On this International Migrants Day, December 18th, DUO for a JOB tells Murad's story. A story that shows how the encounter between a volunteer mentor and a young refugee can change everything in the job market. A refugee who became a lawyer, he also practices wrestling.
Murad (38) arrived in Belgium at 16 from Chechnya: "Upon arriving here, I was struck by the country's safety and calm. We were warmly welcomed, but I needed someone to guide me."
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Marleen, Murad, and a dream job: lawyer
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"To become a lawyer, you have to follow a very specific path that starts with an internship. But I kept getting rejections and had no network in the sector," Murad recounts.
Until he met his mentor Marleen in 2021, a volunteer at DUO for a JOB and then head of the legal department at Brussels Airport:
"I immediately had a good feeling with Marleen. She motivated me and gave me the keys. When I wanted to give up, she pushed me to continue. With her, I learned to decode the job search in Belgium."
Marleen even advised Murad to highlight his experience as a wrestler and international champion on his CV.
"Employers appreciate athletic profiles: it shows ambition and perseverance," Murad explains. And it paid off: he landed an internship at A-Law law firm, where he still works today.
Today, Murad teaches wrestling: “ I want to inspire the young people in my club, I want to give back what I've been given.”
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A 7 out of 10 employment rate
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DUO for a JOB is a non-profit organization that connects young job seekers from immigrant backgrounds with volunteer mentors over 50 years old, from the same professional sector, in Brussels, Liège, Verviers, Charleroi, Antwerp, and Ghent.
Since 2013, the non-profit has supported over 8,000 young people, including many newcomers. Thanks to their support, 7 out of 10 find an employment or training opportunity.
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Press contact‍
Guillaume Albessard │g.albessard@duoforajob.org │+32 487 18 03 40 │Young people and mentors available for testimonials
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