Careers for New Immigrants

[chris4336 3]

Hello everyone,

I'm hoping that people can give me some advice on good careers (not jobs) for new immigrants. Since my husband got here he's been working in a warehouse and in a kitchen. His English is much better and right now he's considering his career options. He doesn't have any high education but does speak 4 languages. He doesn't want to go back to school for a long time or spend a lot of money. I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas for us? Some things we've considered are something in the medical field (like an ultrasound technician) or in hospitality (getting an associates in Hotel Management). Anyone have good ideas for new careers for immigrants? Any personal experience with getting an degree or certificate?

Also, did any immigrants find it helped to get a GED? My husband finished high school in Algeria but I'm not sure if its worth the time and effort to get a GED over here and if it will help when applying for jobs that require "HS diploma or equivalency."

Thanks a lot for any advice you can give. Best of luck to all of you

Chris

[Mononoke28 135]

Have you considered going to an employment agency to see what they recommend? They have a lot more experience in that field and may be able to give you a few pointers and direct you in the right path.

Also, an associate's degree is not a bad idea. It usually takes only a couple of years and can be done at a community college or technical school which are more affordable than a regular college or university. They also have school counselors whom you can meet with and they may also guide your husband on what he may be able to study.

Diana

[Imua 0]

Good topic - I am wondering the same thing - my husband is taking some classes now in computer repair in Nepal but I am fearful he cannot find a job here in that field since he doesn't have a college degree.

[bora bora 1]

Hello everyone,

I'm hoping that people can give me some advice on good careers (not jobs) for new immigrants. Since my husband got here he's been working in a warehouse and in a kitchen. His English is much better and right now he's considering his career options. He doesn't have any high education but does speak 4 languages. He doesn't want to go back to school for a long time or spend a lot of money. I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas for us? Some things we've considered are something in the medical field (like an ultrasound technician) or in hospitality (getting an associates in Hotel Management). Anyone have good ideas for new careers for immigrants? Any personal experience with getting an degree or certificate?

Also, did any immigrants find it helped to get a GED? My husband finished high school in Algeria but I'm not sure if its worth the time and effort to get a GED over here and if it will help when applying for jobs that require "HS diploma or equivalency."

Thanks a lot for any advice you can give. Best of luck to all of you

Chris

It really depends on what your husband is interested in, and what he can get a job in when he finishes his studies. And yes, if your husband has finished HS in his country then he has a HS diploma.

My husband is taking ESL classes and studying at a local technical school. We hope that when he finishes he can start studying something else.

I believe it's important to like what you do.

[BUHOK 0]

I had an associate degree in computer science and on the top of it I also completed a Bachelors in elementary education (license ) in my country but when I came here I had to start from scratch then move up the ladder. When I came here in the US I could have teach children all I have to do is to pass the exam and get license but I didn't want to do that, I don't feel like teaching. I would like to get a job in IS that's what I'm working on now. Tell him to start somewhere, think what he really want " career wise" and go for it!It may take a while to get what he want. Best of Luck.

[JVKn'CVO 11]

Hello everyone,

I'm hoping that people can give me some advice on good careers (not jobs) for new immigrants. Since my husband got here he's been working in a warehouse and in a kitchen. His English is much better and right now he's considering his career options. He doesn't have any high education but does speak 4 languages. He doesn't want to go back to school for a long time or spend a lot of money. I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas for us? Some things we've considered are something in the medical field (like an ultrasound technician) or in hospitality (getting an associates in Hotel Management). Anyone have good ideas for new careers for immigrants? Any personal experience with getting an degree or certificate?

Also, did any immigrants find it helped to get a GED? My husband finished high school in Algeria but I'm not sure if its worth the time and effort to get a GED over here and if it will help when applying for jobs that require "HS diploma or equivalency."

Thanks a lot for any advice you can give. Best of luck to all of you

Chris

I would not (and did not) go for a GED. My High school and college experience transfered over without any problem (does he have his certificate with him?)

He could do an associate + a short certificate (12 weeks) sort of thing on the field of his choice. There are many associates programs at community colleges that make it affordable, and it would open new doors for him.

Good luck!

Saludos,

Caro

Edited October 20, 2008 by JVKn'CVO

[wifetobe 2]

You said he speaks 4 languages - how about applying anywhere and everywhere for a translator?

[ROZA 0]

Good Topic.

My husband has bachelors in IT and some certification from Cisco he has 9 years of experience in computer network field but he is still looking for a suitable job.

All wee can do is HOPE.

[akdiver 3]

He doesn't have any high education but does speak 4 languages. He doesn't want to go back to school for a long time or spend a lot of money. I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas for us? Some things we've considered are something in the medical field (like an ultrasound technician)

Are you insane? You need a lot of education to be an ultrasound technician.

Most individuals receive training in diagnostic medical sonography in one of the following ways:

* Training in a hospital

* Training from a vocational-technical institution

* Training from a college or university offering a 2-year or 4-year program

* Training in the armed forces

In order to sit for the national certification exam given by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) you must have an associate's or bachelor's degree from an accredited program. Upon passing the exam, sonographers become registered diagnostic medical sonographers (RDMS).

Registration with ARDMS requires passing a general physical principles and instrumentation examination, in addition to passing an exam in a specialty such as obstetric and gynecologic sonography, abdominal sonography, or neurosonography.

To keep their registration current, sonographers must complete continuing education to stay abreast of technological advances related to the occupation. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) also tests and certifies medical sonographers and administers continuing education and ethics requirements for annual registration.

The one I went to was one of the most educated fellows I've run across. He had a B.S. in biochemistry and a multi-year internship and some other thing in ultrasound stuff.....