IT Work in the US

Hi

I'm a 19 years old Datatechnican student from Denmark. In about 4 years time ill be done with my education, and will be looking for a job, i will however like to get away and experience something slightly different both from a work perspective and the culture experience aswell. Ive had a thought about moving to the US to work for a couple of years once i'm done with my education. The thing is i have no clue on how much the certificates counts over there.

Browsing these forums it is not unusual to see CCNA and CCNP people. From my point of view after browsing these forums for a while, a CCNA and CCNP certificate would be much more valuable and uncommon rather than in the US. Probably has something to do with the fact that english isn't our main language, and considering that the cisco material is hard enough for people who lives in an english speaking countries, it is much less seen here.
Imagine if you had to study all the cisco in a secondary foreign language yourself..

Anyway, i've got about 4 years time left where ill be switching between apprenticeship and school studies. By the end i will have a good experience in networking, microsoft environments and linux. I'm not really familiar with how much we go in dept with microsoft and linux, but i know that CCNP is apart of the material you need to go through in networking.

The thing is, i would like to specialise in something that could make me more attractive once ill be hunting jobs. I'm not stupid, i know that noone would ever hire me, and give me a working license in the US for a low paid helpdesk position, you've got more than enough of that kind of people yourself over there.
I'm basicly looking to specialise in something that could possibly get me a job outside my own country once i'm done, and like i said. Ive got about 4 years time still. More than enough to get indepth with the subject.

Now while i'm here, i'd like to ask you guys if you work around or with people who were recruited outside the US. I have no idea how common it is in the IT industry.

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Comments

nb-

Anyone? lol

thronetm

My guess is you would really need to specialize deeply in something like Networking/Windows/Citrix/VMWare to an extent that your being hired by a US company because they can't find any other US Citizen with the same level of experience/knowledge.

Canada would be an easier option, Australia would be even easier

I've though about this too, I'd move to the US to work in a shot if I got offered tomorrow, I wouldn't move for life, but a year or two because I'm young and would like to do it for the same reasons you have stated.

danstar

nb- wrote: »

Anyone? lol

I think we're both in the same team here. I'm probably looking into the same thing here and I also have almost the same time range you've got except for I finish my college in 3 years. It's a 3 year Bachelors Degree here and I plan to swap this with my Cisco training, holidays I'll be busy with my Cisco and thing is my final year, I wanna be a CCIE certified Network Engr.. I don't know how but I know I'll do it. A few months of reading, training and practice in the final year will make it happen... but you need not necessarily be CCIE to get a job. A CCNP is enough but I just want to be very good at what I do. I think the same goes for you, if you have the on hands experience needed, and not just the cram... and you actually are the type of guy that knows what he is doing - then getting a job in the US won't be a pinch hard. Trust me!

And some chilli to your CURRY "Do not settle for less"

nb-

I feel the exact same way. I don't want to be that average student that knows a little about everything, but has no in depth knowledge in any subject. Everybody in my class think they'll be experts, and have job offers thrown at them as long as they finish their education. None of them really realise that all they know, is what they have been tought. They all know the same. None of them puts any effort to their education outside the classroom...

Exactly like you, i'm really facinated in networks aswell. In fact the apprenticeship ive managed to land, is at a networking company that outsources networking tasks, VoIP, Video solutions etc. for companies. I know that some of the guys i'll be working with are CCIE certificed. Hoping i can go that same way one day.

danstar

nb- wrote: »

I feel the exact same way. I don't want to be that average student that knows a little about everything, but has no in depth knowledge in any subject. Everybody in my class think they'll be experts, and have job offers thrown at them as long as they finish their education. None of them really realise that all they know, is what they have been tought. They all know the same. None of them puts any effort to their education outside the classroom...

Exactly like you, i'm really facinated in networks aswell. In fact the apprenticeship ive managed to land, is at a networking company that outsources networking tasks, VoIP, Video solutions etc. for companies. I know that some of the guys i'll be working with are CCIE certificed. Hoping i can go that same way one day.

Yes, you can Bro. Anything is possible. Just do some more extra work, read beyond what you're taught... download tutorials, go for trainings.. and you know this forum has got everything you need. Online lab practices and access, I'm even saving to buy some equipment in my second year, I wanna have a lab set up at home that I can practice whenever I can. I'm going the VOICE path, what are you thinking on, security ? Lots of tutorials on youtube bro. If you have the time to go through this, you'll be the guy that knows what happens with real time networking and get used to the work under pressure in no time. Networking is fun bro - I just love it.

nb-

danstar wrote: »

Yes, you can Bro. Anything is possible. Just do some more extra work, read beyond what you're taught... download tutorials, go for trainings.. and you know this forum has got everything you need. Online lab practices and access, I'm even saving to buy some equipment in my second year, I wanna have a lab set up at home that I can practice whenever I can. I'm going the VOICE path, what are you thinking on, security ? Lots of tutorials on youtube bro. If you have the time to go through this, you'll be the guy that knows what happens with real time networking and get used to the work under pressure in no time. Networking is fun bro - I just love it.

