Ishmam’s Story: Career Guidance and Support Through the Pandemic

After being laid off in November of 2019, Ishmam was optimistic he’d find his next job in no time. He wanted to make sure his next position was a good fit, so he spent time researching before applying. Unfortunately, just as Ishmam was beginning his search, the lockdown started in Minnesota.

“It felt like everything was thrown to the wind. I began to lose hope of finding a job as companies started to withdraw openings and adjust to the new reality. It was then that Hired swooped in and helped me stay focused.”

Ishmam met virtually with Hired Senior Employment Counselor Beth, who coached him to keep his job search going. Beth encouraged Ishmam to continue reaching out and making connections despite the pandemic. Whether providing financial or emotional support, Beth and the Dislocated Worker Team at Hired checked in with Ishmam often to keep the wheels turning.

Ishmam took online courses and renewed his engineering certification, which put him on a fast track to employment. By the end of June, Ishmam accepted an offer from Minnetronix as a Manufacturing Engineer II. After only a few weeks on the job, Ishmam is overjoyed at how much his new position will teach him and his new colleagues.

“It's amazing what landing a job can do for your mental health. Suddenly I feel my other goals and dreams springing back into life. I can only wish this feeling on the countless others who are going through the same struggle I did.

“THE KEY LESSON FOR ME WAS TO TREAT THIS BREAK AS AN OPPORTUNITY. I KNOW BETH AND THE HIRED TEAM WILL HELP MAKE IT HAPPEN FOR MINNESOTA.”

Ishmam soon plans to complete his Manufacturer’s Alliance Training Certificate and says, “I would not have landed here without the consistent guidance and support I received from Hired at a critical time in my life.”