As a student, Sarah’s journey was “anything but straightforward”. Feeling lost and lacking direction, Student Job Search (SJS) helped her explore possibilities and find work that aligned with her values. Now, as Brand and Partnerships Lead for youth wellbeing app Headstrong, she is making a positive difference herself.
At SJS, we are proud to partner with organisations that share our commitment to supporting young people as they navigate study, work, and life. That is why our collaboration with Headstrong is so important. Together, we are helping rangatahi build resilience, explore opportunities, and feel confident about the future.
Sarah knows from firsthand experience how big an impact platforms like Headstrong and SJS can have. Her journey from being a student to working was shaped by exploration and discovery.
“It is really common to just have moments in your life where you don’t know what you want to do. Student Job Search was really helpful for exploring the possibilities,” she says.
Like many students, Sarah tried different pathways before finding the right fit. After completing a communications degree and gaining early work experience, she decided to continue exploring her interests and returned to study in health sciences. That was when SJS became invaluable and helped her find her current role at Headstrong.
“I saw an ad for a student role creating social media content to promote a mental wellbeing app, and it was the perfect fit with my studies and values. SJS gave me the opportunity to explore new possibilities and opened the door to work that truly mattered to me.”
That part-time student role developed into something more. Today, Sarah leads Headstrong’s partnerships and is part of a team dedicated to supporting young people throughout Aotearoa.
“Headstrong is like a gym for your mental and general wellbeing. It gives you small, practical skills you can practice every day to build resilience and navigate life’s challenges.”
With evidence-based tools designed at the University of Auckland, Headstrong provides young people with practical ways to build resilience, practise mindfulness, and strengthen their mental health. The feedback has been powerful, with rangatahi saying the app makes them feel “calm and understood”.
Looking back, Sarah has advice for students who feel uncertain about the future.
“It is normal to not be sure. Even if you know what you want to do and later discover that it is not the right thing, that is okay. Everyone goes through periods of uncertainty, so enjoy the process of figuring it out and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”
Together, SJS and Headstrong are here to support students and young people, whether it is finding flexible work, discovering new passions, or strengthening wellbeing. When rangatahi feel supported, they are better equipped to succeed in whatever comes next.