By: Jonathyn Lopez
Kareem Rogers’ path to HR and career coaching was anything but linear. He originally majored in entrepreneurship after abandoning a finance track, unsure of his next steps. A chance encounter with Mark Williams, a new career center advisor, changed everything. “He invited me to play Connect 4 in his office, and from there, mentorship began,” Kareem explains. Those casual games became a foundation for professional guidance, resume coaching, and eventually, the spark for Kareem’s own career coaching business. It was a small, unexpected risk visiting a mentor’s office that ultimately redirected his trajectory.
Creativity plays a central role in how Kareem approaches his work. “I treat careers like custom training programs,” he says. “If the traditional approach isn’t working, I remix it.” Whether rewriting resumes to tell compelling stories or designing mock interviews with curveballs, his inventive methods aim to help clients stand out in competitive markets. His work is not just about tactics; it is about mindset. Having experienced layoffs and rejection firsthand, Kareem knows the emotional weight of job loss. “I don’t just give tips,” he says. “I give strategies I would have found useful when I was in their shoes.”
Success, for Kareem, is not measured by titles or accolades. One of his proudest moments came when his resume work was featured in Modernize Your Resume. Yet, what he treasures most is the impact on individual lives. “When someone tells me I helped them land a job or navigate a transition, that is the reward,” he reflects. Every client’s success is a tribute to the values instilled by his parents and to his commitment to meaningful service. Graduating from graduate school during the start of the pandemic was a defining moment in Kareem’s career. While it should have been a celebration, it was a period marked by fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. Job openings were paused or eliminated, and his father was battling cancer. These challenges made him realize the importance of resilience and perseverance, lessons he draws upon when working with clients.
After graduation, not landing a role despite repeated applications was a moment that almost made him give up. Kareem recalls feeling like he hadn’t yet achieved his goal despite the time spent and student loans incurred. Overcoming this obstacle required patience, persistence, and a commitment to continuously improve his skills and strategies.
Kareem’s late father was the biggest influence on his journey. A military veteran and probation officer, his father was a workaholic who still made time to help others with potential. Watching him give selflessly inspired Kareem’s career choice. “My desire to help job seekers comes from him. He passed that on to me,” Kareem says. He also learned to approach risk strategically. Early mentorship with Mark Williams introduced him to HR and resume coaching, which later helped guide him toward a path he had never considered. This mentorship shaped his career philosophy and inspired the eventual creation of his own coaching business.
Authenticity and values guide Kareem in a competitive environment. Having experienced uncertainty, layoffs, and rejection firsthand, he prioritizes practical, tailored strategies for his clients. “My goal is to make sure they feel prepared, confident, and supported every step of the way,” he explains. Rejection and setbacks are part of the journey. When he was laid off, Kareem allowed himself to feel disappointment before taking action. Reflecting on what was within his control, updating his resume, reconnecting with his network, and creating actionable steps became a productive strategy. This approach informs how he coaches others today, teaching clients how to process emotion while moving forward effectively.
Daily habits and continual learning are essential to Kareem’s growth. Whether reading, learning new skills, or training for races, he consistently challenges himself. Inspired by figures such as Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and David Goggins, he believes in constant improvement and embracing challenges as opportunities to grow. Kareem measures success by the impact he has on people. Beyond job placements, the real reward comes from seeing someone gain confidence, secure a new opportunity, or improve their trajectory. His work honors the legacy of his parents and reflects his commitment to helping others succeed.
His professional philosophy can be summed up in a simple principle: growth is earned through consistent effort, strategic creativity, and genuine care for others. Whether it is through coaching, resume writing, or career mentorship, Kareem demonstrates that resilience, originality, and dedication are what make a career truly meaningful. Join the Fit Recruiters community today and follow him on social media!
