How do you build your working expereince in the US?

[sherry0201 0]

I came to the US in June 08 and married my husband. I got my EAD in Nov. It was really hard for me to find a job because I had never worked in the US except a campus job when I went to college here.

I did not have professional references.

Now, I got a job for a hotel. It is not the best job I can get, but I am being a hostess at a restaurant in the hotel and do some customer service. I get a lot of Japanese guests.

I feel horrible for doing this job with my education, but you know, I had to start from somewhere. I have been working for the company for about two months now. I have no idea how long I will be here, but I am trying to get some good references. Am I doing the right thing? It is the most well known resort company.

I feel that I cannot see my future. It is so dark and depressing. I make such a little amount of money. And sometimes I am not sure what I am doing right now will take me to a better job.

[paul. 0]

Not knowing what field your education is in, I can't help you with specifics.

I am in the same situation though, I was a military Pilot and in England, that would be seen as a good job and would help me to get a step up the ladder in the aviation world on retirement. Here in the US however, I was a member of a foreign military and even though we're an allied nation, it isn't as easy to get on that ladder as most people would think. So I am just doing odd-jobs in the sector I seek employment, rather than odd jobs outside of it. I reckon that sooner or later, people will see my skill, people will trust me and with some faith, that will get me employment in my old job.

Good luck to you, don't get yourself down about things too much and remember to try and do something specific to your education, no matter how lowly the job may feel. If you have the skill, the job will follow! Usually it's not what you know, it's who you know, so remaining "in sector" is very important.

[Sandrila 1]

i told my husband to take whatever he could find

it may take alot of applications but you can get something, anything

work for like 6 months and move on if you dont like it or it isnt enough pay

that little bit of time is a base to start with

[Chica Yeyé 41]

you are doing the right thing girl. do a great job; network with your guests, etc. it will get better, you'll see

[sherry0201 0]

Thank you so much. I have been depressed by taking this job. The company hired me as a full time and they rarely give me a shift. and I make such a little amount of money and I feel like I am useless.

I do not want to depend on my husband. I got my degree and now all I need is experience.

I hope that things will get better soon.

What did you do when you first came to the US? I know it is so hard for immigrants to get a job.

[kaffy 2]

1. Gain in the favor of your supervisor/boss - consistently perform well at your job so that your supervisor sees you as a person that's reliable, hard working, etc. This will guarantee that you get a good reference from them when the time comes and you start looking for a new job.

2. Always be open to learning new things. Once you are fully trained in your position and feel comfortable that you are doing it well, ask if you can be cross-trained in other roles, etc

3. Let your bosses know (in as subtle way as possible) that you are interested in building your career. I did this at my 3 month performance review just the other week. I met with my supervisor, she gave me an excellent review and we talked about how my 3 months in the department have been. She then asked if I had anything I wanted to bring up, and I brought up the fact that I have been observing the various options in our department and that I was interested in possibly moving into such and such a position. I said that I was aware this required further study in order to gain certification but that it was something I could do well at. To be honest, I'm only still considering that position (along with a few others) and I'm not 100% certain it's right for me, but I felt it was important to get it out there. And I'm glad I did because my supervisor and I talked a lot more about it and as it turns out, with my degree I may be eligible for a fast track 9 month certification program (as opposed to the usual 2 years). And tomorrow I'm meeting with our director to discuss this further. Had I not spoken up, I would not know any of this. So yeah, I think it's really important to show them that you are ambitious and are interested in upward movement.

4. And most importantly of all - network, network, network!

[Rocky_nBullwinkle 6]

I came to the US in June 08 and married my husband. I got my EAD in Nov. It was really hard for me to find a job because I had never worked in the US except a campus job when I went to college here.

I did not have professional references.

Now, I got a job for a hotel. It is not the best job I can get, but I am being a hostess at a restaurant in the hotel and do some customer service. I get a lot of Japanese guests.

I feel horrible for doing this job with my education, but you know, I had to start from somewhere. I have been working for the company for about two months now. I have no idea how long I will be here, but I am trying to get some good references. Am I doing the right thing? It is the most well known resort company.

I feel that I cannot see my future. It is so dark and depressing. I make such a little amount of money. And sometimes I am not sure what I am doing right now will take me to a better job.

You will find that most immigrants have had the same experiences you are having right now. There are lots of immigrants with advanced degrees in their own county doing menial jobs here, and they never do any better. Other immigrants become quite successful.

Work experience is important, and that is what you are doing now. Employers want employees that show up, show up on time, and don't have unexpected absences. If you can show you kept the same job for a while, I would say at least a year, with steady advancement, that is what employers are looking for. Keep increasing your resume.

Next is good job skills, including the ability to communicate with your superiors, and with clients. If English is difficult for you, or if it is hard for people to understand you, then take an ESL course to bring your English up to speed.

Once you have accomplished those goals, it is time to convert your experience and education from your home country into marketable skills here. Sorry, but this means more education! If there is a certificate you need here, then get the certificate. Degrees in foreign countries may not be recognized here, so consider going through the same degree program here to obtain a US degree. You can challenge many of the courses, and discuss with department heads what requirements you have already met, and can be given credit for.

