When it comes to making a real difference in people’s lives, Sakshi Gupta is right at the frontline.

Sakshi Gupta knows what it means to work at the heart of public service. As a Service Manager for Client Service Support in Job Connect, part of the Ministry of Social Development’s contact centre, she supports frontline teams who help New Zealanders navigate some of life’s toughest challenges.

With years of operational experience behind her, Sakshi was ready to stretch further, not by stepping away from her day job, but by deepening the impact she could have within it.

“I enrolled in the Project Management programme to strengthen my ability to lead structured, impactful change in the contact centre environment,” she says. “I wanted tools and frameworks that would support the work I was already doing, so I could lead cross-functional projects with more confidence and structure.”

Delivered in-work, EarnLearn’s New Zealand Certificate in Project Management (Level 4) was a good fit. The learning was practical and relevant, and best of all, it was designed to integrate with real roles and responsibilities.

“It was a juggle at times,” Sakshi admits. “Balancing study with work could sometimes be a challenge, but planning was key. I carved out regular time each week and used the same techniques I was learning, like back-planning and milestones to stay on track.”

Support from her colleagues made all the difference. “I leaned on my peers when workloads peaked, and they were incredibly supportive. That sense of teamwork really carried me through.”

The programme helped Sakshi sharpen core project skills, things like scoping, stakeholder engagement, and risk management. But just as importantly, it gave her the confidence to align day-to-day tasks with broader strategic goals.

“One of the highlights was being able to apply what I was learning straight away,” she says. “It wasn’t just theoretical. I used it on a real project at MSD, and that made it meaningful and immediately valuable.”

“She now approaches initiatives with greater clarity and structure, and a stronger ability to bring others on the journey.

“My planning and communication have improved, and I’m better equipped to lead collaboration across teams. It’s also opened doors for further growth.

Sakshi is quick to acknowledge those who backed her along the way. “My manager and peers at Job Connect encouraged me and gave me the space to learn and grow. I’m really grateful for that.”