations. Olha updated her resume, created various self-presentation options, and ultimately allowed herself to express what she truly wanted in her professional life.

"I had to apply everything I learned theoretically to real situations, and that is what ultimately paid off."

When a vacancy for a project manager opened at MustHave (Ukrainian women's clothing brand), Olha had already developed all the tools with her mentor: a high-quality resume, clear positioning, and self-confidence.

"I felt nervous before the interview, but I was prepared. In the end, I received an offer to join the MustHave team and realized: I could do it, and I did."

Olha is currently adapting to her new job, gradually mastering the processes and challenges involved. She genuinely enjoys her responsibilities and tasks — this is exactly what she was looking for.

"I can see the result of my work, and it inspires me. Some of my immediate goals include completing my probationary period, enhancing my communication skills with the team and partners, and developing my creativity and stress resilience. Additionally, I have a personal aspiration to take a videography course as a hobby to reignite my resourcefulness. 

The mentorship program was beneficial not only for my career but also for my personal growth. It marked a turning point, helping me become more self-confident, self-aware, and prepared to take action. I am grateful for having taken this path," Olha concludes.

This publication has been created as part of the Women For The Future initiative, which is implemented by Happy Monday (NGO "Professionals of the Future") within the UN Women project titled "Transformational Approaches to Achieving Gender Equality in Ukraine." This project is funded by the Government of Sweden and is in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.