RedHeron

Hello,

I'm hoping to move to Wisconsin to live with my boyfriend, and I'm having difficult finding recruitment agencies for science-based professionals in the La Crosse area. Most seem to be for factory workers or temp agencies, I know we have them in the UK, but I cannot seem to find any at all in Wisconsin/ US. I would like some help with my resume too, as I keep getting mixed messages when I look online for guidance, I have deduced they're a different format/ structure to our CV. Has anyone had any experience finding work over there in the research industry? I'm a scientist, and I would like to keep within this field.

Also, while I'm here, how do I find out if a company is British owned? This is an option for one of the visas I can apply for. Easy enough to search for the big multi-nationals, but harder for the smaller companies that don't have a decent website, short of ringing them and asking! Thank you.

BenK91

It'd be significantly easier if your boyfriend turned into your husband.

Jerseygirl

I’ve already posted same in the OP’s first thread.

PetrifiedExPat

There are major research hubs across the US, but, a large swathe are in CA or MA. Boston being the world wide leader in Biotech. currently. Outside of that the pickings get much thinner.

scrubbedexpat099

Best to them to come to you, my impression was that such positions are mainly as a result of networking.

PetrifiedExPat

Honestly I would move to the coast.

jeepster

Closest research hubs would be Madison (univ. of Wisc), St Paul, Mn and Rochester, Mn. (Mayo Clinic).

AdobePinon

I never found a recruitment agency worth dealing with. You're probably going to have to do the grunt work yourself. It will be tough until you can show the right to work in the US. Even then, don't expect many call backs. For a *research* scientist type of job, I would maintain two resumes - a short form (2 page) and a long form (whatever it takes, 10, 15 pages etc...) The short form will be your highlights (but don't leave gaps in degree-level education/employment history). Remember that the resume is to get the interview, not the job. The long form will include everything of relevance, and is usually for a more academic-ish kind of position. In general, leave personal stuff out. These will look a lot more like a British CV than resumes used for most American jobs. A cover letter is often optional. If it is required, make sure that it briefly describes how you meet or exceed each of the key job requirements, because a *required* cover letter will sometimes be read without the resume/CV.

Having said all that, I can't remember the last time I used a resume on paper (but I have read them as part of hiring committees). Pretty much everything I have done started with either (a) a on-line job application on the employer's website; (b) me walking into someone's office; (c) a cold call from an employer. For an online application, you usually have to fill in the blanks on a webform. You will likely be asked about your GPA. You may not be able to leave it blank - if so, round the score up to a reasonable equivalent that you can justify at least in your own head, and worry about the details if you get in the door.

In almost all cases, you do not apply for the [work] visa - the company does. In the few other cases, I don't believe it matters who owns it.

RedHeron

Thank you. I was told an option would be a form of Treaty trader visa, if I can find a company that is at least 50% British owned, I can work for them.

I was over in Wisconsin for six weeks this year, I really wish I had made some phone calls while I was over there, I stupidly did not anticipate finding a job to be this hard. I will have to get the boyfriend on the job!

I did enroll with a recruitment agency while I was there, they were very enthusiastic (part of their job, I guess) but had real difficulty understanding that I needed a visa in order to work, i.e. "This company wants you to start work in two weeks, can you do it?" Notwithstanding that I would need to give a month's notice at least. I got the impression they are more used to dealing with temps or short term contract jobs.

Great advice about the application/ resume, I will make a note of that and get writing straight away.

RedHeron

Overrated. Grand for a holiday, but give me cows, forests and fields anyday!

penguinsix

You want to find a 51% British owned company in Lacrosse Wisconsin that specializes in scientific research and is willing to spend thousands on a visa for you instead of hiring a local? That's like finding a 51% American owned company in somewhere like Kirkcaldy that specializes in biomedical research and is willing to spend a few thousand pounds for a visa.

I hate to be blunt, but this isn't going to happen.

There are research areas in Wisconsin (like around Madison or maybe even the northern bits of Chicago) but even then you'd be much better served looking at another part of the USA for work. As mentioned a marriage-based visa might be an option but you will probably have to deal with a couple of 90 day visits for a year or so until you can get something sorted or an engagement ring.

It's very hard to move here as you are discovering, and finding work in a specialized field in frankly a rather tiny corner of the USA makes it all the harder. You might want to chat with the boyfriend about his long-term plans and where he wants to live as it might give you some more options.

Good luck.

scrubbedexpat099

Kirkcaldy is just outside of Edinburgh.

La Crosse is the biggest city in La Crosse County.

Hardly a fair comparison.

ddsrph

penguinsix

Yeah, was just trying to pick somewhere of a similar size (50k) but I guess if you include the entire LaCrosse area it is probably double that. Still think it's a stretch to find a British-owned research company in a place like that though...

scrubbedexpat099

A quick google suggested it is not likely to be the obvious focus of the area, or anywhere near, I guess we should never say never but maybe be a little more flexible in your geographical area?