Alain’s Story: How He Landed a Job in His Field — Fast!

by StreetWise Partners
October 23rd, 2023

Originally from West Africa, Alain Coulibaly came to the U.S. with an impressive academic and professional background. He had a Master’s Degree in Environmental Health, Safety, and Quality Management, multiple certifications, and years of experience working in his field.

Despite his qualifications, he struggled to find a job where he could use those skills. Then he joined the StreetWise Partners mentorship program in Washington, D.C. — and three months later, landed a role as an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist. Here’s his story.

Gaining professional skills through mentorship

Alain learned about StreetWise through the Luminus Network for New Americans in Columbia, Maryland. He had several goals in joining the mentorship program: to learn how to apply for a job and prepare for interviews, make contact with professionals in his field, and (as a native French speaker) improve his English.

His mentor helped him on all fronts. Alain strengthened his resume and LinkedIn profile and learned important interview skills, like making eye contact and delivering a solid elevator pitch. He also got the opportunity to practice speaking English in a professional relationship, which helped to boost his confidence.

“My mentor was 100% available to assist me in building the skills I needed to find a job,” said Alain.

Mock interviews are a powerful learning opportunity

One of the most important moments in the program was feedback Alain got during the mock interview session.

When he answered a question about a challenging situation he faced in the past, the volunteer encouraged him to share a different story related to on-the-job smarts. He came up with a more appropriate example and practiced his response. Little did he know how valuable this exercise would be!

Days later, Alain got a call from a company about an EHS Specialist role. They had found him on LinkedIn, thought his professional experience would be a good fit, and invited him for an interview.

Sure enough, the actual interview was for the exact same role as the mock interview and included that same question the mock interview volunteer encouraged him to practice. He aced the response and landed the job.

Fast-tracking a career

When Alain arrived in the U.S., his roadmap included spending two years learning English before he’d be able to get a job in his field — one that leveraged his experience and skills. But he ended up landing a job immediately after completing the StreetWise program.

As he puts it, “StreetWise changed my life in the U.S. in just three months.” He says he’s a new person now — so much more comfortable and confident interacting with people.

In addition to working in his new role, Alain is completing an MBA at the University of Maryland Global Campus to improve his management skills. He’s always trying to be better, he says, and figure out how to make things work for his career and his family.

Interested in joining the mentorship program?

Alain has some advice: “For anyone who wants to grow, who needs some resources to find a job and have a good life, I tell them to go straight to StreetWise.”

Most importantly, he says, never give up, trust yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help so you can out of your comfort zone.