Resume Workshop for Ukrainian Refugees: Seattle Eastside, WA
Ukrainian refugees, fleeing the crisis in their homeland, face significant challenges in rebuilding their lives in the U.S., particularly in securing employment commensurate with their professional qualifications. The Sri Sathya Sai Center of Seattle Eastside, WA, in collaboration with Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW), responded to this need by organizing a two-part resume guidance workshop in September 2024. This initiative, facilitated by an introduction from an immigration lawyer at the Center, leveraged the diverse skills of its members to address the refugees' employment needs.
Volunteers meticulously planned the workshop. The initial two-hour session provided insights into the U.S. job market, emphasizing transferable skills and sharing real-life job search experiences. The subsequent session offered personalized, hands-on assistance with resume writing. Participants, with backgrounds in computer science, teaching, and medicine, received tailored feedback to align their qualifications with U.S. employer expectations, enabling them to refine their resumes to effectively showcase their skills and accomplishments.
Participants expressed their overwhelming gratitude for the workshops. They praised the practical advice they received on job searching, LinkedIn networking and resume structuring, and expressed increased confidence in their job prospects.
However, the sessions also highlighted a crucial barrier: limited English fluency, which hinders their ability to secure suitable employment despite their qualifications. Recognizing this, the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Seattle Eastside and VOAWW are launching a Conversational English Tutoring Program in February 2025. This pilot program will focus on enhancing spoken English skills, enabling refugees to communicate effectively in professional and social settings.
Inspired by Sri Sathya Sai Baba's teachings of love and service, the volunteers are dedicated to supporting Ukrainian refugees in their journey towards employment and self-sufficiency. They invite others to join their efforts and contribute to making a positive impact.