Name: Hikmatullah
Profession/Industry:
Current U.S. Position and Company Name: Senior Financial Specialist at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Education: Bachelor’s of Commerce (2009), University of Delhi, and Masters of Commerce (2014), Gujarat University
Country of Origin: Afghanistan
First Job in the U.S.: DoorDash Delivery
Story Author: Global Talent, Career Advisor Zahraa Naser
When Hikmatullah fled Afghanistan after the fall of the government, he wasn’t sure what his future would hold. With a Master of Commerce and over 12 years of professional experience in banking and finance, he had built a strong career back home. But arriving in the U.S. in December 2024, his first job was delivering food for DoorDash, a far cry from the financial profession he loved.
“I knew moving abroad would help me,” Hikmatullah recalls. “But I wasn’t sure what opportunities would come my way. I kept reminding myself that if I tried, I could find better opportunities and reach my goals.”
Determined not to settle into a comfort zone, he pursued further studies, prepared for the U.S. job market, and leaned on the support of Global Talent. “GT gave me confidence, and that confidence really worked for me,” he says. With guidance on resumes, networking, and job readiness, Hikmatullah regained the momentum of his career.
Today, he is a Senior Financial Specialist at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, where his work feels like second nature. “It’s in the field of accounting; it feels like home. Accounting is a universal language, and when the numbers balance, it gives me a sense of relief and happiness,” he shares.
Adjusting to U.S. workplace culture brought some surprises. “In the U.S., the work environment is less toxic, less noisy, and less crowded, which helps me stay more focused. The essential infrastructure for a workplace is readily available to everyone. The IT facilities are newer and faster—I work on three screens, which makes tasks more favorable and easier to achieve. Fast internet and Wi-Fi are an added bonus.”
Looking ahead, Hikmatullah has his sights set on pursuing his CPA certification. Beyond professional goals, he takes pride in providing stability and opportunities for his family. “My self-esteem is very high because of what I went through. What makes me proud is seeing my son and daughter living a happy life where they can sleep calmly.”
His advice to other newcomers is simple but powerful: “The U.S. is the land of opportunity, but we must step out of our comfort zones. If we try, we can change our future. Recall our past, what situation we were in, and where we are now. That alone should give us strength.”
