Adapt WestCareer Center

Adapt WestCareer Center

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About Me: Your Career Coach, Strategist & Partner in Building Your Future in North America

Moving to a new country is overwhelming. You’re ambitious, highly educated, and capable, but you’re suddenly facing a job market where your degrees don’t fully translate, your experience is questioned, and the rules of career growth feel unfamiliar. I know this because I’ve been there.
My name is Valery, and I help immigrants in the U.S. and Canada turn their international experience into meaningful, well-paid careers — without years of “starting over” or settling for survival jobs.
I’m an immigrant myself, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC, ICF), a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) working in SaaS Tech, and a strategist who has successfully navigated multiple career pivots in North America. I’ve been helping others do the same for over 7 years.

About Me: Your Career Coach, Strategist & Partner in Building Your Future in North America

Illustration

Moving to a new country is overwhelming. You’re ambitious, highly educated, and capable, but you’re suddenly facing a job market where your degrees don’t fully translate, your experience is questioned, and the rules of career growth feel unfamiliar. I know this because I’ve been there.
My name is Valery, and I help immigrants in the U.S. and Canada turn their international experience into meaningful, well-paid careers — without years of “starting over” or settling for survival jobs.
I’m an immigrant myself, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC, ICF), a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) working in SaaS Tech, and a strategist who has successfully navigated multiple career pivots in North America. I’ve been helping others do the same for over 7 years.

My Own Journey: From Engineering to Tech to Coaching
Originally from Ukraine, I hold a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering — a field rooted in systems thinking, optimization, and process design. After immigrating to Canada, I initially planned to continue my engineering path, successfully completing all the licensing steps required for the Professional Engineer (P.Eng) designation.
However, as I immersed myself in the North American job market, I discovered my true passion lay in project management — blending my analytical background with leadership and strategic execution. I moved up from HR assistant roles into project management positions, eventually becoming a hiring manager for cross-border Canada/US teams. I conducted dozens of interviews, built teams, mentored professionals, and saw first-hand what hiring managers in North America are truly looking for — especially when evaluating internationally trained candidates.
In 2018, driven by my own experiences and a desire to help others navigate these challenges, I launched my career coaching practice. For the past 7 years, I’ve been coaching and mentoring immigrants, career pivoters, and international professionals to secure high-quality roles aligned with their skills and aspirations.
In 2021-2022, seeking to deepen my expertise in the tech sector, I pursued a second Master’s degree in Business with a specialization in Digital Startup Management. Shortly after, in 2022, I joined a SaaS HR Tech company as a full-time Project Manager, where I continue to stay closely connected to the evolving tech landscape.
Why My Approach Works
The biggest myth I see holding immigrants back is the belief that their international background is a liability. It’s not. Your global experience, adaptability, and cross-cultural insights are your strengths — if you know how to package them strategically for the North American market.
I help my clients:
● Translate international experience into employer-ready language that opens doors.● Build targeted job search strategies aligned with high-growth fields like SaaS, AI, and digital innovation.● Position themselves confidently for leadership roles, specialized positions, and long-term career growth.● Break free from "survival jobs" and secure meaningful, well-compensated careers that reflect their full potential.
Proven Results
My clients have secured roles such as Electrical Engineer, Trade Strategist, Director of the Centre for Quality in Education, Marketing Specialist, Data Analyst, Financial Analyst, HR Specialist, Senior Marketing Manager, Project Manager, and more — building thriving careers, not just landing temporary jobs.
Whether you’re just starting your job search in North America or you’re ready to make your next leap into leadership or tech innovation, I combine personal experience, practical expertise, and proven coaching systems to guide your success.


