OTAN News
Restarting Careers in the United States
Statistics show that:
- Newcomers to the U.S. in recent times are more educated than at any other time in our country’s history.
- 45% of recently arrived immigrants have at least a bachelor’s degree.
Yet more than 2 million immigrants (about the population of Nebraska) and refugees with degrees and professional work experience from their home countries face systemic barriers that leave them unemployed or underemployed in the U.S.
Upwardly Global is the first and longest-serving national organization that helps these individuals restart their careers and bring their skills and perspectives into the U.S. workforce. Their mission is “to eliminate employment barriers for immigrant and refugee professionals while advancing the inclusion of their skills into the U.S. economy.” This website offers both job seekers and employers a diverse field of opportunities for involvement. Tailored below are highlights of services offered to job seekers.
Free Career Resources for Ukrainian Professionals in the U.S and Poland
Upwardly Global has successfully placed over 100 Ukrainian professionals into family-supporting careers and relicensing opportunities. To hear more about the program, click here: Video link
Professional Licensing Guides
Upwardly Global offers many cost-free services for immigrants including Professional Licensing Guides for people “who had careers as doctors, engineers, teachers, and other regulated professions in their home countries and need to earn a professional license to restart their careers in the U.S.” Upwardly Global developed several licensing guides to assist people with navigating this dilemma in many states including California.
Career Coaching Program
This free Career Coaching Program connects with a professionally focused immigrant or refugee with customized job coaching and career-training resources. Coaches can meet either in person or online for up to 18 months. Steps to get started are outlined on the website.
Do You Qualify?
Career Coaching is designed for those who:
- Arrived in the U.S. within the last 7 years.
- Have a bachelor’s degree or professional training equivalent.
- Have an intermediate or advanced level of English.
- Have work authorization through one of these visas.
- Do not have U.S. work experience in their professional industry.
- Live in one of the following states:
California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Washington D.C
Consult the Upwardly Global website for more information and to further investigate the possibilities.