We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Usman Khan . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Usman below.

Alright, Usman thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

A defining moment in my life and career is experiencing a life threatening incident where I became engulfed in a riptide at Venice Beach. I found myself grappling with the waves in the ocean and saw my life flashing right in front of me. This experience brought me to my knees and humbled me in ways I had never imagined before. I came to realize my purpose – my aspiration to help others and guide each with their career path. I didn’t think I would make it but surviving through the riptide strengthened my belief in God and my sense of spirituality. It brought me to tears, and helped me recognize the true value of my life and each breath. This moment impacted the trajectory of my career literally sparking a deeper connection in me with God and I came to discover my passion for encouraging a sense of purpose in others. I am grateful for it, and I’m thankful for each and every breath I take. I believe gratitude is about being grateful for both the positives and negatives, which has helped me stay grounded. God gave me a new life and renewed a sense of purpose in me.

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.

I serve as a career counselor, where I have an opportunity to guide you with your dreams and your career goals and aspirations. I am not here to tell you what you can or cannot do – rather, I see my role as a guide merely to help you reflect about your true purpose and see your potential, including your talents and strengths. I believe it is important to explore aspects about yourself and your identity, such as your interests, personality, and values, and what makes you you today. Human beings are ever evolving – day by day, you have an opportunity to rediscover yourself and actualize your who you are and where you want to go. Career development in a nutshell is about connecting the self with the world of work and exploration is such a critical component and also a lifelong process. Through continually seeking out and embracing this process for myself, my hope is to inspire you to do the same.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I emigrated to the United States from Pakistan with my family at the age of 9, and my journey ever since has been both challenging and rewarding. Moving to Los Angeles came with a number of challenges I experienced at a young age, including cultural shock and increased anxiety due to feelings of uncertainty and having to acclimate to a completely new world. Over the years, I have come to reflect upon these experiences and see each as a source of personal strength and resilience, which help me move forward in my career. Had it not been for these life changing experiences, I would not be where I am today.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Being person-centered and culturally sensitive I believe is very important in the work I do, within the realm of career counseling and career advising. Understanding and incorporating a one-size-not-fit-all approach is critical when it comes to guiding others with their career paths. Becoming increasingly conscious of personal bias and blind spots I believe is a lifelong process, and making this commitment intentionally will take you a long way in any helping profession.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @khan_seling
• Facebook: facebook.com/Khanseling
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/ukhan20
• Other: https://linktr.ee/khanseling