We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alina Garcia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alina below.
Alina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
When I moved to a new country as an immigrant, I quickly realized that building a career here was a whole different ball game. The rules, the culture, even how you tell your story on a resume or in an interview—everything felt foreign. I remember scouring the internet late at night, piecing together advice from different articles and forums, trying to figure out how to get my foot in the door. It was frustrating, isolating, and honestly, a bit overwhelming.
That’s when I started thinking: Why isn’t there a space where immigrants like me can go to get real, practical career advice? A place where the unique challenges we face are actually understood?
I’ve always had a passion for understanding people and solving problems, which is what led me to pursue a career in HR. I love the strategic side of HR—how it’s about connecting the dots between people and organizational goals. Over time, I found myself drawn to coaching and developing others, especially helping talent navigate challenges and grow into their potential. It wasn’t just about solving organizational problems—it was about seeing people thrive.
One day, it clicked: Why not combine what I know from HR with my own experiences as an immigrant? That’s how Career Coaching Lab was born. I wanted to create a resource that I wish I’d had—a space where immigrants and underdogs could find the tools, strategies, and confidence to not just land a job but build a career and a personal brand they’re proud of.
What got me most excited about this idea was knowing that this wasn’t just about resumes or LinkedIn profiles. It was about empowerment. It was about showing people that they could tell their story in a way that made recruiters and hiring managers say, “We need you on our team.” It was about giving back to the community that I know so well and helping people see that their unique background is their superpower, not a setback.
I knew this would work because I lived the struggle. And every time a client tells me they’ve landed a dream role, or they’ve walked into an interview feeling confident for the first time, it’s the best validation. Career Coaching Lab isn’t just a business to me—it’s a mission to make sure no one has to go through the career journey feeling like they’re on their own.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hi! I’m Alina, and I’m the founder of Career Coaching Lab. I’m a career coach with a background in HR, recruitment, and coaching, and I specialize in helping underdogs, immigrants, and career transitioners navigate the job search process and land roles they’re excited about. My journey into this field has been shaped by my own experiences as an immigrant professional, my passion for people, and a desire to empower others to succeed.
When I moved to a new country, I faced the unique challenges of adapting to a new job market while trying to build my career from scratch. It was tough—figuring out the unspoken rules of networking, crafting the perfect resume, and learning how to sell my story in interviews. Those challenges pushed me to pursue a career in HR, where I fell in love with the intersection of people and strategy. I worked in talent acquisition and operations at companies like Amazon and Workday, building expertise in recruiting, coaching, and developing people at every stage of their careers.
At Career Coaching Lab, I offer a range of services, from self-paced courses to 1:1 coaching and group programs. My focus is on practical tools and strategies that help job seekers master every step of the process, from crafting a standout resume and elevator pitch to nailing interviews and building a strong personal brand. My clients often come to me feeling stuck, overlooked, or unsure of how to move forward, and I work with them to turn their unique stories into strengths that set them apart.
What sets Career Coaching Lab apart is the focus on people who don’t always have access to traditional career resources—immigrants, career changers, and those breaking into competitive fields. I get it because I’ve lived it, and that understanding helps me create a space where my clients feel seen, supported, and equipped to succeed. Whether it’s helping someone land their first job in a new country, pivot into a new field, or level up in their current career, I tailor my approach to meet them where they are.
The thing I’m most proud of is watching my clients succeed. It’s not just about getting the job—it’s about the confidence they gain, the stories they learn to tell, and the doors they open for themselves. I want potential clients to know that Career Coaching Lab isn’t just about job search tactics; it’s about transformation. I’ll meet you where you are and help you take the steps to get where you want to go.
My brand is all about empowerment, authenticity, and results. Whether you’re just starting out, pivoting to a new field, or aiming for your dream role, I’m here to help you turn your career goals into reality.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One story that really illustrates my resilience is when I broke into the tech industry, completely shifted industries, and learned HR on the fly. When I first decided to pursue a career in HR, I didn’t have a traditional background in the field. I was an immigrant, navigating the challenges of adapting to a new culture and a new career path all at once. And to make things even more intense, I set my sights on breaking into tech—a highly competitive industry where expectations are sky-high.
I vividly remember my first role in a tech company. I was hired because I showed potential, but I’ll be honest—on day one, I felt out of my depth. I was thrown into the deep end, managing talent acquisition, learning new systems, and handling fast-paced hiring processes that I’d never seen before. I quickly realized that I couldn’t wait for someone to teach me everything; I had to take ownership of my growth.
I stayed late, took online courses, and immersed myself in HR strategy, recruitment, and operations. I treated every challenge as a learning opportunity and leaned into the discomfort of being a beginner. Over time, I not only got up to speed but became an expert in my field. I eventually earned a seat at the table in strategic HR discussions, helping build teams that aligned with organizational goals. Breaking into tech and mastering HR wasn’t just about skills—it was about proving to myself that I could adapt, grow, and thrive, no matter how steep the learning curve.
Looking back, that journey taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through challenges—it’s about choosing to grow through them. Right now, more than ever, investing in your growth and learning is critical. The job market is constantly changing, industries are evolving, and the skills that were relevant five years ago might not be enough today. Whether it’s learning a new tool, mastering a soft skill, or developing your personal brand, the key is to never stop growing.
Your growth is your power. It’s what allows you to pivot, adapt, and create new opportunities for yourself, no matter what life throws your way. If I could break into tech, shift industries, and build a career from the ground up, I know anyone can do the same with the right mindset and support. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping others—because I’ve been there, and I know what’s possible when you commit to your growth and never give up
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
When I started my business, funding it was a deeply personal decision. As an immigrant, I’ve always taken pride in being self-reliant. I funded my own education, working hard to make sure I could invest in my future without relying on debt. That same mindset carried over when it came time to build Career Coaching Lab.
I’ll be honest—I’m not a fan of debt. I wanted to start this business on a foundation that felt sustainable and true to my values, which meant building it step by step using my own savings and earnings. In the early stages, my business model is intentionally simple and lean. It’s based on my time, skills, and expertise—things I’ve worked hard to develop over the years. Instead of investing in flashy overhead or expensive tools, I focus on delivering high-quality services and value to my clients.
This approach has allowed me to grow the business organically while staying true to my goals and avoiding unnecessary financial stress. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding to know that every step forward is built on my hard work and dedication.
Starting a business as an immigrant comes with unique challenges, but it’s also a powerful reminder of how resilience and resourcefulness can pave the way for success. This journey has taught me that sometimes the best investment you can make is in yourself and your skills, and I’m excited to continue growing Career Coaching Lab one meaningful step at a time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Alinaikaa
- Other: https://www.careercoachinglab.com
Image Credits
@alyona.photocreator | Tampa Bay Photographer