Finding a job can be challenging for many U.S. citizens, but the difficulties are often magnified as an immigrant professional, especially when English isn’t their first language.
Imagine being well-educated with years or decades of experience, only to find yourself in low-skill jobs because your credentials aren’t recognized in the U.S.
If considered to be an immigrant professional, including a physician trying to find a residency, they may be forced to prove themselves all over again, often needing to meet specific U.S. requirements that can derail their careers.
Consider the situation of a refugee. Unless you’ve been one, it’s hard to understand the struggle of facing language barriers, non-transferable education credentials, and the need for costly recertification.
Many highly educated immigrants work as maids, janitors, babysitters, Uber drivers, factory workers, or house cleaners—roles far below their qualifications.
This phenomenon, known as brain waste, has a significant economic impact.
According to the Migration Policy Institute, billions of dollars in potential taxes go unrealized due to the underemployment of immigrant professionals. If these individuals earned more, they would contribute more in taxes, benefiting local, state, and federal governments.
The costs can be prohibitive for those who need to recertify or obtain licenses, especially when basic survival needs like food and housing take precedence.
Additionally, an immigrant professional often faces cultural differences in career-related aspects such as resume writing, eye contact, handshakes, and societal philosophies of individualism vs. collectivism. It takes time to acclimate, learn the language, and understand local customs and slang.
In response to these challenges, I’m excited to announce that Great Careers is restarting our monthly Immigrant Professionals Career Support Group. This group meets on Zoom on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 PM and provides valuable support and guidance to help immigrant professionals navigate the U.S. job market.
Each month, chapter leaders will discuss topics crucial for job seekers preparing for a career transition. Whether you’re an immigrant or a U.S. citizen, here are key areas to focus on for a career transition:
1. Self-Assessment
- Evaluate Your Interests and Skills: Identify your strengths, interests, and transferable skills. Consider career assessment tests for additional insights.
- Set Clear Goals: Define both short-term and long-term career goals.
2. Research and Planning
- Research Potential Careers: Explore industries and roles that match your interests and skills. Understand job requirements, outlook, and growth potential.
- Identify Gaps: Determine necessary skills or qualifications and look into relevant courses or certifications.
3. Skill Development
- Upgrade Your Skills: Enroll in courses or training programs related to your new career. Attend workshops, webinars, and conferences.
- Gain Experience: Volunteer, intern, or take part-time roles in your desired field. Work on freelance projects to build a portfolio.
4. Networking
- Leverage Your Network: Inform your professional network about your career transition. Attend industry-specific networking events and join relevant groups.
- Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor in your desired field and join professional associations and online forums.
5. Personal Branding
- Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile: Highlight transferable skills and relevant experience. Use industry-specific keywords, quantify achievements, and attend upcoming workshops for tips on these.
- Create a Compelling Elevator Pitch: Craft a summary of your background, goals, and unique value. Practice different elevator pitches confidently for various situations.
6. Job Search Strategy
- Targeted Job Applications: Apply for roles that align with your skills and interests. Tailor each resume from your base resume and cover letter for each application.
- Prepare for Interviews: Practice common questions and refer to interview resources and videos on our nonprofit website to prepare for your career transition.
7. Mindset and Adaptability
- Stay Positive and Resilient: Be prepared for challenges and setbacks. Maintain focus on your goals with a positive attitude.
- Be Open to Learning: Embrace new experiences and be willing to start at a different level. Continuously seek feedback for improvement.
8. Financial Planning
- Budget and Save: Assess your financial situation and create a budget. Save enough to cover your expenses during the transition period.
By following these steps, you can successfully navigate the complexities of a career transition and increase your chances of success as an immigrant professional.
NEXT STEPS
- Subscribe to my newsletter on LinkedIn™ for bright ideas on how to manage your career.
- If you need a resume or LinkedIn™ profile to get you to your next step, book a call to chat!
- Join as a member at https://greatcareers.org/membership of the #1 business networking association on the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Book of Lists four years in a row!
- To support our charity at KeepOnSharing.com and use the referral code Career
- Follow #GreatCareersPHL
AUTHOR BIO
Lynne M. Williams is the Executive Director of the Great Careers Network, a volunteer-run 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides career development and networking connections for 1) job seekers in career transition, including veterans, and 2) employed and self-employed for career management.
Aside from writing keyword-focused content for ATS resumes and LinkedIn profiles, Lynne is writing her doctoral dissertation on LinkedIn for Job Seekers. She is a contributing author on “Applying to Positions” in Find Your Fit: A Practical Guide to Landing the Job You Love, along with the late Dick Bolles, the author of What Color is Your Parachute?, and is also a speaker on career topics.
