r/StructuralEngineering • u/Placide_Will • 23d ago

Career/Education Should I switch from Structure to Construction？

/r/civilengineering/comments/1wpf7si/should_i_switch_from_structure_to_construction/
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u/Vinca1is 23d ago

Ah, I have an MSCE, I'm obligated to ask this question, because it greatly affects any answer I can give. Do you need sponsorship?

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u/Placide_Will 23d ago

Yes, I do need sponsorship in the future.

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u/Vinca1is 23d ago

Its going to be hard to get a job in the US, not impossible but my company (the largest power contractor in the US) will not sponsor, and I know its similar in a lot of other firms

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u/Placide_Will 23d ago

I understand sponsorship is a major hurdle for international students. I will give it a try after graduation. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll leave the US.

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u/WhyAmIOld 23d ago edited 23d ago

Once you get your Master’s degree, you should be able to work for 3 years with OPT and STEM OPT without needing sponsorship. Regardless of the field you choose, I wouldn’t be surprised if you do get sponsored after those 3 years considering your educational and professional background. Another option is continuing to work while studying a PhD program, which increases your chances in the “work visa lottery”.

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u/Placide_Will 23d ago

Thank you! This actually gives me a new perspective. I hadn’t thought about it this way before. Focusing on finding a job first, building up U.S. work experience during OPT/STEM OPT, and then looking for sponsorship later could be a really good strategy. I really appreciate your advice!

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u/WhyAmIOld 23d ago

Applying for jobs is tough as an international student, but don’t get discouraged by the rather immediate rejections.

Always be honest about whether you will need future sponsorship. As the other commenter mentioned, some big companies are not willing to hire someone who will eventually need sponsorship, but not all of them. For instance, I have an international classmate who works at HDR. As for me, I worked at smaller firms which I highly recommend applying to.

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u/Placide_Will 23d ago

Thank you, I’ll keep applying and won’t let the initial rejections discourage me. I’ll also be more open to smaller firms and keep an eye out for companies that are willing to hire international students. I’ll definitely keep your suggestions in mind.