Reframing the Refugee Journey as a Valuable Asset for Employers
By Bev Weise, Executive Director
At the annual World Economic Forum in Davos in January, hiring trends and resilience took center stage, highlighting a key insight: Resilience is one of the most sought-after qualities in today’s workforce. Bob Sternfels, Global Managing Partner at McKinsey believes developing resilience as a skill for leaders is an area that is underinvested in. "Most leaders look great when the sun is shining ... But when we recruit, the conversation is around the scars on your back: What were the setbacks and how did you handle those? Because that's much more important to me than how you achieved something when the wind was in your back."
Companies seek candidates who can navigate uncertainty, learn from setbacks, and thrive under pressure. Our refugee clients embody these traits by virtue of their lived experiences—overcoming displacement, rebuilding their lives, and adapting to new environments. This presents a unique opportunity to frame their personal and professional journeys in a way that resonates with employers globally.
At Refugee JumpStart Coaching, we help our clients transform their “refugee-as-victim” mindset to see themselves in a new light. They have demonstrated sought-after qualities of resilience, problem-solving, adaptability, creativity and determination.
We help them:
See the strengths and qualities they possess as a result of overcoming enormous challenges. (e.g. Determination, Problem Solving, Adaptability)
Recognize what it took for them to arrive safely in a new country-- learn a new language, enroll in an educational program, find a job. (Resourcefulness, Initiative, Motivation)
Acknowledge their leadership in contributing to their community to lead efforts to help their fellow refugees, (e.g. leadership, Initiative, Empathy, Problem-solving)
Appreciate how far they have come as they continue to navigate the complexities of resettlement. (e.g. Negotiation skills, Organizational skills, Perseverance, Determination, Creativity, Communication) —all of which are highly transferable skills and qualities that are necessary for success in any workplace or entrepreneurial endeavor.
Refugees bring unparalleled resilience to the workplace. By our coaches helping them reframe their experiences strategically, they can showcase their ability to overcome adversity, adapt to new environments, and thrive in professional settings. Employers are not just hiring for technical skills—they are hiring for character, determination, and the ability to navigate change. Refugees, by their very nature, embody these qualities in ways few others do.
As the global conversation on hiring continues, it is time to recognize and elevate resilience as a core professional asset—one that refugees are uniquely positioned to offer.
