Does this 'kid' stand a chance?

December 16, 2012 7:09 PM

For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to move to SF or NY. I really want to do this and feel like the time is now, especially since I recently earned my degree. But, I'm unsure of whether or not I stand a chance compared to US citizens. Is it worth applying for jobs in the US based on my educational background and experience?

I've included my educational background and experience below:

Education:
-BA in Speech Communication
-Specializations in Interpersonal & Organizational Communication and Public and Digital Communication
-Minor in English-Language and Literature
-Relevant Coursework: Interpersonal Communication, Small Group Communication, Crisis Communication, Interviewing, Genres of Business Communication, Public Speaking, Digital Presentations, Philanthropy, Writing for the Media, Genres of Technical Communication, History and Theory of Media, Conflict Management, and Leadership

Work Experience:
-2 years going on 3 years in June worth of experience as a client service representative
-I have assisted thousands of claimants annually, assessed different types of claimants needs, and acted accordingly
-I have also interviewed claimants, collected details for claims intake, and accurately inputted information into various claims systems

Accolades and Recognition:
-Helping Hand award,
-Growing With Each Day award,
-Dedication to Customer Service award (received 98% during one quarter of 2011)
-Commitment to Excellence awards (total of 3) and
-Received a letter from one of the CEOs of my company in regards to my departments excellent customer service skills

Other Experience:
-Student Director for my faculty
-Assistant editor for publication in my current city (2009-2010)
-Music Business Internship (2010)
-Paralegal Internship (2010)

(*not sure if I should include the 'other' experiences listed above when applying for jobs because they were a while ago and weren't for long periods of time)

Ideally I'd start a career in one of the following areas:
-PR, writing, editing, advertising, marketing, media analysis or planning, audience analysis, public opinion research, copywriting, or grant writing

I've done quite a bit of research in terms of the steps required to obtain a position in the US, and I'm doubtful that my experience and qualifications would cut it in a competitive job market. But, I'm just curious as to what people have to say on the green and whether or not I should focus on applying for jobs in different countries or just stick to applying for jobs in Canada's bigger cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

Also, generally is it better to move somewhere and then apply for jobs in that area? Or, should I apply for jobs outside of my current city and wait until I get a job elsewhere?

Thanks!

posted by anonymous to Work & Money (10 answers total)

Having lived/worked in San Francisco and having worked in PR/marketing, I don't see why any company/agency would sponsor you for a visa and go through the hassle when there are hundreds of people with similar experience already on the ground there already in need of what looks like an entry-level job. I don't think you qualify under the TN1 or H1B visas, either, which are the usual routes in.
posted by Ghostride The Whip at 7:18 PM on December 16, 2012 [1 favorite]

You could get a job with a multinational company in Canada, and eventually get sent to their US offices. Foreign employee visa is probably one of the easiest ways for a Canadian to come to the US, though I have no idea if you can leverage it into permanent residency (my guess is no). I personally got a job with a Canadian company in Toronto, and after two years they sent me to their offices in NYC, where I live now (and no longer work for said Canadian company). I'm a US citizen but I know Canadians who did the same thing and are here either on TN status, or the foreign worker thing.

As for which companies this is likely to be a possibility, of the top of my head the Big Five, Big Four, and Manulife all have offices in both Toronto and NYC. There are definitely others.

You can try applying for US companies, but it is really tough even for Americans to get jobs in NYC if they don't live here, let alone people who the company would need to sponsor.
posted by pravit at 7:36 PM on December 16, 2012 [1 favorite]

I work in advertising in New York, and some people in my office started working at our Canadian or European offices and transferred to NY, so that could be one route. Though it would take you a few years.
posted by sweetkid at 7:37 PM on December 16, 2012

Also. The Canadian company I worked for had a rotational program, and in my first year of working for them they sent me to work in NYC for four months and paid for airfare, a nice midtown apartment, and even monthly visits to Toronto. So I wasn't completely unfamiliar with the city when I moved here for good. Look into getting into some kind of trainee program like that if you can.
posted by pravit at 7:40 PM on December 16, 2012

I don't think your chances are good at this point. Your best chances are to transfer to a US city with a company you're employed by in Canada or, if you have the money, do graduate work in the US with a student visa and try to get a job on graduation and/or marry a citizen. Currently, your area of work and expertise is not enough to be competitive here as a work visa applicant.
posted by quince at 7:42 PM on December 16, 2012 [1 favorite]

I think this will be totally possible for you, but not until you've established yourself in an industry and made networking connections with businesses in the US. The market is tough for new grads and nearly impenetrable for foreigners unless they are highly skilled or have a connection to a company through a network.

I was also going to suggest aiming for a big multinational in Toronto and trying to slide into the New York office. Toronto for sure will have the best opportunities for this in Canada.
posted by PercussivePaul at 7:42 PM on December 16, 2012

Have you thought of applying to well-funded graduate programs in either city? Might actually be an easier route, and you may qualify for a one year OPT visa when you're done.
posted by tapir-whorf at 8:15 PM on December 16, 2012

The deal for visas is that you need to fulfill a job that no American is qualified for or willing to fill. I came ten years ago for a teaching job, that wouldn't happen today as there are too many Americans qualified and willing to take the jobs now. You could apply but it would be difficult to imagine a company sponsoring a worker from abroad in this current climate unless you had exceptional abilities. A student visa might be the way to go. And don't move here (NYC) without a job unless you have free place to stay and/or a great deal of money.
posted by bquarters at 8:22 PM on December 16, 2012

Even if you qualify for a TN1 due to experience, many employers don't know what they are. You may have to explain them to a potential hiring manager so they don't have visions of H1B visas dancing in their heads.

As noted above, these are two of the most expensive cities to live in. Make sure you have an adequate salary before trying. You will need to have very specialized skills before anyone will go to the time and expense of hiring you under an H1B.

I would see if you qualify for some sort of work-study program which would be much easier.
posted by benzenedream at 11:13 PM on December 16, 2012

I'm recommending starting in a multi-national in Canada and transferring to the US sponsored by them.

The employment situation in the US is improving but it's still rough. Also, while you seem to have a lot on the ball, there are a bazillion US grads who have similar qualifications who won't require sponsorship.

If you think you'll like San Francisco, look for work in Vancouver. If you think you'll like New York, look for work in Toronto.

Frankly, I'd kill to work in Canada, so there you are.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 6:57 AM on December 17, 2012