World Relief develops program to get refugee professionals back into their careers 

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As the influx of refugees from Afghanistan increased in 2021, Jared, the Director of Economic Empowerment at World Relief, observed a troubling trend. The fall of Kabul brought an unprecedented wave of refugees to Spokane, among them highly skilled professionals: doctors, lawyers, attorney generals and more… many of whom wanted to get back into their careers. 

Having to inform people that their credentials and experience didn’t automatically transfer to the US workplace was frustrating for Jared and demoralizing for refugees who found themselves having to start over. The work they had done and goals they had worked so hard to achieve often meant very little.   
 
“I was helping people who had enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle get survival jobs at Panda Express,” said Jared.  “I know you can make a living working at Panda Express, but if you want to be a doctor or if you were a doctor… they’d like to get back into something that they’d done.” 

“While many refugees have previous professional experience in their country of origin, they often lack the degrees, certifications, and knowledge specific to the U.S. job environment needed to attain professional employment after resettlement. Even highly-skilled refugees are often required to take low-skilled jobs with little opportunity for advancement or skill development. This in turn limits refugees’ potential to achieve economic self-sufficiency and to benefit their communities by making full use of the skills and experience they bring to their new home.”

Office of Refugee Resettlement

Self-sufficiency is crucial for refugees starting over in a new country.  Finding a starter job is a great first step, but many refugees aspire for more. To support these ambitious individuals, World Relief launched a new program in November 2024. 

The Newcomer Career Navigation Program (NCN) 

The Newcomer Career Navigation (NCN) program supports refugees as they re-establish their careers by assisting them in their pursuit of essential skills and credentials. NCN is designed to support career minded refugees who have been in Spokane for up to five years. 

“This is a program that allows us to help with getting people to their goals,” said Jared. “Not just providing for their family but to actually thrive.” 

Participants in the NCN program are coached by a team of professionals who guide them toward success by reviewing transcripts, setting goals, and connecting them with scholarships and other career resources. These coaches are there to mentor, advise, encourage, and support their NCN participants. They also work with the education and business communities in Spokane to find resources and ensure that participants don’t miss out on opportunities waiting at their doorsteps. 

Imagine receiving the good news that “You have a Pell Grant sitting in your email that you haven’t accepted!” said Jared. “The individual thought they had accepted the grant, so they would have missed out on that money – but our team found it.” 

To ensure high quality service, the NCN program is limited to 40 participants, which makes enrollment in NCN quite an honor.  Acceptance in the program is, in itself, validation that participants have what it takes to succeed.  They know they will have to work hard and give their best effort to be successful.  They are ready and committed to do whatever it takes. Their coach is there to cheer them on and support every step of the way.  

NCN Requirements include a high level of English proficiency, willingness to network and self-motivation. 

To succeed, program participants must take ownership of their career, complete goals and network with professionals in their fields.  They must possess a high level of English proficiency upon entry in the program. 

Participants currently in the program are already learning to take charge of their journey. Early on in NCN they are taught to network and seek out support in their community – especially reaching out to professionals in their fields who are potential mentors. 

“There’s a gentleman who is at CHAS and he’s going through a nursing program,” said Jared about a recent mentorship. “His boss right now went through the exact same (NCN) program!” 

In situations where mentors are not accessible, World Relief connects participants with volunteer mentors who provide guidance and help them navigate their career paths. 

Mentorship in action: Lambert and Mike 

Lambert, a former tailor from the Democratic Republic of Congo, sought assistance from World Relief in the hope of re-entering his former profession as a tailor. He was introduced to Mike, a business consultant in Spokane. Lambert showed Mike his tailoring portfolio.  Mike listened to Lambert and asked him great questions.  The answer to Mike’s question helped Lambert start to develop and refine his business plan.  Lambert had the business plan in his thoughts.  Mike helped him put it on paper and create a roadmap to success.  

They began to meet weekly to flesh out Lambert’s business model and marketing plans. Soon they had a logo, business cards and a pricing sheet.  World Relief Spokane provided Lambert with space to launch his tailor shop.  Lambert, on his own, sought out partnerships with local laundromats in the area. 

Today, Lambert has a successful tailoring business and is living his American dream. 

The NCN program is more than just a job training program; it’s a pathway to building stronger relationships and a bright future. By supporting refugees in building stable careers, NCN empowers entire families and has the potential to inspire future generations. 

“I think it’s encouraging [to kids] if their parent is able to do something like that and get into a professional career again,” said Jared. “Then they will probably follow in the same footsteps.” 

There are three ways that you can support this program. 

1. Offer opportunities for new arrivals to rebuild their careers as a business partner 
2. Volunteer as a mentor for an NCN program participant 
3. Keep programs like this going by donating financially 

About the Author

Keri Bambock is the Communications Coordinator at World Relief Spokane. Her hobbies include sketching and painting. She likes riding her bike to the office and always gets the best parking spot.