Alternative Careers for Skilled Immigrants

Transcription

1 Alternative Careers for Skilled Immigrants March 4, pm Eastern Time Dial: Access Code:

2 Logistics Today s webinar is in listen-only mode via internet audio or dialin. If you have audio issues during the webinar, try closing browser windows if using internet audio, or hang up and then dial back in using the telephone. To submit your questions/comments throughout the webinar, use the Q&A box in the lower-right part of your screen. For technical assistance or to get a copy of today s slides: contact@imprintproject.org at any time.

3 What is IMPRINT? IMPRINT is a national coalition of nonprofits helping underemployed skilled immigrants to start their American careers. IMPRINT: Creates and disseminates resources Advocates for policies that facilitate immigrant integration Broadcasts best practices

4 Today s Presenters Bao Tram Program Associate Amanda Bergson-Shilcock Communications & Policy Director

5 Today s Agenda I. II. III. IV. Before you advise: Gathering information When does it make sense to try something else? What are the alternatives? How to research opportunities in your region

6 Reminders & Context for Today s Webinar This webinar is intended to provide practitioners with knowledge and tools needed to help immigrant professional clients Specific case examples will illustrate general points, but local factors influence whether those pathways will work for your clients Our goal is to give you the tools to problem-solve individual cases not a one-size-fits all pathway.

7 A Word of Caution It s not realistic to expect yourself to become an expert in alternative careers overnight. Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do for your client is to find the right person for them to talk to. It s worth investing time in your ability to make wise referrals.

8 When Working With Skilled Immigrant Clients Remember that some individuals may need to take intermediate steps (such as a professional-level English class) before embarking on a US career Be aware that each immigrant client is likely to need individually tailored advice and assistance

9 Gathering the Right Information Before you can offer informed advice to your immigrant clients, you need to have a full understanding of their professional backgrounds This interview guide illustrates some of the questions and probes you may want to ask in your initial phone screening or interview with the client.

10 When does it make sense to try something else?

11 Alternatives Can Serve as a stepping stone to becoming licensed to practice in one s original profession OR Become a career of its own It can be related to one s original career or completely different.

12 Before Recommending Alternatives 1. Make sure that you and the client fully understand the process for getting back into his or her original profession 2. Get a sense of the client s personal goals 3. Consider the local job market and realistic opportunities. Sometimes, a person says she wants to her earlier profession, but really means that she wants to return to her earlier social status.

13 Weighing Personal Factors Does cost of pursuing re-credentialing outweigh the potential benefit? Does the client have an immediate need for a job? What are the client s aspirations? (Does the client want a career change?)

14 Considering the Local Job Market Some degrees and experiences may not be directly relevant to the local job market Industries that require strong interpersonal relationships can be hard to break into Certain professions do not transfer well across countries Tip: Gather real data about the local job market by talking to actual HR professionals or hiring managers in that field about what they look for.

15 Having the Difficult Conversation Understanding that one s profession may be a core part of a person s identity Helping clients set realistic goals Tackling Big Boss syndrome

16 From Veterinarian to Engineer A veterinarian from Togo, Africa chose specializing in cattle medicine chose a fresh start in Philadelphia as an engineer.

17 What are alternatives?

18 Getting Back Into the Field For licensed professions: Working in one s original field can be a way to use education and experience without having to pursue licensure For those who are seeking relicensing, taking another job in the same field can provide valuable US experience

19 Alternative Health Careers Examples include phlebotomist and dental hygienist. The benefits of these jobs are that they are in-demand, there is relatively low cost to attaining certifications, and they can be more quickly attained.

20 Resource: Healthcare Training Program IMPRINT members Upwardly Global and the Welcome Back Initiative partnered to create self-paced modules that explore options beyond re-licensing for: Physicians & nurses Dentists Pharmacists

21 Beyond Healthcare: Alternatives for Other Licensed Professions IMPRINT member WES Global Talent Bridge has compiled a host of resources on re-licensing and alternative careers. Visit: Make sure to click through the full menu of options at the left!

22 Entrepreneurship As An Option Case study: A 58-year-old dermatologist from Uzbekistan chose not to pursue re-licensure as an M.D. Resource: is a website dedicated to fostering of immigrant entrepreneurs. Numerous video case studies are included!

23 Civil Service Jobs Civil service jobs in municipal, state, or federal government can offer good opportunities for immigrant professionals Check carefully to see if US citizenship or permanent resident status is required for a given position Some government positions also have systems in which qualified bilingual applicants get additional points on the civil service exam Examples of civil service jobs include: doctor at a city health center; accountant in a state Revenue Department.. Be aware: The hiring process may take 6-12 months.

24 How to Research Civil Service Jobs Beware when Google searching. Check the URL to be sure it is a legitimate government website (.gov or.us) rather than a commercial site State governments often have a front door website where all state jobs or posted. Be aware that civil-service and noncivil-service jobs may both be listed. State universities may also have civil service opportunities, such as: Large cities often have their own civil service systems, such as: tunities.html

25 Thinking Beyond a Field: Capitalizing on Cultural Skills In an increasingly global economy and society, employers who have a diverse, ethnic customer base seek job candidates with: Language skills Cultural competency Professional or social connections from home country

26 Elements in Building a New Career Transferrable skills Tuition reimbursement Companies that promote internally Certifications Credential evaluation

27 How do I research opportunities in my area?

28 Regulated vs. Unregulated Professions Each state has its own laws. Few professions are regulated at the national level. Professions that are regulated are typically overseen by a state licensing board Professions that are unregulated can include medical assistant, laboratory technician, and hair braider. When no formal regulation exists, employers typically establish informal or company-specific requirements.

29 Researching State Licensing Process Understand the difference between: Certification Regulated and unrelated jobs Visit your state licensing board website: Note: Information may not be written in an accessible format or may require phone calls to obtain. Get a sense of how long it will take and how much it will cost If a credential evaluation is needed, make sure that the client is getting it from the correct organization (e.g., foreign doctors need an evaluation from ECFMG)

30 More On Credential Evaluation A credential evaluation is a rigorous, third-party review of a foreign degree which explains education in US terms (such as grades/gpa) There are 2 types of evaluations: course-by-course or complete degree Cost is typically $ (does not include translation) Uses include: Explaining education to employers Applying for college or university Seeking state licensing

31 Licensed Professions WES Global Talent Bridge provides gives an overview of licensing in the US and how to find information by state. Visit: For examples of licensing guides created specifically for immigrants, see: Upwardly Global for relicensing guides for 10 professions in New York, California, Illinois, and Michigan Visit: The Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians for career guides in 4 fast growing professions in Pennsylvania Visit:

32 Resource: Building Employer Partnerships For tips on how to develop relationships and how to pitch skilled immigrants to prospective employers, check out our previous webinar: Building Employer Partnerships for Skilled Immigrant Success.

33 Other Resources for Skilled Immigrants Upwardly Global Online Employment Program: WES free Degree Equivalency tool: WCNP How to Succeed guide: Educational Commission on Foreign Medical Graduates ECHO Resources:

34 Questions & Answers Submit questions via Q&A box OR By ing