New initiative provides online career counseling for potential immigrants

“Searching for a job is one of the major challenges any new immigrant faces,” said Juan Taifeld, Director of Gvahim.

By JEREMY SHARON
Updated: AUGUST 10, 2018 03:12
Nefesh B’Nefesh (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Nefesh B’Nefesh
(photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)
A new program will provide potential immigrants with online classes to obtain information about the job market in Israel in order to prime them for the challenges of making aliyah.
The program has been set up by the Gvahim Association, a non-profit that assists new immigrants in developing their professional careers in Israel.
The organization is an affiliate of the Rashi Foundation, a philanthropic institution that works to reduce social inequality in underprivileged areas of Israel.
The courses are delivered through an online workshop platform, NewRow. Classes of seven to 10 participants are offered in several different fields, such as finance, marketing and sales, biotechnology, pharma and the nonprofit sector, among others. Each course consists of four one-hour sessions in which participants are taught about the characteristics of the Israeli job market in their relevant field.
Classes give an overview of current employment opportunities, help with job searching, and allow potential immigrants to speak with veteran olim and native Israelis who working in the same field in order to learn from their experience.
“Searching for a job is one of the major challenges any new immigrant faces,” said Gvahim director Juan Taifeld.
“Using this technological platform and learning methods, the program provides the knowledge, tools and best practices that enable the immigrants to minimize the cultural and professional gap and plan ahead for a successful new career in Israel.”
Gvahim was established by the Rashi Foundation 12 years ago and operates several programs, including its flagship Career Program, which provides immigrant work shops, personal counseling and guidance by mentors from their field; The Hive, a start-up accelerator for entrepreneurs; Tech Heights, which offers job opportunities for software engineers; Olim Medical, which helps medical professionals from France integrate into Israel’s healthcare system; and Aliyah Prep, which provides future immigrants with the knowledge, tools and best practices to help them minimize the cultural and professional gap they’ll encounter in their new home.