From Engineer to Global Career Coach: How Embracing Setbacks Transformed My Path to Success

As a young engineering graduate, I shared the common dream of many students—to secure a degree, land a rewarding job, and embark on a stable career. I envisioned a straightforward path where my engineering credentials would open doors to success. But life had different plans for me, one that would lead to a journey I now cherish deeply.

After completing my engineering degree, I eagerly awaited the fulfilling job I believed would follow. But instead of job offers, I faced unexpected challenges and an uncertain path. I found myself at a crossroads, needing to pivot quickly. That’s when I stepped into the world of resume writing—not the high-paying, stable career I had envisioned, but a beginning, nonetheless.

Driven to stand out, I pursued certification as a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW). At that time, only a few people in India held this certification, and I was thrilled to pass the exam. I hoped this would lead to the career I was seeking, yet reality had other plans. Instead of a breakthrough, I encountered more roadblocks on the job front. Determined, I set my sights on becoming a Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW), back then an unique achievement in India. Surely, I thought, this advanced credential would bring the opportunities I’d worked so hard for.?

But the doors still didn’t open as I had hoped. In response, I adapted again, becoming a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC). Now, with the powerful combination of CPRW, CMRW, and CPCC, I was certain I could secure the full-time role I had been chasing. However, it was through these repeated challenges that my career truly began to transform.

12 years have passed since those initial dreams, and while the corporate job I once sought didn’t materialize, something even more meaningful did. During this time, I built an international client base, helping job seekers worldwide with their resumes and career strategies. I cracked the code for job search success, earning testimonials from clients who achieved roles they once thought unreachable. My inbox, once filled with rejection emails, began to overflow with client success stories and gratitude.?

Today, I am proud to hold some of the most prestigious certifications in my field:

??One of only 43 Certified Master Resume Writers (CMRW) worldwide.

??One of the few Certified Professional Career Coaches (CPCC)

??Member of the Career Directors International (CDI) and Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC)

??Global Business Award Winner – Best Resume Writer of India

These achievements, along with global awards, media features, and a thriving freelance career, reflect the dedication I bring to each resume, each client conversation, and each coaching session. Though I didn’t land the high-paying full-time position I once pursued, I have built a career with purpose and impact.

Reflecting on this journey, I realize that if I had settled after earning my engineering degree, or stopped after gaining the CPRW or CMRW certification, my life would look very different.

It took continuous growth, adaptation, and resilience to reach where I am today.?

Why Continual Upgrading is Essential, Especially in the Face of Setbacks: Tips for Job Seekers

In today’s fast-paced job market, the path to a successful career often involves continual learning and upgrading. Here are some key tips for job seekers on why and how to keep progressing, even when faced with setbacks:

1. Stay Ahead in a Competitive Market

Tip: Embrace learning as a constant. Sign up for online courses, attend workshops, and keep your skills sharp and current. Many industries evolve quickly, and staying updated with the latest tools, technologies, and methodologies helps set you apart.

Example: If you are in tech, consider certifications in AI, data analytics, or cloud computing, as these are growing fields that can open doors to new opportunities.

2. Build Resilience and Adaptability

Tip: Treat setbacks as growth opportunities. Rather than seeing a rejection or challenge as a failure, ask what it can teach you. This mindset shift turns each setback into a stepping stone and helps you build a career that can weather changes.

Example: If you didn’t land a job due to a gap in a specific skill, take that feedback and address it. Learn the skill and look for projects, either freelance or volunteer, to apply it practically.?

3. Expand Your Network through Learning

Tip: Networking isn’t just about attending events—it’s also about building connections through learning experiences. Join study groups, connect with people in online courses, or participate in professional forums. Often, these connections lead to career opportunities.

Example: LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and industry forums like GitHub or Stack Overflow (for tech professionals) are excellent places to build both skills and connections.

4. Gain Specialized Knowledge to Differentiate Yourself

Tip: As you continue to upgrade, look for areas where you can specialize. Having niche skills or expertise makes you more attractive to employers, who often seek out specialists for key roles.

Example: If you are in marketing, consider gaining expertise in areas like SEO, digital advertising, or social media analytics to add value beyond general marketing knowledge.

5. Focus on Transferable Skills

Tip: Certain skills, like problem-solving, adaptability, and communication, are valuable across industries. Strengthen these by working on real-life projects, volunteering, or taking courses that push you to use these skills.

Example: Leadership or communication courses can be beneficial for any role, as they help you effectively convey ideas, manage teams, and navigate workplace challenges.

6. Establish Your Credibility Through Certifications

Tip: If certifications are respected in your industry, they can be a valuable asset in proving your commitment and skill level to potential employers. Select certifications that are recognized and align with your career goals.

Example: In fields like project management or IT, certifications like PMP or AWS Certified Solutions Architect can increase your credibility and open doors to more roles.

7. Leverage Online Platforms for Continuous Learning

Tip: Online learning platforms make it easier than ever to acquire new skills on your own time. Carve out dedicated time weekly to study, practice, and implement what you learn.

Example: Allocate an hour or two each week for courses on platforms like Udemy, edX, or Coursera to consistently expand your skill set.

8. Embrace a Growth Mindset

Tip: Adopt a mindset that views career growth as an ongoing journey rather than a destination. With each skill you acquire or setback you overcome, you are building a more resilient and adaptable career path.

Example: Write down your learning goals and revisit them periodically to see your progress. Celebrate small wins along the way to keep yourself motivated and focused.

9. Turn Setbacks into Stepping Stones

Tip: If you encounter a setback, identify the skills or experiences that could strengthen your profile in that area. Use each rejection as feedback, and work on filling those gaps. Setbacks are often the best indicators of where you can grow next.

Example: If a role required a skill you lack, enroll in a course on that skill and work on small projects to develop expertise in it. This will strengthen your profile for future opportunities.

My path from an aspiring engineering graduate to a certified resume writer and career coach was neither straight nor easy. Each qualification, each rejection, and each pivot became part of a journey that forged resilience and adaptability. Today, I help others navigate their career paths with confidence and purpose, making a meaningful impact.

A Word of Advice: ?For anyone facing similar setbacks, remember continual upgrading isn’t about accumulating certifications alone. It’s about embracing growth, adapting, and building a resilient career. Staying still in a fast-paced world means being left behind. By committing to lifelong learning, we not only navigate challenges—We Transform Them Into Stepping Stones For A Rewarding And Impactful Career.