colin
Are there better job opportunities outside or inside the United States?
I want to be an engineer and need to determine if working inside America or outside would be a better prospect #mechanical-engineering #civil-engineering
2 answers
Glenn A
Glenn’s Answer
Great question, but not a straight forward answer. There are opportunities that are global. But it is easier to get a job where you are qualified to work without a visa. The US has a lot of opportunities and we don't have enough engineers to fill all of the jobs. This is why large corporations are bringing in so many technical workers from over seas. There are challenges in working outside the US with the cultural difference and language. If you are bi-lingual and/or grew up in another country and/or have parents that were immigrants, it may be easier for you.
Personally, I would jump at a chance to work in another country as I love to learn about other cultures and ways of working. I have traveled internationally for a good part of my career and that fills that interest for me pretty well.
In the end, this is your life and you have to decide what is the right thing for you to do.
Chandramouli Soorian
Chandramouli’s Answer
Germany might be the next best option, but is definitely smaller and harder for a non German speaker. There are also smaller countries like Sweden, Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland - but the key here is "small", after all the trouble you take in getting a visa/work permit you may be limited to the 2 or 3 major cities with any kind of job opportunity.
As some one who chose to do an MS in Europe instead of the US a decade ago, I do regret it. The first engineering job is very important, If you graduate during a recession and the prospects in the country are limited that would be goodbye to an engineering career. Because engineering companies recruit fresh engineers or experienced professionals, there is no in between and for a good reason.