Immigrants: transfer your skills to boost your career

If you’ve recently immigrated to the United States, you may not be able to practice the trade you did in your home country immediately. This is especially true for certain industries and positions with specific requirements. However, you can work on transferring your skills to launch a new career without starting from scratch.

List your transferable skills
Analyze your past experiences and make a list of your skills and education. If a job posting catches your eye, read it carefully and determine how your experience matches what the company is looking for. Use this information to build a convincing application.

Get your credentials recognized
It’s a good idea to get a credential evaluation. An independent credential evaluation service can analyze your non-U.S. qualifications and compare them to similar qualifications in the U.S. education system, labor market, or specific professions. This’ll allow you to apply for jobs with special education or skill requirements.

Go back to school temporarily
Depending on what you want to do, you can register for a higher education course related to your field. You may also be able to obtain missing credits for a diploma or write an equivalency exam to validate your professional license.

Are you unsure where to start? Meet with a career counselor or recruiter to discuss your situation.