Finding Employment Opportunities as a Newcomer in the US

Securing employment can be a daunting task for immigrants and newcomers in the United States.

However, according to a Kenyan woman's experience, certain job sectors may offer relatively easier entry points, particularly for those without established professional credentials or extensive work experience in the country. She highlights that one such avenue is in the caregiving field specifically as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) working with elderly individuals. While this role requires obtaining a CNA certification which typically takes around a month to complete, it can be an accessible option for newcomers seeking immediate employment opportunities.

However, she cautions that this line of work demands a significant level of patience and empathy as it involves assisting elderly individuals with their daily activities at a pace they can comfortably manage. She notes that some of them may have conditions like dementia. She narrates that her experience with an elderly care agency where she briefly worked as a CNA revealed some of the challenges associated with this profession. The lack of a fixed location and reliable transportation posed difficulties, as the job often required travelling to clients' residences. Additionally, the physically and emotionally demanding nature of the work ultimately prompted her to conclude that this career path was not well-suited to her abilities and temperament.

An alternative that the Kenyan found more aligned with her skills and interests was working in human services, specifically in residential programs and educational settings catering to youth with mental disabilities such as autism. In this role, she assists teenagers and children with their daily routines, encourages and guides them, and facilitates their participation in various activities. While acknowledging the challenges inherent in this line of work, she finds it immensely rewarding for those who possess a genuine passion for nurturing and supporting individuals with diverse abilities.

Moreover, she notes that human services positions often provide additional benefits such as transportation and meals, making them logistically convenient for those new to the area. According to her, while these roles can serve as viable starting points, they are not intended as long-term career paths due to the relatively low compensation and demanding workloads. Instead, she plans to pursue further education to transition into a more financially rewarding and sustainable career in the future.

She highlights the importance of immigrants being open to various entry-level opportunities, particularly in the caregiving and human services sectors. These can offer valuable experiences, connections, and a means of financial sustenance for newcomers to America as they navigate the process of building a life and career in their adopted country. The United States has long been a beacon of hope for immigrants worldwide offering boundless opportunities for those seeking a better life. Each year, the nation opens its doors to thousands of individuals from diverse corners of the globe with immigrants currently accounting for an impressive 13.6% of the total population.

For these individuals, realizing the American dream is linked to securing the perfect employment opportunity. Immigrants seeking employment in the United States are not merely striving to earn a living; rather, they are embarking on a journey to establish themselves in a new country and seize every available opportunity to gain invaluable experience and lay down roots. However, despite their aspirations, young immigrants under the age of 30 often need help in their pursuit of employment. Most job opportunities open to new immigrants fail to align with their skill sets, resulting in a concerning situation where many immigrants find themselves either unemployed or working in low-skilled immigrant jobs.