Jobseeker Help

What is the Career Coaching Program?

Upwardly Global’s free Career Coaching Program helps immigrant, refugee, and asylee professionals rebuild their careers in the U.S. We provide customized coaching, job-readiness training, and networking opportunities so you can successfully return to your professional field.

With our support, you will:

  • Identify the right career opportunities.
  • Plan your career pathway.
  • Build a U.S.-style resume and prepare for interviews.
  • Access free courses and certifications.
  • Join networking events with top U.S. employers.

Our coaches are available to meet you in person or online for up to 12 months of your job search.

Is there a cost to use Upwardly Global’s resources?

No. Our program is free for those who qualify, thanks to grants and donations from our funders.

Who can join the Career Coaching Program?

You are eligible if you:

  • Arrived in the U.S. within the last 10 years.
  • Have a bachelor’s degree or professional training equivalent.
  • Have intermediate or advanced English skills.
  • Are currently not working in your professional field.
  • Candidates may be based anywhere in the U.S.
  • Have work authorization through any one of these visas.

Applicants may live anywhere in the U.S.

Why the 10-year limit?

Our program focuses on soft skills for a successful U.S. job search. If you have been outside of your field for more than 10 years, you face increased barriers to career reentry that may not be addressed by our programs and services.

We recommend pursuing recertification or additional education to strengthen your technical skills.

How do I apply?

Follow these steps to apply to our program:

  1. Read the eligibility qualifications above and submit your application here.
  2. Attend a Zoom onboarding meeting, where we’ll verify eligibility and explain next steps.
  3. After the meeting, you will be asked to complete an English assessment, create a U.S.-style resume, fill out the secondary application form, and upload your degree and work permit.
  4. Once onboarding is completed, you’ll be connected with a specialized career coach.

If I am accepted into the Career Coaching Program, what resources will I receive?

Program participants receive:

  • 1:1 career coaching
  • Employer networking and training access
  • Industry-specific career services
  • U.S. job-readiness training
  • And more.

How long do I have access to resources from Upwardly Global?

You will have access to a career coach for up to 12 months or until you find a professional-level job — whichever happens first.

After that, you retain free access to our online resources and Coursera, which offers thousands of skill-building courses.

How often will I meet with my career coach?

Career coaches will be available to meet about once per month, but frequency is flexible. Coaches are available Monday–Friday from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m, in person or virtually.

Will Upwardly Global find a job for me?

No, we are not a placement agency and we do not guarantee job placement. We are here to equip you with tools and strategies for a successful job search.

Do you help with housing, immigration, or relocation?

No, we do not provide legal advice, housing support, or relocation assistance.

Do you help with degree evaluation?

No. For official evaluations, we recommend:

What is the English assessment, and what if I don’t pass the English assessment?

The English language assessment helps us ensure that we are giving you access to the right resources. If you don’t have an intermediate or advanced level of English, we can refer you to partner organizations that can support your language development.

If I am not eligible for the Career Coaching Program or am not accepted, what resources should I go to for support with my job search?

Upwardly Global shares our job-readiness training with partner organizations across the U.S. who may serve clients in areas we do not cover.

You are welcome to share your contact information here, and we will contact you if we are able to recommend a partner organization to you.

If I get a job, can I still continue being part of the program?

Direct coaching ends once you secure a professional-level job, but you can continue accessing our online resources.

If I lose my job, can I rejoin the program?

This is reviewed case by case.

Does Upwardly Global offer English or computer skills training?

Upwardly Global does not directly provide training in these areas, but we partner with organizations that provide free access to these resources.

Do you help with university scholarships?

No, our focus is on professional-level job searches, not academic programs.

Should I include the survival jobs I did/am doing in my resume?

Initially, yes. Your career coach will help you tailor your resume later.