Turning Ambition into Achievement: Fiza Iram's Inspiring Journey

In Faisalabad, a 24-year-old young woman named Fiza Iram embarked on a transformative journey that would redefine her career and aspirations.

Like many young individuals in Pakistan who have completed their higher secondary education, Fiza was struggling to find a job. She heard good things about the hospitality sector abroad – but she did not know where to start. One day, she got to know about the Pakistani-German Facilitation and Reintegration Centre (PGFRC) from a friend and decided to attend an advisory session there.

During the advisory session, she was introduced to the "Front Desk Officer" training at the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM). The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH offers the training on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) as part of the global programme Centres for Migration and Development (ZME). The comprehensive curriculum and hands-on experience equipped her with the skills necessary to excel, transforming her from a hopeful applicant into a confident job candidate.

The training at the ITHM Institute was more than Fiza expected. She learned how to welcome guests with a smile, handle bookings, and solve guests' problems. The trainers taught her how to use computer systems for check-ins and check-outs, and how to communicate clearly and politely and shared techniques on handling tough situations without getting stressed. Fiza felt her confidence growing day by day.

“Participating in the Front Desk Officer training was life changing. It boosted my skills and confidence in customer service and office management.”

Along with the training, the PGFRC also offered awareness sessions on how to migrate safely and regularly to Germany, the European Union, and the Gulf states. These sessions opened her eyes to the possibilities that lay beyond Pakistan and how to pursue them.

“Thanks to this training, new career opportunities have opened for me. I am grateful to GIZ and ITHM for their support and guidance."

Finally, she landed job offers from two big organisations in Pakistan. She chose to work at a university in Faisalabad as a Front Desk Officer. Now equipped with a certification in Front Desk Officer training, Fiza is actively applying for suitable job opportunities abroad, knowing that her newfound skills and qualifications make her an asset wherever she goes. To further increase her chances, Fiza is currently pursuing a bachelors’ degree in English via distance learning.