“Highlighting achievements, not just responsibilities!”

Yuliia Kuzminska has spent 25 years working in executive roles with the US government, 9 of them as Deputy Executive Office (Head of Operations) with USAID. We asked her about her collaboration with Amrop, career transition and building one's career in times of uncertainty.

How helpful did you find Amrop's analysis and feedback on your CV and LinkedIn profile?

I found the analysis extremely helpful and eye-opening, as I had had very limited exposure to LinkedIn (as an active channel for proactive job search) before - it’s been 25 years since I applied for any job outside of the USG! It gave me a new perspective on how to structure my practical job seeking tools (CV and LinkedIn profile) to highlight achievements rather than just responsibilities, and how to adjust my experience from the public/humanitarian sector to the private market. The feedback also helped me see where I might be underselling myself and gave me clear, actionable ways to strengthen my profile. I now feel more confident that my professional story comes across as strong and clearly highlights the value I bring.

Did it impact your job search strategies? 

Yes, it definitely did impact my strategies. It gave me more structure and clarity than I had before. I started treating my job search more as a structured project, defining clear targets, tailoring each job application, and using LinkedIn not only for visibility but also for active networking and positioning. This shift made the process feel more intentional and less overwhelming. I also learned to better prioritize where to put my energy, which helps me stay more focused and positive.

What specific skill or piece of advice from the program do you think was most valuable?

The most valuable advice was to frame my career as a story of value and results, not just a list of positions with duties. Learning to highlight achievements in a structured way, especially through the START model (Situation, Target, Action, Result, Talent), helped me rethink how I present myself in interviews and written applications. It also encouraged me to speak more confidently about my core strengths, which is quite empowering when stepping into today's highly competitive job market.

What, in your opinion, are the key struggles and differences when building one's career in times of uncertainty and how to overcome them?

I think the hardest part is having a clear direction but at the same time being flexible enough to adjust when circumstances change. Uncertainty can make you doubt yourself, so it’s really important to stay positive and take initiative. For me, the way to get through it is to lean on your network, keep learning, and stay confident about the value you bring. And it helps to focus on what you can actually influence and control instead of getting stuck in overthinking or negativity. We all have our value, and we will all find our new path, if we keep a clear and flexible mind.  

Overall, how would you rate your experience with the career transition support initiative?

I would rate it very positively, as the process felt both professional and personal. It gave me practical tools but also the encouragement I needed at this stage of transition. Most of us tend to doubt ourselves, especially at a time of such big uncertainty, so a clear, independent review of my portfolio along with specific advice on which directions to explore was exactly what I needed. I especially valued the tailored feedback and the supportive, constructive approach during the consultation. It made me feel seen not only as a professional but also as a person navigating a complex career shift. And somehow, Amrop partners managed to make me feel that this whole process is not as hard and terrifying as I once thought. 

Thank you so much for the kind words! And, finally, what do you see as your next step in your professional development?

My next step is to continue positioning myself for senior international roles where I can apply my experience in operations, procurement, and crisis management. I also plan to invest in executive-level training in change management, which I now see as vital in today’s environment of constant transformation. At the same time, I’m strengthening my LinkedIn presence and seeking out more visibility through networking and recommendations. I feel motivated to take these steps with greater confidence after going through this program. I'm very grateful for Amrop's assistance and proud that my team played a key role in selecting and contracting them to support our staff through this difficult transition.

“Amrop’s analysis and feedback were extremely valuable.”

Oksana Shvaitser has been an HR Management Assistant with USAID for 12 years. We asked her about advice and skills that the program supplied her with, career transition and the next steps in her professional development. 

How helpful did you find Amrop’s analysis and feedback on your CV and LinkedIn profile? Did it impact your job search strategies?

Amrop’s analysis and feedback were extremely valuable. The recommendations helped me better highlight my professional strengths and achievements, which made both my CV and LinkedIn profile more impactful and aligned with current market expectations. This directly influenced my job search strategy, allowing me to target opportunities with more confidence and precision.

What specific skill or piece of advice from the program do you think was most valuable?

The most valuable advice was how to clearly position my experience and tailor my communication to different audiences. This skill is essential not only for job applications but also for networking and professional interactions in general.

What, in your opinion, are the key struggles and differences when building one’s career in times of uncertainty and how to overcome them?

In times of uncertainty, the main struggles are maintaining confidence, staying adaptable, and navigating shifting priorities in the job market. Overcoming them requires resilience, continuous learning, and openness to new formats of work, while also relying on professional networks and guidance such as the support provided by Amrop.

Overall, how would you rate your experience with the career transition support initiative?

I would rate my experience very highly. The program was professional, insightful, and tailored to individual needs. It provided both practical tools and motivational support, which made a real difference for me.

What do you see as your next step in your professional development?

My next step is to continue building on the skills and strategies I’ve gained, focusing on roles where I can apply my HR and administrative expertise in an international environment. I also plan to further develop my leadership and change-management capabilities to strengthen my long-term career growth.