Empowering Careers: Resume Building for Afghan Community Members
The Afghan Support Program continues to facilitate career opportunities for community members through resume-building support with the help of local volunteers and practicum students. This initiative is part of the program’s ongoing effort to empower participants with practical tools needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
On February 2, 2026, the Afghan Support Program coordinated with interested clients to attend a resume-building session at the Afghan Community Center. This session marked a milestone for many participants, as it provided them with the opportunity to meet practicum students and receive direct assistance in developing their resumes. For several attendees, this was their first formal experience learning how to professionally present their skills and experiences.
The first part of the session included a presentation explaining the essential components of a resume. Practicum students carefully described which sections are crucial and why certain details are important for employers and recruiters. Participants learned how hiring managers review resumes and what information increases visibility in the job market. They gained insight into how to structure their professional background, personal experiences, and skills in a clear and effective way.
Many of the participants had previously attended sewing classes through the program. Now, they had the opportunity to include those newly developed skills in their resumes, along with skills and experiences from their past. During the session, concepts were explained in simple and understandable language.
Participants were then given blank resume templates to practice writing their own resumes immediately. This hands-on approach helped them better understand the process. Practicum students and translators provided one-on-one assistance, helping participants identify and organize important details. For example, a practicum student worked closely with an individual participant to extract relevant experiences and properly structure them on the resume. This personalized guidance made the learning process more comfortable and effective.
Through face-to-face collaboration, participants felt more confident expressing their potential, both in professional and non-professional settings. The session was not only about resume writing; it was truly about confidence building. Participants experienced the empowering moment of creating their own resumes and understanding how to prepare themselves for employment opportunities.
This session enabled them to take meaningful steps toward entering the workforce. The Afghan Support Program continues its efforts as part of the sewing classes and career support initiatives. Additional sessions, including one-on-one support with practicum students and interns at the International Institute, remain available to help guide participants toward the job market.
Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to contact the International Institute at sayedis@iistl.org for more information.