AI-Driven Job Tools Empower Immigrants: Cisco & Upwardly Global Partnership
As Cisco continues to drive its mission to create an inclusive future for everyone, we are expanding our efforts by leveraging our technology, people, resources, and networks to tackle inequities and create more opportunities. To achieve this vision, we collaborate closely with nonprofit partners like Upwardly Global, who help provide individuals with equitable access to the knowledge, skills, and resources they need for long-term resilience and economic stability.
Addressing systemic barriers to employment for immigrants and refugees is a critical part of this work. Over two million highly skilled immigrants, refugees, and asylees live legally in the U.S. with work authorization, but many struggle to find jobs that match their qualifications. At the same time, the U.S. is facing a significant labor shortage, particularly in STEM and healthcare fields. Although these professionals have the skills to fill these roles, systemic barriers such as language challenges, limited networks, and unfamiliarity with U.S. workplace culture make it difficult for them to secure employment in their fields.
As a result, many of these skilled individuals are underemployed in lower-paying jobs, such as rideshare driving or maintenance work. Upwardly Global supports these job seekers by helping them navigate the U.S. job market and reconnect with their professional careers. By finding jobs that match their skills, immigrants can achieve stable income, access growth opportunities, and contribute positively to their communities and the broader economy.
The impact of addressing these inequities is significant. In 2023, job seekers who completed Upwardly Global’s Career Coaching Program started with an average salary of $64,000, reflecting a substantial increase of $50,600 annually. The program’s graduates from 2022 now collectively contribute $74 million annually to the U.S. economy.
Upwardly Global’s program offers a strategic career path that begins with education and leads to employment, all through an industry-relevant approach. Participants are paired with career coaches who help them develop a targeted job-search strategy for their desired field. Regular coaching sessions focus on enhancing professional English skills, which are crucial for job interviews and effective communication in U.S. workplaces.
Participants also have access to eLearning resources to further develop their skills. When they begin their job search, they receive guidance on using professional networking platforms like LinkedIn and work with their coaches to build confidence and soft skills, which are often challenged during the cultural transition. Networking events, volunteering opportunities, and mentorships provide practical experience and help build their professional networks. Additionally, support in resume writing and interview preparation equips them for success in their job search.
Addressing systemic barriers to employment for immigrants and refugees is a critical part of this work. Over two million highly skilled immigrants, refugees, and asylees live legally in the U.S. with work authorization, but many struggle to find jobs that match their qualifications. At the same time, the U.S. is facing a significant labor shortage, particularly in STEM and healthcare fields. Although these professionals have the skills to fill these roles, systemic barriers such as language challenges, limited networks, and unfamiliarity with U.S. workplace culture make it difficult for them to secure employment in their fields.
As a result, many of these skilled individuals are underemployed in lower-paying jobs, such as rideshare driving or maintenance work. Upwardly Global supports these job seekers by helping them navigate the U.S. job market and reconnect with their professional careers. By finding jobs that match their skills, immigrants can achieve stable income, access growth opportunities, and contribute positively to their communities and the broader economy.
The impact of addressing these inequities is significant. In 2023, job seekers who completed Upwardly Global’s Career Coaching Program started with an average salary of $64,000, reflecting a substantial increase of $50,600 annually. The program’s graduates from 2022 now collectively contribute $74 million annually to the U.S. economy.
Upwardly Global’s program offers a strategic career path that begins with education and leads to employment, all through an industry-relevant approach. Participants are paired with career coaches who help them develop a targeted job-search strategy for their desired field. Regular coaching sessions focus on enhancing professional English skills, which are crucial for job interviews and effective communication in U.S. workplaces.
Participants also have access to eLearning resources to further develop their skills. When they begin their job search, they receive guidance on using professional networking platforms like LinkedIn and work with their coaches to build confidence and soft skills, which are often challenged during the cultural transition. Networking events, volunteering opportunities, and mentorships provide practical experience and help build their professional networks. Additionally, support in resume writing and interview preparation equips them for success in their job search.
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