Unlocking Job Opportunities Through Volunteering in the USA

Hello, I'm Ashlesha Navale, who managed to go from the challenges of unemployment to a successful Graphic Designer role.

After graduating, I faced a challenging job market. Finding a paid job in the USA took nearly a year, as opportunities were scarce, and layoffs were making headlines everywhere. During this uncertain time, I was fortunate to receive an opportunity to

volunteer with Career Pathway Institute (CPI) as a freshly graduated Graphic Designer.

CPI provided me with a platform to showcase my design expertise, allowing me to work on their social media platforms, develop brand guidelines, and create advertising campaigns for various programs and events—both online and in person.

This hands-on experience not only strengthened my portfolio, but also boosted my confidence in navigating the professional world.

One of the most impactful aspects of my time with CPI was their Design Your Career program and networking events. These resources helped me refine my job search strategies, build meaningful connections, and elevate my profile as a Graphic Designer.

Thanks to the exposure I gained through CPI, my work started getting noticed, and soon, freelance opportunities began coming my way.

The turning point came when a marketing agency based in Florida reached out with

a part-time paid opportunity as a Social Media Manager/Graphic Designer. A huge

thank you to CPI’s CMO, Anna Bakhvalova, who put in a good word about my work

—an important factor that helped me secure this opportunity.

Volunteering with CPI played a pivotal role in my career journey, proving that gaining experience, building relationships, and consistently showcasing your skills can open unexpected doors—even in a tough job market.