starting to work after EAD is received.

[Manchester 2]

Hi everyone,

I am expecting to get my work authorization soon. As this whole process was kind of unexpected, I didn't even think about how I should start to work and more importantly, what. I have a master degree, acquired in Hungary, Central Europe (EU country) in English studies. I studied American and British literature in the BA programme and linguistics in the MA.

I guess, employers won't accept my degree as it is. Who do you guys think I should turn to? Is there an agency or should I just turn to colleges and ask them? (I assume they will argue based on their preference)

I really want to start to work because it is kind of uneasy that my wife has to support me financially. I just don't really know the first step. Thanks for the answers.

Edited December 18, 2014 by Manchester

[nitsirk7562 82]

Are you not sure what jobs you're qualified for? What did you do back in Hungary? What is your goal, or ideal career? These are questions VJ can't answer for you.

If you want to teach at a college, a PhD is probably preferred, depending on the program. If pursuing higher education is not an option for you, try applying for jobs that interest you that you're qualified for.

Sure, there are agencies that can help you find opportunities, but the best first step is just start applying to jobs that interest you. Make sure your resume is "Americanized" and good luck on your job search

[Manchester 2]

Thanks for your answer. No, I am not. I mean if the requirements described in a job offer meet my qualification, then of course I am. I guess my ideal career meets what I have studied, teaching English, ESL or anything that I could comfortably have, somewhat related to my field. I worked in a language school, but that only was a part time job because I didn't graduate too long ago. I definitely don't want to teach at a college level. This is my point that I don't know what I am qualified for. Will an average employer know what my degree is worth? I will just show up a European diploma and I'm eligible to teach, especially at a state job? I really don't think so. Thanks anyway.

[TBoneTX 45,571]

*** Thread moved from main AOS/Family-Based forum to the Finding Work in America forum. ***

[nitsirk7562 82]

To teach in New York state (in the public schools) you have to be certified. You need an education degree and to take certification tests. So yes, you're right, your European diploma will not cut it for a public school. You'd need to get certified.

You could pursue private schools. They typically let teachers with no certification teach if they feel they are qualified. That being said, they don't pay well (expect to start at 25-30k). Looks like you're in NYC- this is probably a low salary estimate in that case. You have limited experience, but that's ok. This isn't impossible, you just really have to sell yourself. It's a good place to start looking!

An employer will evaluate you like they would any American-- you are educated, even if your degrees weren't from the US. They will value your education and if they don't, you don't want to work for them anyway! If education is your goal, go for it. Start with private schools. You could start your own tutoring service as well to get some more experience under your belt. Volunteering would be a great way to do this too.

It's hard to say what you're qualified for because your degrees are very liberal artsy- this isn't necessarily a bad thing. You're just going to have to get on monster and indeed.com and type in your degrees!

Finding a job IS a job. Personally, I looked for 3 months and had 11 interviews before I was hired. Don't get discouraged, you will find something!

Thanks for your answer. No, I am not. I mean if the requirements described in a job offer meet my qualification, then of course I am. I guess my ideal career meets what I have studied, teaching English, ESL or anything that I could comfortably have, somewhat related to my field. I worked in a language school, but that only was a part time job because I didn't graduate too long ago. I definitely don't want to teach at a college level. This is my point that I don't know what I am qualified for. Will an average employer know what my degree is worth? I will just show up a European diploma and I'm eligible to teach, especially at a state job? I really don't think so. Thanks anyway.

[Manchester 2]

Thank you so much for your reply. I think you perfectly answered all my questions and it encouraged me.

[nitsirk7562 82]

Glad to help! Best of luck

Thank you so much for your reply. I think you perfectly answered all my questions and it encouraged me.

[Manchester 2]

Oh, and one more thing. 25-30k seems to be really low with a master degree. However, if I don't have a certified degree, it may be understandable. Money is one of the most uncomfortable topics in America so maybe it's better to ask about it on a site, anonymously. How much do you think I can expect once I become a certified teacher, or an ESL teacher? Since I heard about many people making 800-1000 a week, living and working undocumented, I would expect at least 45-50k a year, with a full-time job. And it's hardly more than that. Is it reasonable in NYC with a diploma like mine? Because if not, I might need to study something new here. lol

[nitsirk7562 82]

Yes, its very low (certified or not) because private school teachers aren't protected by the union. I live upstate, so it's a bit different here. My friend is a private school teacher and she makes around 32,000. Another friend makes 22,000. It really depends on the school. I think in NYC, cost of living would have to be a factor and this would be higher.

Sure, money can be kind of uncomfortable to talk about in America, but public teacher salaries are actually accessible information. Because they're public, their salaries are listed online If you google it, you can actually see what every public school teacher makes in New York! Crazy right My mom hates that.

New York City is different than upstate, so I looked here:

http://schools.nyc.gov/TeachNYC/salary/default.htm

Hope that helps 50k is reasonable in NYC with your education

Oh, and one more thing. 25-30k seems to be really low with a master degree. However, if I don't have a certified degree, it may be understandable. Money is one of the most uncomfortable topics in America so maybe it's better to ask about it on a site, anonymously. How much do you think I can expect once I become a certified teacher, or an ESL teacher? Since I heard about many people making 800-1000 a week, living and working undocumented, I would expect at least 45-50k a year, with a full-time job. And it's hardly more than that. Is it reasonable in NYC with a diploma like mine? Because if not, I might need to study something new here. lol

[Manchester 2]

Thanks so much again. Once I make at least 50, I don't even care if they make it public.

[JPRP 1]

Hi,

You need the evaluation of your studies so they can tell you what your studies equivalent here and you can show that report to a possible employeer.

This is the website: https://www.ece.org/

But the way I have a friend who is a highschool teacher with a bachelor in engineering. I hope that help you