getting a job with present qualifications or pursuing MS

[CHS11]

Hi everyone....

I recently shifted to Arizona after my marriage. I did my M.Tech in structural engineering from a reputed college in India and have very less work experience (6 months). I would like to know its possible for me to get a job as structural engineer in US. If not what other opportunities do I have? Also I heard about ASU offering MS in construction management. Which will be better for my future? Trying to get a job with my present qualifications or going for MS in construction management.

 

[structSU10]

construction management and structural engineering are two different animals really. Your previous work experience, was it as a structural engineer? Did you like it? Did you have exposure to construction management? Did you like that? Basically you should choose whatever career path you like best first. If you like structural, then see what you can get (it may take a while to find something), but if you are more inclined to try construction management then go for it - you probably don't even need to get an MS for it before trying to get a job.

 

[CHS11]

Thank you for your reply. I worked as a structural engineer. But as I was a fresher i didnt get to work in core structural engineering field. And also am new to construction management. But i doubt if i will get any good job with my degree from India that too with very less work experience. When I search for jobs online they ask for work experience.

And also I was thinking a construction management degree will add value and help in the long run.

 

[Panther140]

CHS11, I am not sure what things are like in India regarding job openings, but the requirements for the jobs are loosely followed here in the U.S. If a job posting says that the job requires 5 years of experience, you could/would still be seriously considered as a candidate, even if you had just graduated the day before applying.

Nearly every job posting is going to say you need work experience. Work with what you have and point out any cross-competencies that you have from your work experience. Arizona is a relatively good state to do it in.

Regarding your degree from india, that will be valued differently for each job. I think the general perception of India's educational system is that of respect.

I would suggest you make your decision after giving a job-search some serious effort. Getting a good job is not an easy task. I think many people are discouraged by it and are scared back into the alternative security that is found in school.

You probably have some very unique experiences and perspectives from your education in India. At my company, a high percentage of our engineering team is from India. The ones that I work with regularly are very intelligent and India is known to supply a lot of talent in Engineering. In my area, there is definitely a positive perception of India's educational system.

"Formal education is a weapon, whose effect depends on who holds it in his hands and at whom it is aimed." ~ Joseph Stalin

 

[CHS11]

thank you for replying