And network. Join organizations with other immigrants in similar situations. The Filipino community in the San Francisco Bay Area, for instance, has an organization that promotes Filipinos with professional degrees from the Philippines.

Lastly, don't give up! When oppurtunity comes, you want to be prepared for it. You made this far, so you can still go a little further.

Good luck,

--Bullwinkle

[SAT 9,609]

I came to the US in June 08 and married my husband. I got my EAD in Nov. It was really hard for me to find a job because I had never worked in the US except a campus job when I went to college here.

I did not have professional references.

Now, I got a job for a hotel. It is not the best job I can get, but I am being a hostess at a restaurant in the hotel and do some customer service. I get a lot of Japanese guests.

I feel horrible for doing this job with my education, but you know, I had to start from somewhere. I have been working for the company for about two months now. I have no idea how long I will be here, but I am trying to get some good references. Am I doing the right thing? It is the most well known resort company.

I feel that I cannot see my future. It is so dark and depressing. I make such a little amount of money. And sometimes I am not sure what I am doing right now will take me to a better job.

You will find that most immigrants have had the same experiences you are having right now. There are lots of immigrants with advanced degrees in their own county doing menial jobs here, and they never do any better. Other immigrants become quite successful.

Work experience is important, and that is what you are doing now. Employers want employees that show up, show up on time, and don't have unexpected absences. If you can show you kept the same job for a while, I would say at least a year, with steady advancement, that is what employers are looking for. Keep increasing your resume.

Next is good job skills, including the ability to communicate with your superiors, and with clients. If English is difficult for you, or if it is hard for people to understand you, then take an ESL course to bring your English up to speed.

Once you have accomplished those goals, it is time to convert your experience and education from your home country into marketable skills here. Sorry, but this means more education! If there is a certificate you need here, then get the certificate. Degrees in foreign countries may not be recognized here, so consider going through the same degree program here to obtain a US degree. You can challenge many of the courses, and discuss with department heads what requirements you have already met, and can be given credit for.

And network. Join organizations with other immigrants in similar situations. The Filipino community in the San Francisco Bay Area, for instance, has an organization that promotes Filipinos with professional degrees from the Philippines.

Lastly, don't give up! When oppurtunity comes, you want to be prepared for it. You made this far, so you can still go a little further.

Good luck,

--Bullwinkle

But Rock.....I was a rubber tree-taper......and there are no rubber trees in the US.......

[Rocky_nBullwinkle 6]

I thought I told you to wait in the truck.

Bullwinkle

[SAT 9,609]

I thought I told you to wait in the truck.

Bullwinkle

I was also a cocoa leaf processor.......

a Camel butcher.......

a Horse c*ck guider........

a Tibetian sherpa.....

and a Shao lin temple kung fu master.......

[tom&tata 2]

Thank you so much. I have been depressed by taking this job. The company hired me as a full time and they rarely give me a shift. and I make such a little amount of money and I feel like I am useless.

I do not want to depend on my husband. I got my degree and now all I need is experience.

I hope that things will get better soon.

What did you do when you first came to the US? I know it is so hard for immigrants to get a job.

Like it or not you might have to depend on your husband. Yes, you got a degree but with the economy like this, a lot of people are out of work even the ones with experience & degree. You are gaining experience with your job - this will become valuable when the job market improves. Network is important & maintain good relationship with boss or co-worker. You might need their reference when you are applying for other job.

If you think a US degree is important, work towards that. Or try to get some certification. I am in accounting/finance and this year I want to work on getting mngt accountant certification myself.

Good luck & hang in there!

[rheanick 42]

1. Gain in the favor of your supervisor/boss - consistently perform well at your job so that your supervisor sees you as a person that's reliable, hard working, etc. This will guarantee that you get a good reference from them when the time comes and you start looking for a new job.

2. Always be open to learning new things. Once you are fully trained in your position and feel comfortable that you are doing it well, ask if you can be cross-trained in other roles, etc

3. Let your bosses know (in as subtle way as possible) that you are interested in building your career. I did this at my 3 month performance review just the other week. I met with my supervisor, she gave me an excellent review and we talked about how my 3 months in the department have been. She then asked if I had anything I wanted to bring up, and I brought up the fact that I have been observing the various options in our department and that I was interested in possibly moving into such and such a position. I said that I was aware this required further study in order to gain certification but that it was something I could do well at. To be honest, I'm only still considering that position (along with a few others) and I'm not 100% certain it's right for me, but I felt it was important to get it out there. And I'm glad I did because my supervisor and I talked a lot more about it and as it turns out, with my degree I may be eligible for a fast track 9 month certification program (as opposed to the usual 2 years). And tomorrow I'm meeting with our director to discuss this further. Had I not spoken up, I would not know any of this. So yeah, I think it's really important to show them that you are ambitious and are interested in upward movement.

4. And most importantly of all - network, network, network!

Agree

[sherry0201 0]

I can totally understand everyone! It is just really hard to get a job right now.

I really appreciate everyone's comment.