Name: Neville Mutombo
Profession/Industry:
Current U.S. Position and Company Name: Education and training instructor for pre-mechatronics and manufacturing at the College of Western Idaho
Education: Bachelor’s of Science with Education (2020), Kwame Nkrumah University
Country of Origin: Zambia
First Job in the U.S.: Amazon
Story Author: Global Talent, Career Advisor Zahraa Naser
When Neville arrived in Boise with his siblings, everything felt new and unfamiliar. “Moving from a place where you know people to a place where you don’t know anyone can feel strange,” he recalls. “With time, we got used to people around us, made friends, and I feel like I fit in now.”
Back in Zambia, Neville had built his career teaching math and physics after earning his Bachelor of Science with Education. When he resettled in the U.S., he hoped to return to teaching right away. Instead, his first job was at Amazon. “Being a teacher, I thought I would apply and get back to teaching, but it was hard,” he says. Despite submitting thousands of applications, interviews rarely led to feedback.
That changed when Neville connected with Global Talent. With tailored support, he learned to restructure his resume and write cover letters that highlighted his skills for the U.S. job market. “GT helped me modify my resume in a way that made it attractive and acceptable,” Neville explains. “When I started applying, there was a significant difference.” He also gained confidence through mock interviews, networking with local professionals, and learning about the U.S. education system and degree evaluations.
Today, Neville is back in his field as a teacher in education and training for pre-mechatronics and manufacturing at the College of Western Idaho. He finds joy in both his work and his colleagues: “I enjoy mostly the people I work with; they are very friendly, supportive, and encouraging. I also love my boss. She’s a great person.” While adapting to cultural differences such as direct communication with supervisors, Neville has embraced the opportunity to grow in his profession. “I’m proud of going back to my career and working here in the U.S. It gives me room to advance and move forward.”
Looking ahead, Neville dreams of pursuing a master’s degree, becoming a professor at Boise State University, and building a family. To other Global Talent job seekers, he advises perseverance: “They shouldn’t give up. Utilize every opportunity you can through Global Talent to be successful.” He adds, “You must remember why you started. It’s very important to keep reminding yourself of that.”
For Neville, every step from Amazon to CWI has been part of a journey worth celebrating. “During the job search, you find challenges, but you just need to celebrate the smallest wins, like getting invited for an interview. That gives you the courage to keep applying.”
