London Bird

Hi All, (my first post)

A little bit of help in this area would be much appreciated. My husband has been offered a job in NY, we are currently awaiting the offer/package.

My question is how easily will I find work in NY without a degree? I currently work for a large Japanese Bank in London, where I have c.5 years experience in my current role, together with 3 year experience in a high street retail bank. Having searched the internet for positions in my field (Corporate Credit Analyst) I have noticed the vast majority of jobs advertised require at least a degree if not also an MBA, which I do not have.

I started at the bottom fresh from school and worked my way up through various internal promotions, because of this I lack the paper work to back up my experience. Realistically how important is a degree in this industry in NY? and what do you think my chances are of securing a role without one? Not looking for anything to senior, Associate or Senior Associate would be great.

Also if anyone knows of any good employment agency please let me know.

All responses much appreciated.

christmasoompa

What visa will your husband be on, is it one that will allow you to work, or will you need sponsorship for a work visa in your own right? That may well affect the answers you get.

Welcome to BE btw.

London Bird

Ok thanks I didn’t know that would have an impact. I think he will be getting an L1 which as I understand it means I get an L2.

christmasoompa

Ah, ok, so it's a work transfer. Just that if it hadn't been, then he may have been on a H1B for instance, which would mean you couldn't work on the dependent's H4 visa.

Having said that, I have no idea about working in NY without a degree, but hopefully those that do will now know you will have work authorisation, and be able to advise you accordingly.

Good luck.

Wibblypig

Hi,

My husband is starting a job in NY at the beginning of next month without a degree, he was offered the job based on his expertise and experience in his field, so it is possible. I guess it would depend on the field of expertise and I am afraid I have no idea about banking as both ours is in IT.

Although he did have to have his experience vetted by a university to award him an equivalent degree based on his experience but that was only for the visa.

Good luck

Vicki

ian-mstm

Respectfully, that all depends on the type of job you're after. If you want one in your area of expertise, your chances are slim to none since, as you note, most want at least an MBA. If it's for an unskilled job - which is most likely what you'll get (at least to start) - then there are probably lots of positions available.

Remember, it's always easier to get a job once you have one... so don't be afraid to take any sort of job to get you started. You'll have about 3 months in the US after you arrive before you can work, so spend the time wisely.


Realistically - be prepared to do this again.

Ian

Untitled 3

I think you will find it difficult without a degree. Banking in NYC is very competitive. You'd need to be very special and have some way of proving that.

I assume your bank will have an office in Manhattan is there no way of organizing a transfer? Given that your husband's company will be covering the visa and relocation, it won't cost them a thing.

Bob

Anything above retail banking will be hard without paper qualifications if you're a fresh bod, as a lot of those, especially credit and fraud positions tend to be internal transfers and promotions as it is.

Your best bet is really networking and being on LinkedIn and seeing if any past colleagues are in a position to introduce you to someone who might be able to help.

Good luck though! But as Ian mentioned above, you'll have plenty of time to get the ground work in place for networking

Karrie72

I walked straight into my job in New York, albeit a different field; teaching without a four year degree. I think the ability to sell yourself is key here as well as working the British accent, values etc. Go right in and knock on doors, it can't hurt and is the best way to net-work, just be friendly and and your accent will open doors.

London Bird

Yes my current employer has an office in NY. Once we are 100% sure we are making the move I will speak with them. Just wanted to get a feel of what else is out there just in case they are unable to do a transfer.

MummyKitty

My husband has a job in NYC (we're moving over in October, once the visas come through) and he doesn't have a degree. It made things harder, but he has a lot of experience in his field (IT).

When we applied for the visa (H1B, so I can't work) it was under the specialist skills bit, but as he didn't have a degree we had to jump through a lot of hoops. Initially he had to send all his education certificates (GCSEs and A-Levels, yes even though that was 20+ years ago!) to an agency which went through them and worked out the US equivalents of his qualifications, which obviously weren't equivalent to a degree. As he was reliant on his experience they requested statements from previous employers/colleagues going back as far as his experience went, so 15 years for him, basically all to back up our claim that his experience was equivalent to, or better than a degree. Linked In and Facebook helped us track people down!

I think a company transfer for you would be the most secure route, but if that isn't possible, apply for every job in your field you can find, even the ones that state US residents only, and eventually you'll get lucky. You're in a better position than we were because you will already have a visa, so are eligible to work in the US, which opens up a LOT more job opportunities than having to rely on a new employer being willing to sponsor you for a visa.

Bob

Aye, being on the L2 or securing a L1 of her own would be the only way, 8 years experience wouldn't be enough to get a H1B anyway.

Jobs that state US residents only, unless government related are on shaky discrimination grounds, so always worth a punt and a sue later We all know that most aren't interested in sponsoring folks, but they aren't allowed to judge a candidate based on their status, so them stating so is a red flag that their HR are crap and incompetent anyway.

Sol2Oz

I'm sorry to say, but the institution who hired you should be reported. It's ridiculous that we have plenty of well-qualified certified unemployed teachers here and they've hired you because of your accent.

Egon

With respect she didn't say she was hired because of her accent - or even come close to saying that.

Working something that gets you noticed is different to being hired because of it. My assumption was once she had her foot in the door, her experience got her the job.

Jerseygirl

Neither does she say when it was she 'walked straight into' her job. Teachers are being laid off right, left and centre in the US...including NYC.

I'm also a little confused because Montfan72 says her location is in Maine.