Foreign electrical engineer

[Marcello77]

Hello everyone,

I am an electrical engineer,38 years old, graduated in Italy and I worked always in my country for ten years as a project manager of electrical and technical installations. Do you think that with such a background (no US education, no Us work experiences) I can find a job as an engineer, although entry level, in United States? Thanks

 

[Marcello77]

No response?

 

[davidbeach]

Very hard to say. Unfamiliarity with the NEC and the US Building Codes would be a serious limitation. Might be a difficult sell to come in with 10 years of experience and convince an employer that you'd be happy starting over at the beginning. Folk used to the NEC and the ANSI standards find the IEC way of doing things downright weird; I'm sure it's the same the other direction too. Not only would there be a lot to learn, there'd also be a lot to unlearn.

Probably better to have a niche skill that would transfer well than being early-mid career with discipline knowledge that just doesn't travel across the pond.

 

[Marcello77]

Thanks David, this is very helpfull. Do you think it is possible to download the NEC from Internet or I have just to buy it? What about the US building code? I did not find an official national building codes adopted uniformly nationwide and I am moving to Chicago IL. Are there others codes or standards that I might consider?

I AM SURE IT IS THE SAME THE OTHER DIRECTION TOO: what do you mean?

Finally, I am applying for the Master of Energy Engineering at University of Illinois Chicago. Any advice or evaluation about this field in US?

A lot of questions, I would really appreciate your feedback, thank your very much.

 

[davidbeach]

That IEC folk will find the NEC/ANSI way of doing things weird too. A US degree will certainly help.

 

[Marcello77]

Thank you David. Someone else about the energy engineering in US?