Academic Evaluation in US

[gil-n-joy 1]

To increase my chances of getting employed in my field here in US, I am currently exploring getting evaluation of my accreditations from back home in the Philippines. (I'm a civil engineering graduate from the University of the Philippines with some masters degree courses taken from same university and 8 years of work experience)

I had first thought of GED tests so I can at least get whatever kind of job any high school graduate here can get (which I am sure I can attain given the exam samples available & my sheer guts..hehe)..

But then somebody advised me that I can get accredited evaluation of my academic degree & experiences from NACES institutions and translate them to US standards.

For that, can anybody here advise (1) which types of academic and skills evaluation would work best for employment purposes, (2) which institutions among the NACES members u may have had experience with, and (3) generally if this process is helpful at all in improving your career growth here in US.

Thanks so much again.

Edited June 29, 2009 by giL & joy

[What Happened? 4]

The person that advised you to get a degree evaluation is correct. Employers will need to know that your foreign degree is equivalent to a degree in the US. You can do a search on the internet for foreign degree evaluations and you will find agencies that provide services. You will then need to find out what the requirements are in the state you plan to live in for licencing if required at all. http://www.wes.org/ is one company that does degree evaluations

For basic jobs it would be better for you to obtain proof of high school graduation than to take the GED. Many companies will not hire even with a GED they like to see that you actually graduated from High School.

Best Wishes.

[DouglasFiel 53]

To increase my chances of getting employed in my field here in US, I am currently exploring getting evaluation of my accreditations from back home in the Philippines. (I'm a civil engineering graduate from the University of the Philippines with some masters degree courses taken from same university and 8 years of work experience)

I had first thought of GED tests so I can at least get whatever kind of job any high school graduate here can get (which I am sure I can attain given the exam samples available & my sheer guts..hehe)..

But then somebody advised me that I can get accredited evaluation of my academic degree & experiences from NACES institutions and translate them to US standards.

For that, can anybody here advise (1) which types of academic and skills evaluation would work best for employment purposes, (2) which institutions among the NACES members u may have had experience with, and (3) generally if this process is helpful at all in improving your career growth here in US.

Thanks so much again.

I would say it all depends... If you need validation of your education for a license or certification to practice your profession it will be needed. If you will be working for a goverment entity probably,,, If you are working for a private enterprise they could probably

care less as the will notice you have a degree and then focus on 8 years of experience,,, I have hired two Filipinos in the computer

sector.... I was more interested in what they did in the last 4 years then the 4 years of college 12 years ago.

Just my two centavos,

[gil-n-joy 1]

To increase my chances of getting employed in my field here in US, I am currently exploring getting evaluation of my accreditations from back home in the Philippines. (I'm a civil engineering graduate from the University of the Philippines with some masters degree courses taken from same university and 8 years of work experience)

I had first thought of GED tests so I can at least get whatever kind of job any high school graduate here can get (which I am sure I can attain given the exam samples available & my sheer guts..hehe)..

But then somebody advised me that I can get accredited evaluation of my academic degree & experiences from NACES institutions and translate them to US standards.

For that, can anybody here advise (1) which types of academic and skills evaluation would work best for employment purposes, (2) which institutions among the NACES members u may have had experience with, and (3) generally if this process is helpful at all in improving your career growth here in US.

Thanks so much again.

I would say it all depends... If you need validation of your education for a license or certification to practice your profession it will be needed. If you will be working for a goverment entity probably,,, If you are working for a private enterprise they could probably

care less as the will notice you have a degree and then focus on 8 years of experience,,, I have hired two Filipinos in the computer

sector.... I was more interested in what they did in the last 4 years then the 4 years of college 12 years ago.

Just my two centavos,

Thanks. That's a valuable advice from a private employer, and I hope I get lucky to find employers who would value my experience the same way.

I am, however, eyeing both government and companies that work for government projects (infra projects for instance). And I noticed that their list of qualifications mostly require certifications, licensures, etc. Thus, my interest in getting my academic credentials evaluated and acquiring US licensure.

I am not sure though if it is my lack of those credentials that I am not getting calls or it's because of the recession.

Edited June 30, 2009 by giL & joy