Elena transitioned from being a translator for 15 years to becoming a Business Analyst at an American company, moving to Mexico in the process.
Before the Course
For 15 years, I worked as a freelance translator and English teacher. I was tired of project-based work and inconsistent income. I wanted to join a large international company but had no idea how to apply for other positions with my background. Despite applying for various jobs, I received no responses.
During the Course
In the "Career Start" course, I gained essential skills that I lacked in job searching. I learned how to create a skill-based resume and adapt it for different job applications, ask the right questions in interviews, and make a strong impression on recruiters.
The in-depth assignments helped me see my skills and experience in a new light. Although I had extensive experience as a translator, I had never considered my significant life background, which also played a crucial role in my job search. The course mentor helped me present this experience effectively in interviews.
I didn’t have a clear vision of what I wanted to become. There wasn’t a specific goal to be "someone"; I just wanted a change but didn’t know which direction to take. The course included an assignment to write down my desires, dream job, and ideal workday. I wrote that I wanted to work for an international company, not as a translator, but in a role where I would communicate with people from different countries, solve various tasks, live in another country, earn in dollars, and travel for work. I also wanted to blog about living in different countries. Additionally, I wanted constant new challenges to avoid getting bored.
Is it worth mentioning that this is exactly what’s happening now?!
The Results
I first secured a position as a Business Assistant at an Australian tourism company. After passing the interview and completing a test task, the employer was impressed with both. When they offered the salary, I asked for time to think. I wrote a candid message saying I was interested in the position but couldn’t afford to work for that salary. I suggested either combining the job with another or increasing the salary by 50%. I thought they would agree to the first option, but they increased the salary by 50% despite me not meeting some criteria, including their budget.
After 2-3 weeks, I realized this company’s corporate culture wasn’t where I wanted to grow: it was too toxic, with an unpredictable work schedule (sometimes working 17 hours a day). I decided to stay for six months to gather valuable case studies for my next career step.
They knew I was planning to leave but asked if I would stay if promoted to a manager role. I declined, as the issue was the environment, not the position. I wanted to find a company where I could see myself working for years, not one that would teach me to curse.
After six months, I left and quickly got a job at an IT company in Georgia as a Customer Support Specialist, thinking this was the most logical entry point into IT for a linguist. However, I was let go before the end of the probation period because I wasn't learning as fast as the company required. While it was disappointing, it confirmed that this was not the right fit for me. It was also awkward to publicly share my failure after proudly announcing my successful interviews.
I decided to look for Business Assistant roles again. I applied to an American IT company, but the position was already filled. However, they were impressed by my resume and invited me for an interview. After three 90-minute interviews with various managers, they told me they wanted to hire me but needed to determine the right role. My future manager suggested I consider the role of Business Analyst. I admitted I was unfamiliar with the role and lacked technical knowledge but was willing to try.
A month into the job, my manager called me for a serious conversation. I was nervous, but it turned out to be good news. They decided to relocate me to their office in Mexico, covering all relocation expenses and providing company accommodation.
Just a year ago, I didn’t even know a place like Puerto Vallarta existed. Now, I live in a villa in Mexico, am called 'señorita,' and spend my evenings by the Pacific Ocean watching pelicans.
Before the Course
For 15 years, I worked as a freelance translator and English teacher. I was tired of project-based work and inconsistent income. I wanted to join a large international company but had no idea how to apply for other positions with my background. Despite applying for various jobs, I received no responses.
During the Course
In the "Career Start" course, I gained essential skills that I lacked in job searching. I learned how to create a skill-based resume and adapt it for different job applications, ask the right questions in interviews, and make a strong impression on recruiters.
The in-depth assignments helped me see my skills and experience in a new light. Although I had extensive experience as a translator, I had never considered my significant life background, which also played a crucial role in my job search. The course mentor helped me present this experience effectively in interviews.
I didn’t have a clear vision of what I wanted to become. There wasn’t a specific goal to be "someone"; I just wanted a change but didn’t know which direction to take. The course included an assignment to write down my desires, dream job, and ideal workday. I wrote that I wanted to work for an international company, not as a translator, but in a role where I would communicate with people from different countries, solve various tasks, live in another country, earn in dollars, and travel for work. I also wanted to blog about living in different countries. Additionally, I wanted constant new challenges to avoid getting bored.
Is it worth mentioning that this is exactly what’s happening now?!
The Results
I first secured a position as a Business Assistant at an Australian tourism company. After passing the interview and completing a test task, the employer was impressed with both. When they offered the salary, I asked for time to think. I wrote a candid message saying I was interested in the position but couldn’t afford to work for that salary. I suggested either combining the job with another or increasing the salary by 50%. I thought they would agree to the first option, but they increased the salary by 50% despite me not meeting some criteria, including their budget.
After 2-3 weeks, I realized this company’s corporate culture wasn’t where I wanted to grow: it was too toxic, with an unpredictable work schedule (sometimes working 17 hours a day). I decided to stay for six months to gather valuable case studies for my next career step.
They knew I was planning to leave but asked if I would stay if promoted to a manager role. I declined, as the issue was the environment, not the position. I wanted to find a company where I could see myself working for years, not one that would teach me to curse.
After six months, I left and quickly got a job at an IT company in Georgia as a Customer Support Specialist, thinking this was the most logical entry point into IT for a linguist. However, I was let go before the end of the probation period because I wasn't learning as fast as the company required. While it was disappointing, it confirmed that this was not the right fit for me. It was also awkward to publicly share my failure after proudly announcing my successful interviews.
I decided to look for Business Assistant roles again. I applied to an American IT company, but the position was already filled. However, they were impressed by my resume and invited me for an interview. After three 90-minute interviews with various managers, they told me they wanted to hire me but needed to determine the right role. My future manager suggested I consider the role of Business Analyst. I admitted I was unfamiliar with the role and lacked technical knowledge but was willing to try.
A month into the job, my manager called me for a serious conversation. I was nervous, but it turned out to be good news. They decided to relocate me to their office in Mexico, covering all relocation expenses and providing company accommodation.
Just a year ago, I didn’t even know a place like Puerto Vallarta existed. Now, I live in a villa in Mexico, am called 'señorita,' and spend my evenings by the Pacific Ocean watching pelicans.