International Professionals Program (IPP)
About IPP
More than 40% of the immigrants seeking our services have at least a college degree from their home countries. Many are unemployed or underemployed, working in low-wage jobs. This program is helping highly skilled immigrants actualize their full potential and informing the emerging field of skilled immigrant integration on a national level.
The Welcoming Center is one of only a handful of organizations in the U.S. addressing the issue of skilled immigrant integration, and IPP is the only program in the tri-state region of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. IPP is funded by Philadelphia Works Inc.
How does IPP work?
IPP works in 8 weeks of training. Some of the subjects covered: resume writing, researching employers and applying for jobs, interviewing successfully, and building a professional network. After that, you will have the skills and confidence to apply to and interview for professional jobs.
Moreover, for an additional 6 months, you will work closely with our team to connect to employment opportunities and we will provide career coaching along the way.
Qualifications needed to participate:
- You have an international university degree or professional equivalency
- You are looking for full time employment
- You are a Philadelphia resident
- You have work authorization
- Intermediate or higher English level
Hesitating on whether you should apply for IPP or are not sure if you qualify? Don’t worry! Fill out the IPP Application Form and we will get in touch with you.
“I learned how to handle an interview and answer different types of questions the ‘American” way. That’s how The Welcoming Center helped me. I ended up with two incredible job offers related to my field”
-Amed Bamba, Former IPP Participant