Alleviating some fears

[S-C 21]

Hello all,

Before I start off, I know there are numerous topics on this issue, however I don't feel like any of them are what I am looking for.

I am an Australian, currently working in London. I'm 30 years old, have a Bachelor of Economics from University of Queensland. I worked for seven years with Queensland Treasury and Trade (the State Treasury Department), as a Treasury Analyst, which entailed a multitude of different focuses (Policy, financial monitoring, financial analysis, project analysis, etc), which involved significant client interaction and management.

I moved to London last January, and have been working with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (the largest professional healthcare regulator in the world) as a Senior Policy Officer since.

I can obviously speak English fluently, have significant experience and I work well in a team while be autonomous. My question is based on people with similar experience (not in my field, but just work experience), was it difficult to get work? Is the lack of US experience a large hindrance?

My fiancee is freaking out thinking I won't be able to find work for months and months on end. Also I would like to have a realistic idea of how hard it will be to find employment. I know different states and cities all pose different circumstances, I am just looking for a general idea of how hard it was to find work. We will be living in town with approx 200,000 people, but may move if need be.

[JRF 117]

I don't believe you'll have much difficulty finding a good job, although where you live obviously makes a difference. Your education and work experience are both valuable. The ability to speak and write clearly are also a competitive advantage (a shocking number of younger people seem to struggle with writing and speaking...perhaps too much texting?). I suggest you establish a profile and network on Linked In, explore work for a consultancy or temporary agency while gaining contacts within the US, all the while mapping out your new career objectives and path here in the US.

I interview a lot of people in an analytical field (Insurance) and all have somewhat similar backgrounds. I live in Los Angeles, and qualified people have plenty of employment options. Your profile states Hattiesburg, MS. This is a smaller town, obviously, and your options may be more limited.

Best of luck in your new life, although it seems you'll do just fine!

[visaqueries 111]

My next door neighbor just moved to Hattiesburg with her husband. He actually moved for a job there (doctor). She says the town really seems to be progressive and growing. Hopefully if you stay in Hattiesburg finding work will not take too long! As for your experience, it sounds like you won't have too many difficulties either. Best of luck!

[S-C 21]

Thanks guys! Helps a lot!

My next door neighbor just moved to Hattiesburg with her husband. He actually moved for a job there (doctor). She says the town really seems to be progressive and growing. Hopefully if you stay in Hattiesburg finding work will not take too long! As for your experience, it sounds like you won't have too many difficulties either. Best of luck!

It really does seem to be coming along. Even since my first trip in February last year it has grown.

I don't believe you'll have much difficulty finding a good job, although where you live obviously makes a difference. Your education and work experience are both valuable. The ability to speak and write clearly are also a competitive advantage (a shocking number of younger people seem to struggle with writing and speaking...perhaps too much texting?). I suggest you establish a profile and network on Linked In, explore work for a consultancy or temporary agency while gaining contacts within the US, all the while mapping out your new career objectives and path here in the US.

I interview a lot of people in an analytical field (Insurance) and all have somewhat similar backgrounds. I live in Los Angeles, and qualified people have plenty of employment options. Your profile states Hattiesburg, MS. This is a smaller town, obviously, and your options may be more limited.

Best of luck in your new life, although it seems you'll do just fine!

I have a LinkedIn profile already with all my contacts from both Australia and London, so hopefully that will help. I write a lot of briefs, consultation documents and policies, so communicating isn't a problem. Or maybe it is, depending on how you feel about consultation documents I am not expecting a policy job or anything, given that Hattiesburg isn't that kind of town, but I think I can get into banking or something similar there.

[JRF 117]

Thanks guys! Helps a lot!

It really does seem to be coming along. Even since my first trip in February last year it has grown.

I have a LinkedIn profile already with all my contacts from both Australia and London, so hopefully that will help. I write a lot of briefs, consultation documents and policies, so communicating isn't a problem. Or maybe it is, depending on how you feel about consultation documents I am not expecting a policy job or anything, given that Hattiesburg isn't that kind of town, but I think I can get into banking or something similar there.

I believe Hattiesburg is not far from Biloxi (Keesler AFB). That said, my knowledge of US geography has atrophied since I moved to Southern California. In the event it doesn't really matter where you live, if your professional network is sound. Consulting and contract work can be performed remotely, particularly if you are creating policy documents, etc. You might consider checking out lobbying firms, particularly economic development work for the state of Mississippi?

About the only other advice I have is to get ready to sweat a little. The weather in Southern MS is a bit different than London. I'm spoiled in LA!

[S-C 21]

I believe Hattiesburg is not far from Biloxi (Keesler AFB). That said, my knowledge of US geography has atrophied since I moved to Southern California. In the event it doesn't really matter where you live, if your professional network is sound. Consulting and contract work can be performed remotely, particularly if you are creating policy documents, etc. You might consider checking out lobbying firms, particularly economic development work for the state of Mississippi?

About the only other advice I have is to get ready to sweat a little. The weather in Southern MS is a bit different than London. I'm spoiled in LA!

It's about a 2 hour drive. We are looking at Gulfport as well. The weather isn't an issue. I'm from Australia, we know all about heat and humidity haha

[luckytxn 2,263]

I wanted to suggest for you to look toward the Houston, Tx area. Right now it is booming there and if any want to work they will work. If anything just check it out. In your area Gulfport to Mobile is a thriving area now. In fact most of the Gulf coast is doing well. Good time t start looking and get work. Yes it is harder to find work being foreigner but it shouldn't take as long as other areas of the country.