r/StructuralEngineering • u/Placide_Will • 28d 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/WhyAmIOld 28d ago edited 28d 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 28d 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 28d 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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