Navigating Employment After Becoming a Refugee: Zaher's Experience

Previously, Zaher Talab shared his story here.
We connected with him recently to catch up with him.

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Zaher, it's great to catch up with you! Can you tell us about your journey over the past few years?

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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.

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What was the biggest challenge you faced around employment?

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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.

It is remarkable how you overcame that. What advice would you give to others who find themselves displaced and seeking employment?

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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.

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For those who haven't experienced forced migration, what would you like them to understand about the challenges displaced individuals face?

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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.

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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.