I'm not really sure about which path i want to take. I really want to specialise in something different than R&S, simply because theres already so many of them.
Been thinking about Wireless, Voice or Security. Personally i feel like doing voice. But might wait a while till i start at my apprenticeship to see their point of view on the situation. The current student they have attatched until summer did R&S, and they cannot keep him now, when hes done with his education cause they have enough R&S people.
Considering that they outsource network solutions, i have an opportunity to get into whatever i'd like. Whether its voice, wireless, security, design etc. they basicly said that its all up to me.
Basicly gonna have a lab at the office to practice on. And their willing to pay my certs as long as i study for them myself.
Feeling kinda lucky for this opportunity..

Where are you from anyway?

Master Of Puppets

I, personally, have no direct experience of that but I do know a lot of people who went to work a couple of years in the US and I can tell you it's not easy. There are legal issues about getting there, staying there and keeping your job once you get it. Furthermore, like lfcgeorge said - if there is a US citizen applying for that position they will never pick you(which is understandable, I guess).

However, if you really want to do it I think a good way would be to work where you are now for a couple of years(start as soon as possible), gather experience and get a few certs. Then register in a site like LinkedIn, there are a lot of those. From there you get job offers from all over the world. I have seen a lot of people go to the US and many other places because some employer offered them a job through a site like this. It really is a great way to advance in a career. Hope I helped in some way.

P.S. We are the same age

I just started my Bachelor's degree in networking. It's great to see a peer with the same interests as you, who has ambition and a desire to succeed because I don't see that a lot around me.

danstar

nb- wrote: »

I'm not really sure about which path i want to take. I really want to specialise in something different than R&S, simply because theres already so many of them.
Been thinking about Wireless, Voice or Security. Personally i feel like doing voice. But might wait a while till i start at my apprenticeship to see their point of view on the situation. The current student they have attatched until summer did R&S, and they cannot keep him now, when hes done with his education cause they have enough R&S people.
Considering that they outsource network solutions, i have an opportunity to get into whatever i'd like. Whether its voice, wireless, security, design etc. they basicly said that its all up to me.
Basicly gonna have a lab at the office to practice on. And their willing to pay my certs as long as i study for them myself.
Feeling kinda lucky for this opportunity..

Where are you from anyway?

Please forgive me for my late response, I was caught up in my 24 series
WOW! Lucky you, they are paying for your certs ? Nice! Voice is cool though - I hear it's in demand and it pays more... not really that much though but they have scarce cert holders so I am taking it. I think I like it and it's known to be filled of challenges. After my CCNA, I'll go for CCNP and then CCNA Voice onto CCNP Voice. I've been thinking of maybe omitting CCNA voice.. I can just take CCNA, CCNP, CCNP Voice but I am not sure yet. Anyone in the house know if that might affect my CCNP studies?
I mean CCNA voice could just be a prerequisite for CCNP voice and then everything studied in CCNA Voice is studied in CCNA voice.. not sure though, just guessing that's how it works.

And I'm Nigerian originally but I currently reside in India.

thronetm

Master Of Puppets wrote: »

Then register in a site like LinkedIn, there are a lot of those. From there you get job offers from all over the world. I have seen a lot of people go to the US and many other places because some employer offered them a job through a site like this. It really is a great way to advance in a career. Hope I helped in some way..

I'm on LinkedIn, have been for a while, I am only connected to people I know (Colleagues/Ex colleagues)

Do you have any tips on broadening that scope without randomly adding every Dave, Pete and Simon out there?

danstar

Master Of Puppets wrote: »

I, personally, have no direct experience of that but I do know a lot of people who went to work a couple of years in the US and I can tell you it's not easy. There are legal issues about getting there, staying there and keeping your job once you get it. Furthermore, like lfcgeorge said - if there is a US citizen applying for that position they will never pick you(which is understandable, I guess).

However, if you really want to do it I think a good way would be to work where you are now for a couple of years(start as soon as possible), gather experience and get a few certs. Then register in a site like LinkedIn, there are a lot of those. From there you get job offers from all over the world. I have seen a lot of people go to the US and many other places because some employer offered them a job through a site like this. It really is a great way to advance in a career. Hope I helped in some way.

