A Chemical Engineer... New to US

I am a chemical enigneer, new to US from Pakistan, did jobs for more than four years there in a PVC, Glass industry, (more than two and half years in PVC production industry) as a Shift in Charge. Jobs there are mostly supervisory jobs…

Now I am here as an immigrant, I’ve no idea what to do to get a job, I posted resumes to like tens of places but no body responded! Should I continue education to masters…if yes, would my degree guarentee me a job or, I mean, how much a degree is sufficient for jobs over here, or should I go towards some kinda certification? If yes then of what kind… I’ll be really appreciative if some body with the same kinda experiece or any body tell me…thanks very much!

Re: A Chemical Engineer… New to US

Advanced degrees are very much beneficial, more so for those who didn’t do undergrad from here. I would suggest going for a masters degree to increase your marketability.
Good luck :k:

nemogia,

you've indicated that you've posted your résumé on numerous "places" - I'm assuming you're talking about job boards and such? or also sent résumés directly to companies? can you elaborate.

also, what type of proactive job search activities are you pursuing? have you contacted local/regional engineer associations?, attended networking events? etc.

Very often, new immigrants only pursue reactive job searches by posting or sending their CVs to places, but don't engage in personally interacting with individuals who may be able to help them. Make sure you don't do so. Even if you're planning to pursue a graduate degree, interacting with industry professionals will help you understand the needs of the industry, and the potential for various programs and qualifications.

In terms of further training, it can certainly be beneficial, but you need to consider whether a Master's degree will land you a job (since that's your primary objective). Very often, if a job is your ultimate concern, a couple of certificate courses can also help get the foot in the door. You should be able to find some short programs that are aligned with your experience and interests. Again, make sure the program you choose is reputable and industry recognized, ideally, with co-op / internship opportunities and/or job search help. Community college programs are especially suited to short-term objectives for landing jobs. Once you get your foot in the door, you can look into graduate programs based on what you find out through on-the-job interactions with colleagues and other industy professionals.

Re: A Chemical Engineer... New to US

1) you need to send your resumes directly to companies that have openings. write a cover letter specific to that job/company.

I've never posted my resume to job boards (I assume monster etc). so, maybe it does work... but I think the more effective way is to look at job postings at companies and apply to them with a tailored resume/cover letter rather than posting a generic resume on a job board.

2) I'm not sure how the US system works. but you should try to find the regulatory bodies that run the licensing/registration stuff for engineers in your area. they should be able to help you more or tell you steps that you need to take to get your credentials recognized.

3) Umar bhai is right. you might find the best way is to take a diploma/certificate course at a community college as a bridge.

Re: A Chemical Engineer... New to US

Yeah I tried active as well as reactive searches... yeah sure I'll put more emphasis on active, companies oriented searches now!

Nops...not yet looked for any such assosiation.

I was gonna go for MS anyways but somebody, who is actually a doctor told me that I should go for some state kinda certification...

Thanks everybody, yahooo, samb and Umar for such detailed replies and help!!!

Re: A Chemical Engineer… New to US

MS degree will not neccessarily guarantee you a job, it will be a big expense too. So try to see if you can land a job first. Since you’re new here, as was suggested earlier, try to attend volunteer group meetings/associations. I am not sure which state you live in, but in NY there are many. Just look up your area and groups on Do something, Learn something, Share something, Change something - Meetup.com. Thats a good social networking site where many groups advertise their meetings. Try also posting your profile on linkedin.com and adding as many people as you can to increase your network. Then lookup at jobs on linkedin.com and see who in your network can help you get that job…I dont know if there are chemical enigneer recruiting firms out there, but google them too. In IT, all the good jobs are mostly with recruiters. Responding to job boards is good but does not always guarantee a response. I would suggest craigslist.org for jobs as well. I’ve gotten more interviews from postings on Craigslist than from monster/dice/careerbuilder/hotjobs. Community college program/certificates are also good start to get in the door and also establish communication/networking with professionals from your field.