Course to further Career (but really for visa purposes)

[Peter Loew]

Hello all!

A while ago I posted enquiring about how to find work in the US. Well after calling, emailing and speaking to different people, the best way to do this is through becoming a student on an F1 visa and then simply looking for work locally once you're there. I've spoken to many people and eventually you'll find a company willing to sponsor you through a work permit.

For me, a now single man, 32 years of age and who hasn't yet lived abroad, this is probably the best time do to it before I get hitched or run over by a bus or even worse, before (if) I go permie!

I have about 7 years of PM experience and have a BSc/BA Honors degree and obviously have a professional IT background.

My question is, what kind of course would be beneficial for my career?

For all you PMs or management contractors out there, what would you look to do in terms of a course or further study?

Bear in mind I am doing this for the purpose of looking for work once there, but the course should be useful to me and my career.

Thanks for any advices given!

P

[cojak]

For the length of time you want, I reckon it has to be an MBA.

Take a look at the likes of Wharton Business School.

It'll make you more employable over there too.

[Peter Loew]

For the length of time you want, I reckon it has to be an MBA.

Take a look at the likes of Wharton Business School.

It'll make you more employable over there too.

Thanks for the lead on the school. I will investigate their MBA course.

I had considered an MBA, but the idea of not working for the whole year and supporting myself either through my war chest or a loan doesn't appeal to me. I will need some kind of income. Comfortabley I think I can last for 6 months in a city like NY for example before I have to 'dig deep' into the war chest. I am still considering the MBA, but it's an option down on my list and I think I would prefer to do some kind of post grad management or business course.

The immediate idea is, once there doing an academic or vocational course, one may immediately look for work with a company and if sponsored one may start working in the US.

P

[Pondlife]

The immediate idea is, once there doing an academic or vocational course, one may immediately look for work with a company and if sponsored one may start working in the US.

P

Not sure it's that simple. IIRC you cannot look for work whilst under a student visa and have to apply for the H1B (?) from the UK even with a sponsor. It costs them money to do this.

[Peter Loew]

Not sure it's that simple. IIRC you cannot look for work whilst under a student visa and have to apply for the H1B (?) from the UK even with a sponsor. It costs them money to do this.

While on an F1 student visa you are allowed to get a job working no more than 20 hours a week on campus. If you're studying for longer than a year than you may work off campus but may be limited to a particular job or role title as related to your course.

While on the F1 though, I don't think there is anything stopping you from job hunting; of course you won't be able to work without a Work Permit which the company must sponsor you for, e.g. a H1B, but the idea is that because you’re local to the area you can make a far better impression here than from abroad. If for example I were to find a job that would mean I cut my course short, or defer, then so be it and mission accomplished. I'm not sure if I have to go back to the UK to go through the H1B process, but I don't mind if this is the case.

[beaker]

Surely it would be easier to simply take a long "holiday" in NY and apply for jobs when you're there? Or get a job with a US firm in the UK or a UK firm with a US office and transfer? I know plenty of people who've taken that route.

[7of9]

Surely it would be easier to simply take a long "holiday" in NY and apply for jobs when you're there? Or get a job with a US firm in the UK or a UK firm with a US office and transfer? I know plenty of people who've taken that route.

I know a couple of people who've taken that route. But they are not contractors.

[7of9]

What about other countries?

[Peter Loew]

Surely it would be easier to simply take a long "holiday" in NY and apply for jobs when you're there? Or get a job with a US firm in the UK or a UK firm with a US office and transfer? I know plenty of people who've taken that route.

Yes you're right! Been thinking about this and it makes better sense. You can get on a tourist visa for 6 months and bob's your uncle.

Re the company transfer; again yes you could (contractor - permie route), but US law says that you have to be with the company for 3 years prior to the transfer, so not really an option.

[beaker]

Yes you're right! Been thinking about this and it makes better sense. You can get on a tourist visa for 6 months and bob's your uncle.

Re the company transfer; again yes you could (contractor - permie route), but US law says that you have to be with the company for 3 years prior to the transfer, so not really an option.

Ah, didn't know about that law. I suppose if that wasn't the case then everyone would be doing it!