Success Stories of My Clients

Never give up! Even if you are running out of faith!Almost a year ago, I went to a career counselor. I moved to the US from Ukraine, lost a year because of the immigration process and had almost no experience, we started working on building my career path to construction!After we did the service (I am so much of an apprentice) we decided on the steps to of finding the job of my dreams!
I lost count of the number of resumes I had sent to all of the jobs I was looking for. Unsuccessful interviews ... Misery and apathy ... strange expression on men's faces at the interview, when they see a girl who wants to work in the field where 90% of them are men (it smells like discrimination)))
At some point I despaired ... but continued to pour out resumes, but without much enthusiasm.And one day I got a call with a couple of questions that I did not even take seriously and said that I would call tomorrow because I was driving, and it was not convenient to talk. After a phone conversation the next day I was invited to the site and asked if I could start on Monday (it was Thursday) of the service I could - I answered!
You're welcome! The project manager!
The place is huge, and we're not allowed to talk about it! But there are no limits to happiness!For this, I want to express my great gratitude to Adapt West! Who was always in touch, supported, gave advice and tolerated my suffering!Thank you!
Guys! Do not waste time! It is the most expensive resource! Turn to professionals who can give you qualified help!
Anyone who is looking for work, just moved or planning to – I recommend this service!"

Aleksandra Chacon, Project Manager in Construction

San Antonio, Texas, USA

"Indeed, a crisis is sometimes an opportunity. I had a paradox. People are losing their jobs, but I found one. I was invited to a position that I had been thinking about for a long time, thanks to the present situation with quarantine. Although I do not have much experience in this particular area, therefore I was afraid for a very long time and considered myself not ready. The usually clumsy hierarchical decision-making system surprised me this time. Within a week I had an interview and signed a contract - Manager of online learning, and since Monday I have been working directly with the Vice President. Thank you, for your service! Although I partially listened to it and rarely did the assignments, those few modules (resume and interviews) and your posts and tips helped me a lot. The value you give is much more than you think."
After getting promoted:
"Just wanted to share: I was promoted to Director of our university's Center for Teaching Excellence as of this Monday.Thank you again for the tips on workplace communication.I am now finally convinced that the most important skill is proper communication (all kinds). I can only hone it because there is no limit to perfection."

Aigerim Shilibekova, Director of the Centre for Quality in Education, PhD

Vancouver, BC, Canada

"I'm very thankful that I met a career coach while building my career in Canada.
It's not easy to look for a job as a recent graduate in the competitive field of HR.
I went through two Adapt West products. The career planning program is as packed as possible with the information I need when looking for a job. The service is not about writing a resume (although that module is there too). The service is about finding a job that matches your life goals. Not to be fired after 3 months, and enjoy every day, even if you are immigrant with little experience and education. It is also very helpful that the career coach is always in touch and helps sort out any career question. By the end of the service, I figured out my niche and how to get into it right. And I often get compliments on my resume after the service from my recruitment netminder.
I was also able to have a 1:1 coaching session with a career coach. The communication process was very comfortable. The request was related to barriers in self-presentation and self-worth to the employer. The career coach listened and heard the right things in my story and guided my reasoning in the right direction with questions. At the end of the session, we set specific SMART goals to solve the problem. This helped loosen the inner barrier and worries and move on to action.
Thank you for what you do!"

Yanina Melnichenka, HR Specialist

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

I wanted to share my good news - I am now a Senior Marketing Manager!
It was a long road, almost 3 months, 4 interviews, business case, background check (even a criminal record check from Kazakhstan was requested), interviews with my direct supervisors from previous jobs. All the efforts were not in vain, and everything worked out.
I am very happy with the result, that I did not lose my seniority level and the company is a 100% match for many of my requirements: culture, industry, prospects, etc. I was very satisfied with the outcome: culture, industry, development prospects, benefits package, etc.
Thank you so much for your service for structuring everything, the material was familiar to me in general, but you had everything in one place, and you gave me a boost of discipline!