P.S. We are the same age I just started my Bachelor's degree in networking. It's great to see a peer with the same interests as you, who has ambition and a desire to succeed because I don't see that a lot around me.

Hey MasterofPuppets, nice. So you're doing your Bachelors too? I start in a few months and mine is for 3 years. Nice that you already have your CCNA and CCNA Sec at the age of 19. I wish I had known about this earlier. Anyways I'm 23 and you know maybe we guys could up with some great idea about helping each other with study books and ideas, videos tutorials.. and online lab access together.. I mean we can a lot more studying and we really could use some help froma CCNA holder like you. What do you say, yeah ?

danstar

lfcgeorge wrote: »

I'm on LinkedIn, have been for a while, I am only connected to people I know (Colleagues/Ex colleagues)

Do you have any tips on broadening that scope without randomly adding every Dave, Pete and Simon out there?

LOL, this is true. I am also on LinkedIN and it has a very strict policy, you could even get blocked out if you add someone you do not know.. and if you chose to add someone you know, they ask for their email address blah blah.. they even ask you to Upgrade..

Master Of Puppets

lfcgeorge wrote: »

I'm on LinkedIn, have been for a while, I am only connected to people I know (Colleagues/Ex colleagues)

Do you have any tips on broadening that scope without randomly adding every Dave, Pete and Simon out there?

Yes, everyone should be careful as to who you connect with but it is not necessary to have connections to certain people in order to get a job offer. You get noticed through searches and stuff like that. I don't think I have enough experience to give advice on this but there is a bunch of great material on how to rule on LinkedIn

Here are a few articles that I hope will help you:
http://topdogsocialmedia.com/linkedin-training-creating-the-perfect-profile/

Your LinkedIn Profile: 22 Ways to Make it More Professional

You can to a search too and probably find something even better.

ptilsen

My recommendation would be to specialize. You're right in that you're probably not getting sponsored to do low-level work, where open positions relative to candidates are lower and candidates are less skilled and paid less. In higher levels of pretty much any specialization, there is a huge labor shortage. I see these high-skill positions go unfilled for months.

Your specialization should be primarily driven by what interests you. You can do almost anything you want in this field if you have the aptitude and the drive.

As a secondary point, fluency in English is a must. While US companies will hire you over native English speakers and citizens, you have to be a significantly better candidate and/or accept lower pay to accommodate. If you speak fluent English with few gaps, it will not be as big of a barrier as you think.

I can't comment on how hard the process is to actually find a job, get sponsored, and move. I can only guess it is really hard, and that's why I get back to the recommendation of specialize. High-level people are worth the effort for US companies. Mid-level and below are not.

Master Of Puppets

danstar wrote: »

Hey MasterofPuppets, nice. So you're doing your Bachelors too? I start in a few months and mine is for 3 years. Nice that you already have your CCNA and CCNA Sec at the age of 19. I wish I had known about this earlier. Anyways I'm 23 and you know maybe we guys could up with some great idea about helping each other with study books and ideas, videos tutorials.. and online lab access together.. I mean we can a lot more studying and we really could use some help froma CCNA holder like you. What do you say, yeah ?

I will gladly help with everything I can, no problem. As long as it is in my power I am always willing to lend a hand

danstar

Great, MasterOfPuppets, so what do you think nb-? Any idea of making this something worthy. I mean with some more practice, help and ideas - we might turn out just great. MOP, are you looking to take your certs while in school too ? I am going to take my CCNA before I start and then my CCNP and maybe CCNA Voice on my first holiday which will be a year after. This might be a bit tough but I'm sure I can do it. I've been reading about interviews and tips, I think we should hang on to those questions too.. wrapping up in these questions will also make future interviews easy to nail

lsud00d

On a side note, this thread has ESL'ers that speak (type) better than a lot of Americans!

danstar

lsud00d wrote: »

On a side note, this thread has ESL'ers that speak (type) better than a lot of Americans!

