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1/ If you recently graduated from university and were hopeful of an H1B visa, then this thread is for you
2/ Every now and then (since 2000) there have been roadblocks to securing an H1B visa
3/ Don't let this recent EO dishearten you. There are ways to still accelerate your learning
4/ I graduated in 2001, 2004 and 2009 and experienced some difficulty with my H1B. Here are some tactical ways to handle it
5/ If your employer has presence outside the US then work out of that location till your H1B gets approved
6/ Start talking to your employer now to find alternate office locations as you will need to interview with various teams to find a potential place
7/ If the teams want you to commit for at least a year, then don't be afraid to do so.
At this point being able to develop a set of skills is way more important than the location you are at.
At this point being able to develop a set of skills is way more important than the location you are at.
8/ If you don't have a job or an offer has been rescinded then turn the crisis into an opportunity
Write down the skills you want to learn and the list of people you want to work with and find ways to do it (free internships, work on projects for free).
Write down the skills you want to learn and the list of people you want to work with and find ways to do it (free internships, work on projects for free).
9/ This is not going to be easy and it will take an incredible amount of effort to find a job
In 2001, I was still in India right when the recession hit. Most companies stopped hiring and for every open position there were literally thousands of engineers applying.
In 2001, I was still in India right when the recession hit. Most companies stopped hiring and for every open position there were literally thousands of engineers applying.
10/ Think creative. Instead of applying to every single job listed, make a list of 10 to 15 companies or individuals you would work for.
11/ Put all your eggs in one basket! If you have enough conviction that you want to work for those 10-15 then just chase those to begin with. If you don't find a job in 6 months to a year then it might make sense to have a plan B.
12/ Do whatever it takes - work like hell to get in front of them and impress them with your work
13/ This doesn't mean sending 100 emails and asking for 15 to 20 min coffee catch up
14/ Study the companies. See what the management team is talking about. Talk to their customers. Form a good view for what their top 3 priorities are this year and see if you can help them or do a write up on how you plan to help them and send it to them.
15/If you are relentlessly resourceful, you may embark on a great journey
16/ I am incredibly grateful to my first employer in the US @Qualcomm for finding me a place in EU for several months when H1B was effectively blocked in 2004
17/ In 2009 I had no such luck and had to move back home for a few months before returning to Boston in 2010.
18/ During that time I worked for a founder in the US, did a bunch of remote work and learned a lot about venture capital.
19/ While the news is extremely disappointing, there are plenty of opportunities to learn and there is always hope!