Mariya Savina, Senior Marketing Manager

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

A lot of useful information. I think it is a must for anyone who is looking for work. As for me, I found a job. Remote, like I wanted. But not perfect. I think this is still a transitional phase. Now I continue the search, but not very intensive: I'm waiting when the school will open and will not have much time to go home schooling. The main thing is that the service helped set goals and in general, finally decide on the values and desires.

Thank you!

Svetlana Gertsik, Photo Editor

Dallas, Texas, USA

Thanks to you I grew in my eyes as a professional in one month! I stopped depreciating and was able to remember and appreciate my professional experience!!! I gained confidence! And this is the most important thing for employment! The employer evaluates us by it!
I want to say that I am pleasantly surprised by the depth of analysis! And it is not just an analysis for the job search, but for building a career, based on an understanding of one's preferences and talents.
Thanks to the service I was able to identify 3 career groups in one of which I plan to develop.
Just Holland's test and vocational guidance helped me take into account my personality type and based on that to choose a position to find a job!
It was especially cool that we started testing positions for earnings right away, and seeing if earnings suited positions one step up, which helped me see the prospects or lack thereof and narrow down my choice of jobs. It turned out that I was able to think and look at far-reaching prospects, it is very important!

Olga Baimbatova, Marketing Specialist

Los Angeles, CA, USA

Thank you for your service! Again, it was one of my best investments! Everything they taught me came in handy when looking for a job: how to write a resume and cover letter, to whom and how to apply, preparing for interviews, LinkedIn, networking and most importantly: do not be afraid and act in an organized way, step by step according to detailed instructions! Result: my dream job (electrical engineer) in a great company with a good package! Bonus: I show up everyone who told me it would not work!

Natalia Filippenko, Engineer

Vancouver, BC, Canada

Karina has a wide international background in the trade. This was her first interview in the U.S., followed by her first offer. She now works for a well-known car company.

You helped me find a job with no local experience and with a lot of fears and complexes and not just found a job - I found a team that I never even dreamed of, like a family. For any emigrant, this is very important.
Thank you

Karina Gabit, Trade Strategist

Lutz, Florida, USA

Even though I won't be trying out the results of our work anytime soon (not looking for a job right now), you just can't imagine how much confidence this service has given me! I resisted moving to America for a long time, even from Canada, because I was sure that no one would want me there without local education and experience. And now I feel that all I have to do is get over my fear of job interviews - and I am ready to work.

Viktoria Korobkina, HR Specialist

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The material is perfectly packaged. Each topic is presented very clearly, logically, with examples that are applicable in life. I would especially like to note your professional approach to everything - the content of the service, the participants, the feedback. I can confidently say that your recommendations on the processes and comments on the assignments clearly showed that you work through everything thoroughly with each student. That is invaluable.
Thanks again for the service.

Maria Epishkina, Accountant and Financial Analyst

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, USA

Want to work with me?

Please READ!
This is not a primary service in my practice. Availability is limited, and these sessions are currently being offered on a temporary basis while I restructure my full coaching programs.
These 45–60 minute consultations ($150 USD) are highly focused 1:1 strategy sessions designed to help you at any stage of your North American career journey — whether you’re:● Defining your career direction and identifying the right roles for your background● Evaluating which positions you can (and cannot) apply for based on your current qualifications● Developing a tailored job search strategy● Refining your networking, positioning, and personal branding approach● Getting expert advice on resume messaging, LinkedIn optimization, or interview preparation● Building a step-by-step plan to move your career forward
Important: Please note before booking
● You will be asked to complete a short quiz before your session. This is required in order for me to prepare in advance and make sure your time is used as efficiently as possible.● These are advisory sessions. I will provide feedback, direction, and next steps during our call, but I do not offer live document editing or done-for-you services (e.g., I won’t rewrite your resume or LinkedIn profile during or after the session).● These sessions work best if you come with a clear idea of your current challenges. If you're very early in your exploration and still unsure where to start, please be aware that one session may not be enough to resolve everything at once. The more specific you are in your quiz responses, the more targeted and valuable our session will be.

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