June 18, 2024
Navigating Employment After Becoming a Refugee: Zaher's Experience
We reconnected with Zaher Talab recently to catch up with him on his journey.
Meet our students
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Previously, Zaher Talab shared his story here.
We connected with him recently to catch up with him.
Zaher, it's great to catch up with you! Can you tell us about your journey over the past few years?
Zaher: Absolutely! Over the past few years, I've dedicated myself to continuous learning. I took courses in technology, English, and technical writing on Coursera through the Kiron Campus. This education helped me secure freelance jobs and even land full-time positions twice. Currently, I am furthering my professional development by pursuing certificates in data science from Google and IBM.
What was the biggest challenge you faced around employment?
Zaher: The biggest challenge I faced in the country of asylum was finding a job without a formal degree and navigating the stringent labor laws. I overcame these obstacles by studying and working in the technology industry, which allowed me to secure remote work based on my skills and knowledge rather than on a degree.
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It is remarkable how you overcame that. What advice would you give to others who find themselves displaced and seeking employment?
Zaher: To others who find themselves in similar situations, I want to share a message of encouragement. You can overcome your challenges. Regardless of legal work restrictions or lack of a formal degree; a well-crafted CV, a robust LinkedIn profile, and unwavering determination can help you secure freelance gigs or even full-time positions.
For those who haven't experienced forced migration, what would you like them to understand about the challenges displaced individuals face?
Zaher: Understand the resilience and adaptability required by displaced individuals. Offering support systems and creating opportunities for skills-based employment can make a significant difference in their lives.
You can view Zaher’s content and technical writing work on his website CopyingDigital.
Support Kiron in reaching more displaced people with free education opportunities here.
