Volunteers play a critical role in transforming job seekers lives by sharing knowledge of U.S. workplace culture and expectations, industry insights, and lessons learned. 85% of people in the U.S. find their jobs through networking, but many immigrants and refugees lack the relationships that help navigate the job search process.
Volunteer Requirements
- At least 3 years of professional experience or be an Upwardly Global alumni
- Strong track record of helping others succeed
- Interest in other cultures and respect for the immigrant experience
- Excellent English communication and writing skills
After you fill out the form, you will be contacted within 7-10 business days by an Upwardly Global team member.
If you are interested in group and employer volunteering, please click here.

Volunteering With Job Seekers
Below are opportunities for important individual volunteering. As a volunteer, you can also support Upwardly Global’s mission through building connections, providing fundraising support, or using your talents to further deepen Upwardly Global’s impact.
There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing job seekers gain confidence as they achieve their goals. Volunteers can support immigrant and refugee job seekers in several ways:
(Time-Commitment: High)
Upwardly Global’s Mentorship Program is designed for U.S. professionals to advise a job seeker firsthand on their U.S. job search. Mentors will support job seekers in understanding the components of a successful job search, and work with them to apply this knowledge. A mentorship guidebook will be provided.
The Mentorship Program is a 12 week commitment, meeting weekly or bi-weekly. We ask mentors and mentees to communicate with each other via email, phone, or video-platform weekly or bi-weekly depending on availability and needs.
(Time-Commitment: High)
Volunteer language coaches work one-on-one with job seekers (in-person or virtually) to help them boost their English language skills and confidence. This will help them not only through the job interview process, but also on the job. Coaching offers an opportunity for job seekers to practice small talk, build vocabulary and grammar, learn industry-specific jargon and acronyms, and improve their speaking confidence. Both coach and job seeker are supported by a training overview that outlines program expectations, as well as lesson guides to provide structure to the meetings. Pairs will meet once a week for 8 total meetings over a 10 week period. Additional contact via phone and/or email is to be expected.
(Time-Commitment: Medium)
An informational interviewer conducts informational interviews over the phone, computer, or in-person, to help job seekers understand the intricacies of pursuing a career within a given industry sector or company in the U.S.
(Time-Commitment: Low)
Mock interviewers conduct mock interviews with job seekers, either in on-site events, virtually, or one-on-one.
(Time-Commitment: Low)
A networking coach is someone who loves to network and feels comfortable to further champion job seekers in their networking skills. Volunteers will meet with job seekers in a friendly environment that allows them to improve their networking skills and develop deeper confidence in building professional relationships.
(Time-Commitment: Low)
You are an industry expert we can lean on for up-to-date insights in your field! This indicates you’re willing to connect job seekers or staff to opportunities in your industry by sharing resources, pathways, and skills needed. We will reach out to you to:
- Lead or coordinate a forum of panelists in your industry
- Regularly share information, resources and opportunities
- Recommend concrete job search tips or referrals
What to expect: we will keep you on a list of volunteers we can tap as needs pop-up. We will invite you to participate in staff support or job seeker learning opportunities.
(Time-Commitment: Low)
Based on your industry and experience, we are looking for volunteers who can review job seeker portfolios. This can be for any industry that often desires samples of professional work.
(Time-Commitment: Low)
If you love LinkedIn and know how to use it to its optimal potential, consider reviewing job seeker LinkedIn profiles. Work one-on-one with a job seeker to create a stellar LinkedIn profile, optimize on LinkedIn features, or teach them how to search for the right job or connection.
Organizational Volunteering
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions we frequently receive and answers to help you get started on your volunteer journey.





Get Started with Upwardly Global
Get Started with Upwardly Global
Upwardly Global is here to help you navigate the U.S. professional job market and gain in-demand skills. Our resources are free, virtual, and have helped thousands of immigrants and refugees get back to work in their professional fields.
