Mike_C

Hi there,

I'm looking at a possible move to Florida next year and I've been scouring the net to find some reputable employment / career agencies in the state. It looks like an absolute minefield though so I'm wondering if anyone knows of any kind of directory of agencies or any agencies who might specialise in Project Management type roles?

Many thanks,

Mike

Duncan Roberts

Do you have authorization to work in the US? If not, you will need to be a very special PM to get any recruitment agency to give you a call back.

ian-mstm

Quite simply, there are no lists of companies who would be willing to sponsor you for a visa... whether your area of expertise is PM or not!

Ian

Bill_S

Moving to Florida from where?

What is your citizenship?

Mike_C

Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself here. My citizenship is British, I reside in the UK and no, I don't yet have authority to work in the States. I thought an agency might offer me information on how to obtain that but from you guys' replies, maybe not. So where do I go for the necessary documentation?

Thanks,

Mike

goldenstate31

hi Mike, welcome to BE
start with some very basics first.
Google, visas to the U.S and educate yourself and little with Visas and the types you can apply for IF you are eligable. There are lots of sites, that can provide you with a wealth of knowledge and whether you are eligable now/future for a visa to the U.S.
good luck!

Mike_C

Thanks GS, I'll take a look around and come back here when I'm armed with more info.

Mike

Bill_S

There are good links on this site for those wanting to move to the US. The following is a very good place to start: LINK

E3only

So why Florida?

Did you go there for a visit, headed back to the UK and miss the fantastic weather and suddenly realize how dull UK is? Or you just fancy Florida because you watched a few episodes of CSI: Miami ?

Bob

Welcome to BE, good luck, but don't get hopes up to much.

The wiki here has a good list of the ways into the US, anything comes up with that, then search out more.

Networking is your best bet, people you know and organisations you're member of, so LinkedIn might help etc.

Just apply for jobs if you have the experience and qualifications but expect not to hear anything back from most of them.

Mike_C

Ha! No, I have some friends who've lived over there for about 10 years, a British woman and her American husband. I've heard and read great things about the lifestyle, the people, the quality of life. I'm sick to death of the UK. The end of yet another abysmal summer, taxes on the up again, huge cuts in public spending, fuel prices sky high and about to go up again, unions threatening a protracted programme of strikes... Need I go on?

At the moment I'm dipping my toes in and I'm aware I may have to jump through an awful lot of hoops to get in but if you don't try you don't get do you. Other options might be the middle or far east with an English speaking employer but that doesn't have the longevity that I think the US can offer.

Some good advice on here, I do appreciate it. I could have hauled my lazy backside round the internet for days but you chaps have short circuited that for me and I'm grateful for the advice.

Mike

E3only

- First of all you need to stop whining about UK because no matter which country you are in, you will find reasons to whinge.
- It would be a great idea to come and visit the States and not get carried away with sunshine and what a wonderful life it can be. When you visit, try and understand the work life as opposed to a Florida beach margarita sipping contest! On that note, what your friends say about US is freaking irrelevant. Reading and watching things about US again can be misleading. For instance, what is your knowledge about NHS and compare that with medical system here?
- Self appraise and understand the visa requirements. Then ask yourself if you fit the bill i.e. you have a degree, quality experience, good contacts in the US, visited here, spoke to a few consultants etc etc
- Above all, read the Wiki.
- Lastly, US is not the only country that can offer a life style you are after. For instance, Australia is just as enjoyable and plenty of poms there.

NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK…and then if you are good enough, employers will be happy to spend thousands of dollars to get your over the US. You are up against 10%+ unemployed folks here who are ready to do the same job for half the money.

Just thought I share my 2 cents worth…

meauxna

Sounds a lot like the US. Except for the union strikes. We had an abysmal summer too!

But seriously, what's all this 'lifestyle' business? The lifestyle there isn't significantly different from where I live, but there's more air conditioning. I'm reminded of the time I was offered a very good package to go work in Hawaii. I went through all the same thoughts.. palm trees, beaches, scuba diving, tropical umbrella drinks.... Then I remembered that I'd be working 60/70 hours a week there, too, so what did it matter that those things were at my feet? I'd never have time to use them.

Just some things to think about.

Jerseygirl

Ssshhh he probably doesn't know about the long working hours and 10 days holiday a year.

Sally Redux

I heard the UK had a reasonable summer this year.