Reza left his home in Afghanistan and arrived in the United States in July 2023. Reza practiced as a dentist in Afghanistan, and he had completed a Masters in Business Management, but once he arrived in the US, he needed to restart his career. He supports his younger brother and together, they are navigating a new life in a new country. With Reza’s valuable work experience, advanced English skills, and a driven spirit, he jumped into career coaching with the Spring Institute and developed a plan for rebuilding his career.
Through the career coaching services and financial support from the CWDC Career Coaching Collaborative program, Reza was able to discover the pathway for international dentists to obtain licensure in the United States. His first step included completing an education evaluation through the internationally recognized company, Educational Credential Evaluators, which verified his dental degree and his Masters degree. Next, he studied and passed the Radiation and Health Safety exam through Dental Assisting National Board. He also completed CPR and Basic Life Support certification. With new credentials and his past work experience, Reza obtained employment as a Dental Assistant at a local clinic in Colorado Springs. These are incredible career steps to accomplish within six-months of arriving in the U.S.
Reza continues to have his eyes set on gaining his dental license in the U.S. The journey involves passing multiple high-stakes exams, preparing a competitive university application, and returning to dental school for two more years. The process is difficult, long, and financially burdensome. But for Reza, the time, energy, and costs will not stop him. He sets an example for his brother, and with his perseverance and commitment, he is determined to succeed.
Thanks to grant money from the Coronavirus State Local Fiscal and Recovery Funds Act, Reza is one of nearly 2,400 Coloradans who have received career coaching services through the Career Coaching Collaborative, a state-wide program providing funding to hire career coaches for every local workforce area and grantees of community-based organizations, like the Spring Institute.