Finding Work in the US

[jordanianprincess 0]

I think a lot of the time having a degree from an American university helps.

-C

Mine has a couple of these, and a lot of work experience, but it didn't help when we needed it most (Sept & Oct 2001) because I'd been laid off.

Yeah, I do believe that hiring practices have become less discriminatory the further America gets away from September 2001.

The Arabs and muslims who I know, who have immigrated here after Sept. 11, have had a harder time finding jobs because of their education levels and not because of their backgrounds. Most (who I know) do not have college degrees of any kind. They have to start from scratch here, learning the language and taking up a course of study.

-C

No one that I know has had a problem finding work. I know several people with Arab backgrounds, all of which have secured jobs. They are not Muslim, but I don't think that has anything to do with it unless you are wearing your religion on your sleeve I suppose.

[Bosco 1]

My husband has not had a difficult time finding work.

However, I think the fact that his only work experience in Morocco was professional made it hard rather than easier. He was given some offers that paid ridiculously low and told he didn't have the right kind of experience.

Also, online applications can be a pain when your work history is outside of the US or you have not held multiple jobs. They often require you input a State where a previous job was located, require multiple jobs in the work history, and other quirks. You cannot get to the next screen otherwise.

[~*Dorothy*~ 2]

Jamal is one of the lucky ones. He found his present job the second week after he got to NY. I think it was easy because he is a skilled carpenter and cabinet maker and speaks Spanish. His English was almost non-existent but one of the two partners who owe the shop is Egyptian and almost of the workers are Hispanic. He is pretty content with the work and is working hard on his English as he knows that once he is fluent he will be able to make much more money in his profession.

Dorothy

Edited November 27, 2006 by Lost in NY

[LaL 418]

I think a lot of the time having a degree from an American university helps.

-C

this can be true for anyone - not just arabs (not suggesting this is what you are saying). You can see many people with issues becoming employed in their fields in the *Moving to America* forum. Job experience overseas or educated overseas = to some employers.

[doodlebug 3]

When Adil was granted his OPT EAD, he had a little bit of a problem finding a place, but I think that was more so because he was only garrenteed to that company for one year.

What's an OPT EAD?

[kofuku 0]

My husband had problems finding work for the first couple of months, more so due to his English ability and understanding the application process. At his current job, he has actually recruited another Moroccan. Even though he works in Beverly Hills and runs into eccentric people, they are mostly inquisitive about him and always encouraging him he can do better (i.e. finish school, use his language skills,etc.).

[Sofiyya 1,687]

When Adil was granted his OPT EAD, he had a little bit of a problem finding a place, but I think that was more so because he was only garrenteed to that company for one year.

What's an OPT EAD?

Thank you for asking. I'm wondering too.

[jordanianprincess 0]

Employment Authorization Document, not sure what OPT is.

[jordanianprincess 0]

Employment Authorization Document, not sure what OPT is.

Optional Practical Training I love google.

[Jenn! 918]

Employment Authorization Document, not sure what OPT is.

Optional Practical Training I love google.

And I love acronyms!

[peezey 0]

Employment Authorization Document, not sure what OPT is.

Optional Practical Training I love google.

You are eligible for an OPT EAD after finishing a degree in the US, but it's only good for one year, so it's difficult to put it to use because employers don't always want to invest in you due to the length of time it's valid for.

[StupidJourney 0]

I have a friend who's husband was a teacher in Morocco, but when he came here, accepted his first job at Whataburger. He's since moved on to working at a nursing home, and plans to go to nursing school. I guess my point is that our SOs will need to be flexible in finding a job outside of their career/education field of back home, when coming here. And yes, they might have to accept something crappy for the time being, but eventually something will open up. I'm sure this person didn't think he would want to be a nurse, but that's what opportunity presented itself. I think it's important to be flexible at first.

[Delhiguy 0]

Just thought this would be an interesting topic to read since I plan to go to the States on a student visa next year.

I feel it depends a lot on the work experience etc. even though not knowing people in the business can also adversly affect the job prospects. being an operations and business deelopement manager myself, which depnds a lot on the local business style, I am guessing it would be difficult for a person like me to get a job in the US directly. But I do plan to do my MBA there, so I am sure that will help, with their placement services et all....