Mohammad Qadeer was a high-level accountant in Afghanistan. When he was separated from his family in the evacuation from Afghanistan and resettled in Minnesota in December of 2021, he assumed the competitive U.S. job market wouldn’t allow for him to pursue a career in the finance sector, until he met Briana, his employment counselor at Arrive Ministries.
“Briana was very excited when she heard about my previous experience and started drafting my resume and cover letter, encouraging me to apply for finance jobs. As soon as I would apply, I would get calls for interviews, and sometimes on-the-spot job offers,” said Mohammad.
Mohammad Qadeer, who is a dapper dresser, was grateful for Briana’s help in providing him with dress clothes so he could show up in the proper attire for his interviews.
Mohammad Qadeer is a go-getter, he would apply for the jobs that I would send him and then apply for 10-15 more
“Mohammad Qadeer is a go-getter, he would apply for the jobs that I would send him and then apply for 10-15 more,” said Briana. “At one point he was juggling multiple job offers.”
After finally accepting a position as a full-time property accountant for a real estate company, Mohammad was rewarded handsomely for his work ethic.
“They told me my performance was astounding, I got a letter of appraisal that said I was very much appreciated, and they gave me a raise after three months,” said Mohammad.
Ever the self-starter, Mohammed took a second job as a finance director for a non-profit; but his true career aspirations are entrepreneurial in nature.
As soon as I would apply, I would get calls for interviews, and sometimes on-the-spot job offers.
“I am trying to find ways to start a business, so I can work for myself,” he said. “Possibly open up a grocery market or restaurant.”
Mohammad Qadeer lives with seven male cousins and Afghan friends in a duplex, and he appreciates how Briana has helped all of them prepare for the job market, gave bicycles for transportation, and advice on contributing to retirement accounts.
“Briana was very cooperative in guiding me on how to apply and how to convince the organization to hire me during the interview. She helped us a lot and it was very much appreciated,” said Mohammad.
Briana felt that appreciation every time she visited.
“They would interrupt in the middle of the meeting and offer me food and say, ‘Let’s not talk about business, let’s enjoy some food, and they would teach me phrases in Pashto,’” said Briana.
They may not have taught Briana the word Melmastia, but through their actions they demonstrated the Afghans’ concept of hospitality, that guests are believed to be friends of God.
