Will my education matter when I apply for jobs in the US?

[oliviaalexandra88 9]

I was wondering if the equivalent of my college education is not the same as what the employers are looking for when I search for jobs in the US? I am currently working online as a writer, graphic & web designer, teacher and video editor - i am going to continue that when I get to the US while waiting for my EAD and also to help fiance because I don't want to be a financial burden to him even though it's unnecessary. When I receive my EAD, I would like to apply for jobs so i can be more helpful and I wanted to know if it's possible for me to apply in offices? I am hesitant as my bachelor's degree may not be of the same caliber as the bachelor's degree in the US. Do I have to go back to school again?

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

If your portfolio is impressive, an employer might overlook your education but it is always best to get US education to backup your credentials.

Lots of foreigners with good degrees (not-STEM) have ended up working at Walmart among others. Get some certifications and polish your portfolio.

[Greenbaum 12,258]

Your personality, your character and your education will be what your future employer will be interested. Since you are in the visual arts, I imagine you have a portfolio of your work, or if in need to could create one while waiting for your EAD, then having that to show a perspective employer will have the largest impact. I feel the future employer will look beyond the comparisons of your degree with a US degree. Just be confident and show them your great work and I think you will just as good a shot at the open position as a USC does.

Good luck

[DeAnna and Jorge 7]

You can have your degree certified here. There are a few different agencies, that will evaluate all your credits and schooling from your schooling in your home country and will certify your degree here. Then when you go to job interviews, you can let them know that your degree has been certified as equivalent to a degree here in the U.S. I think it costs between 300 -500 to have it certified. Make sure you have all the documents showing the classes, grades and degree you received, when you come here. Here that would be your official transcripts. I am not sure what that is called in your country. Good luck!

[oliviaalexandra88 9]

If your portfolio is impressive, an employer might overlook your education but it is always best to get US education to backup your credentials.

Lots of foreigners with good degrees (not-STEM) have ended up working at Walmart among others. Get some certifications and polish your portfolio.

Your personality, your character and your education will be what your future employer will be interested. Since you are in the visual arts, I imagine you have a portfolio of your work, or if in need to could create one while waiting for your EAD, then having that to show a perspective employer will have the largest impact. I feel the future employer will look beyond the comparisons of your degree with a US degree. Just be confident and show them your great work and I think you will just as good a shot at the open position as a USC does.

Good luck

You can have your degree certified here. There are a few different agencies, that will evaluate all your credits and schooling from your schooling in your home country and will certify your degree here. Then when you go to job interviews, you can let them know that your degree has been certified as equivalent to a degree here in the U.S. I think it costs between 300 -500 to have it certified. Make sure you have all the documents showing the classes, grades and degree you received, when you come here. Here that would be your official transcripts. I am not sure what that is called in your country. Good luck!

Thank you all for your very helpful advice This'll help me a lot in preparing myself when I get there.

[Pythos1 24]

DeAnna and Jorge, in the Philippines, they call it a Transcript of Record (TOR), which is a bit of redundancy, but there it is.

When my former sister-in-law emigrated to the US from the Czech Republic, she had to attend US college to add credits to her record so she could become an RN in the US, like was her job in Prague. She did not have to redo all her college, but she had to add coursework to her college credentials. But other fields of study may likely not have that issue.

[ejk 0]

Base on my experience I would say it depends on how long your experience is in that type of job. If you have enough years then that's all you really need. You just need to show them your skills and how competent you are in your job. Since you're a graphic and web designer I'm quite sure you have a portfolio that you can show.

In my case, I work here in the US as a Sr Software Engr. which is the same position I was when I'm in PH. I graduated in PH with Bachelors degree in Computer Eng. and have 10 yrs experience in software development. When I move here I was never ask about what my college degree was. My interview was all based on my job experience, past projects, skills and competency. I also do interviews for applicants in our team and we seldom look into a candidates degree. Unless they're fresh grads. Of course I'm can only speak for my experience in the IT field. I'm sure it might be different if you're in other fields like Medical or Education where licenses are required. Now I wouldn't say I was not totally discriminated because I really had to negotiate for my compensation. Being from PH employers will tend to offer you a lower salary so it'll depend on you if you'll accept it just so you can transition here right away or fought for what you think you deserve. In my case, I re-negotiated and meet them half way. If you do your job really well, excel in it and show how you are an asset to the company they will eventually see your worth and will make adjustment. Hope this helps and good luck to you.

Edited December 12, 2015 by ejk

[oliviaalexandra88 9]

Base on my experience I would say it depends on how long your experience is in that type of job. If you have enough years then that's all you really need. You just need to show them your skills and how competent you are in your job. Since you're a graphic and web designer I'm quite sure you have a portfolio that you can show.

In my case, I work here in the US as a Sr Software Engr. which is the same position I was when I'm in PH. I graduated in PH with Bachelors degree in Computer Eng. and have 10 yrs experience in software development. When I move here I was never ask about what my college degree was. My interview was all based on my job experience, past projects, skills and competency. I also do interviews for applicants in our team and we seldom look into a candidates degree. Unless they're fresh grads. Of course I'm can only speak for my experience in the IT field. I'm sure it might be different if you're in other fields like Medical or Education where licenses are required. Now I wouldn't say I was not totally discriminated because I really had to negotiate for my compensation. Being from PH employers will tend to offer you a lower salary so it'll depend on you if you'll accept it just so you can transition here right away or fought for what you think you deserve. In my case, I re-negotiated and meet them half way. If you do your job really well, excel in it and show how you are an asset to the company they will eventually see your worth and will make adjustment. Hope this helps and good luck to you.

I see. Thanks for the enlightening comment. I'd really wish that they'd base it on experience, but then all in all - I've had more experience in writing and teaching because I just recently expanded my skills in graphic and web design. Whatever works

[Stevephoto 224]

I am currently working online as a writer, graphic & web designer, teacher and video editor - i am going to continue that when I get to the US while waiting for my EAD...

I wish you well, but I don't think you can work in the US--even if it is online--until you have the EAD. Others please correct me if I am wrong. OP--good luck in your journey.

[KHnTX 4]

I wouldn't think she would have an issue working online with her current employer when she gets here since the EAD is required for U.S. employers reporting to the IRS. She would need to check with the IRS and see if she would need to file as a resident alien with income earned abroad. https://www.irs.gov/uac/About-Publication-54this site may have the answer to that.

Edited December 13, 2015 by KHnTX