Working abroad

[UkMister]

Hi,

I'm interested in working abroad for a while. I live and work in the UK and I'm 33 years old.
I have about 5 years experience in a technical role working with Windows NT, 2000, Novell, Exchange 5.5 & 2000. I have a BSC in computer studies but have no Microsoft qualifications.
I would particularly like to spend some time in the United States. I think that it would really help my career to gain a bit of international employment experience.
My question is How difficult is it for a UK resident to secure employment in the States (or any other country) on a temporary basis. I'm looking for 1 or 2 years ideally. What would I have to do?

 

[needcoffee]

The first step would be finding an employer in the US who is willing to sponsor your work visa. It will not be easy to find a sys admin position in the US who is willing to do this. (Don't be discouraged by this comment, I have no idea what your work history and talents are.) I would start with companies who have offices in the UK and US as the will be familiar with all of the legal forms and processes that must be completed. Make sure any position you are applying for does not have a residency requirement.

Most of all, keep at it. Pound on what ever doors you can find.

Best of luck!
needcoffee

 

[JeremyNYC]

Forget the US, go live in the capital of some developing nation. You'll be able to get a plum job, live better than you possibly could at home, and learn a ton just from living your every day life.

I did a three-month stint in Harare, Zimbabwe, working for an HIV/AIDS research center, and it was brilliant experience, both professionaly and personally.

Plus, it's very hard to get a tech job in the US if you're not from here. Much easier in other places around the world.

Jeremy

==
Jeremy Wallace
AlphaBet City Dataworks

http://www.ABCDataworks.com

Affordable Development, Professionally Done

Please post in the appropriate forum with a descriptive subject; code and SQL, if referenced; and expected results. See thread181-473997 for more pointers.

 

[UkMister]

Thanks for this Jeremy. I mentioned the US because I enjoyed my time there when I finished my degree. I would certainly consider other places. Haven't really considered developing nations though I have to say. Any tips on where I should look or how I should go about applying for positions? Not too sure if I fancy Zimbabwe though, what with all the troubles there.

 

[JeremyNYC]

Yeah, Harare's a mess right now. Check idealist.org for international non-profit jobs--you'll still make enough money to live a good life, I promise. Just spin the globe, see where you end up. It's good or ya.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that what we in the outside world hear is always far worse than what's going on in a developing country. When I was in Zimbabwe the stories coming out of there were almost as bad as they are now, but I would ahve had to actively seek out trouble to get into any.

Jeremy

==
Jeremy Wallace
AlphaBet City Dataworks

http://www.ABCDataworks.com

Affordable Development, Professionally Done

Please post in the appropriate forum with a descriptive subject; code and SQL, if referenced; and expected results. See thread181-473997 for more pointers.