@lsud00d, I'm sorry but how do you mean ESL'ers ? Just didn't get that

Master Of Puppets

Nice plan, I think if you want it bad enough there shouldn't be any problems. I am very determined to complete my CCNP R&S in around a year and start on the CCNP Security(my goal is to have these two before I finish my Bachelor's degree). I am also thinking of passing the ARCH exam and getting a CCNP in design after the CCNP:S because I find the design track interesting(and it will require only one exam because the other two are R&S which I will have by than

). Of course I will speed the whole thing up as much as I can because all I do in my spare time is studying. I just love this so much that quite often I'd rather study than go out which does not sound good

I am thinking of getting at least a CCNA in voice because I assume it will be helpful in my role as a security specialist. I should point out that I won't just try and get one cert after another - I will have the required experience from my job.

danstar

Master Of Puppets wrote: »

Nice plan, I think if you want it bad enough there shouldn't be any problems. I am very determined to complete my CCNP R&S in around a year and start on the CCNP Security(my goal is to have these two before I finish my Bachelor's degree). I am also thinking of passing the ARCH exam and getting a CCNP in design after the CCNP:S because I find the design track interesting(and it will require only one exam because the other two are R&S which I will have by than ). Of course I will speed the whole thing up as much as I can because all I do in my spare time is studying. I just love this so much that quite often I'd rather study than go out which does not sound good I am thinking of getting at least a CCNA in voice because I assume it will be helpful in my role as a security specialist. I should point out that I won't just try and get one cert after another - I will have the required experience from my job.

Exactly but it's a shame these days., most people only study/cram to pass the exams and **** the trainings. I think it's better to get the cert as a backup and know how exactly to get inside a router. I am actually pursuing a lot, I just want to go so deep in the Voice path. I know it's so filled of tough topics but nothing I can't handle. Just do some more study, I hardly go out myself but I hate reading all the time. I like to read for sometime, listen to music and watch a movie.. and then back to reading. If I read too long, I get this feeling that there's some smoke coming out of my brain haha silly

danstar

My goal is to be CCNP certified this time next year. I might also be looking to go in for my CCNA voice upon complete or rather skip it and go for CCNp.. but I'm just going to let the time come and see what's the best option

lsud00d

danstar wrote: »

@lsud00d, I'm sorry but how do you mean ESL'ers ? Just didn't get that

Hey danstar, ESL means English as a Second Language. You guys are pretty good with your English!

Good luck to y'all and your studies

ptilsen

danstar wrote: »

@lsud00d, I'm sorry but how do you mean ESL'ers ? Just didn't get that

ESL = English as a Second Language

Master Of Puppets

Thanks guys

I actually have a C2 level certificate in English which is the highest but I am far from mastering it completely.

danstar

lsud00d wrote: »

Hey danstar, ESL means English as a Second Language. You guys are pretty good with your English!

Good luck to y'all and your studies

Really ? Thanks man. I guess it's a bit easy for me as I watch mostly american movies and I've traveled a bit, mixed up with other nationals also. I didn't know what ESL mean until now.

danstar

And thanks a lot for your good wishes, lsud000. You just gotta love this forum.

joluis9

I think the best way to come to the US and be able to work is the following:

Try to come on a F1 visa (student), maybe do a master at any university. Then, try to find an IT part-time job at the University's IT dept. You can also apply to CPT while doing your masters which will allow you to work anywhere related to your degree. After finishing your masters you are eligible to apply for OPT which give you from 12 to 29 months of eligibility to work anywhere in the US without needing any type of visa (you would still use you F1). That would probably accomplish your goal.

As far as trying to stay longer, if while doing all that you can get some certifications and experience under your belt you shouldn't have a problem finding a work visa sponsor, and eventually a Green card sponsor.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

danstar

Thanks so much joluis9, you explained it to the core.. and I agree with this. I just searched online and true - you're allowed to do some research work after completion of your masters degree... the thing is Masters in the USA I hear it's a bit expensive. I think about $10,000 yearly.. and that's a whole lot of money.

The work would also add on to your experience and once you're in the US, getting to stay longer wouldn't be a problem as there are work visa sponsors out there, I just hear that it can be a pain in the butt to do all the process, there are some long process associated like the one I hear all the time, they have to prove that they couldn't find an american to fill that position.

danstar

Full-time CPT allows the student to work more than 20 hours per week. If you participate in 12 months or more of full-time curricular practical training, you will not be eligible for post-completion optional practical training (OPT).

joluis9

There are many regulations like that. You have to plan it and work it out with your international advisor at the university. It depends on every case. But essentially you can work on CPT for 10 months and basically pay for the master with that money. Assuming you make 40-50K. Also, there are some masters out there that can be done in ~1 year. So doing 10 months CPT plus 29 months OPT shouldn't be hard to accomplish.

Again, many of these details have to be worked out with the university because it varies from one to another.

danstar

OK, I think I would go for the part time CPT.. and with a CCNA and CCNP, how much can one earn as it won't be a full time job? It has to be something with a flexible time schedule as they have to understand I'm studying.