Foreign degrees and job hunting

[LA80 3]

Hello,

Could anybody tell me a bit more about the acceptance of foreign degrees when looking for a job? How much do they matter? My US hubby claims that skills are more important as well as experience, while in my country, they are truly ####### about the papers and degrees. So, how did you deal with that?

[spidergirl 0]

Hello,

Could anybody tell me a bit more about the acceptance of foreign degrees when looking for a job? How much do they matter? My US hubby claims that skills are more important as well as experience, while in my country, they are truly ####### about the papers and degrees. So, how did you deal with that?

American companies do acknowledge prefessionals with foreign degrees but most of them are looking for local experience, if you want a job on your field, be patient and keep looking until you found one.

I have a Civil Engineering degree back in my home country and i worked for 10 years in construction industry as Cost Engineer. I started applying online for the Cost Engineer or Estimator position last October 2007, i got interviews, they said my resume was very interesting but they can't hire me because i don't have local experience. Its rediculous, how can i gain local expereince if no one will hire me? There are times that i thought of applying as fast food crew or grocery store cashier because i was so hopeless but my husband said that i should stick on my field and be patient and keep on applying. Im glad i listened to my husband because on May 8, 2008 i got a job offer and i will be starting on June 2, i'll be working as Cost Engineer for the Expansion of one of the prestigious Hotel and Casino here in Las Vegas. I got a job that is related to my field and experience and i waited 8 months for it... it really worth the wait.

[rebeccajo 14]

Foreign degrees are sometimes hard for the employer to 'convert' to a US equivalent. They don't understand what the course work has consisted of, etc.

If you want a piece of paper that might explain your degree better to a US employer, there are companies who perform that service for a fee. Google "foreign to US degree equivalencies" or something of that nature. One such webservice that comes to mind is www.wes.com.

[Sylvia_n_Joseph 3]

The companies mentioned are important because there are many out of country degrees that aren't worth a thing. The certification countries will give a grade to the value of your out of country degree.

[ginger1981 0]

Many of the taxi drivers I've come across have degrees, but they had a difficult time finding work in their field over here. I remember one in particular had a doctorate in engineering (so he said)!

You could always take a few courses in the US to get some background on the field in the US. I think that would definitly be attractive on your CV.

[LA80 3]

Thank you very much for the info

I'm not a great optimist by nature, and I do not have great expectations when it comes to working in my field (BA in English Language and Literature). I have heard from several sources that teaching English to foreign students is always an option, but what gets me there is that I am a foreigner myself.

I will certainly look for the companies you mentioned and see what to do.

I have one more question. Are there any agencies specialized in helping immigrants find a job (in the sense of making connections, advising, etc.)?

[ginger1981 0]

Thank you very much for the info

I'm not a great optimist by nature, and I do not have great expectations when it comes to working in my field (BA in English Language and Literature). I have heard from several sources that teaching English to foreign students is always an option, but what gets me there is that I am a foreigner myself.

I will certainly look for the companies you mentioned and see what to do.

I have one more question. Are there any agencies specialized in helping immigrants find a job (in the sense of making connections, advising, etc.)?

I wouldn't put off teaching English to foreign students at all. Actually, I think that your perspective would be an asset, as you have had to learn the language yourself and you will surly have techniques and a point of view that would likely help the students learn better.

I'm sure if you look around online you'll find an agency. I would be careful however...if they ask for any money from you then it is likely a fraud. Over here when companies hire someone out of an agency they pay a commission to the agency the candidate came from.

Anyways, I have found that registering with a temporary work agency is a good way of getting into a company, especially if you have great skills but might not necessarily have the resume and experience to back it up.

[G&A 1]

Foreign degrees are sometimes hard for the employer to 'convert' to a US equivalent. They don't understand what the course work has consisted of, etc.

If you want a piece of paper that might explain your degree better to a US employer, there are companies who perform that service for a fee. Google "foreign to US degree equivalencies" or something of that nature. One such webservice that comes to mind is www.wes.com.

It all depends on the company. I know for a fact that some companies prefer foreign experience because it brings some diversity. Do not stress too much about it. I have been looking for a job for a week...and i got a good offer today. Good luck. You may want to work with a staffing agency just to land your first american job.