Landing a job in USA as a young (European) M.Sc. in finance

[Chuha]

22-year old, soon to be M.Sc. majoring in finance and making plans for the future. Everyone around me are talking about emerging markets (BRIC etc.) and I started to wonder what about the good old land of hope United States of America. To put it short, I´m wondering what are the opportunities for a guy like me to land a decent +80k/year job in America in the next five years? Preferably something like a financial controller would be the job title.

Yes, I do know what the current economic situation is now in the States, but looking for a long perspective (+20 years) I see opportunities in States. I like the American culture and their economic structure a lot more than Western Europe. I´ve been in America couple of times and I got relatives living there (Midwest and South), so I think I got somekind of a touch.

Just wondering what do you guys think, should I head for emerging markets as a expat or is there any arbitrage opportunities in States? Green card, is it hard to get?

 

[ppllzz]

BAD... we are at 10.2% unemployment didnt you hear? i am so worried about not finding a job

 

[uhurit]

WTF would you want to? 'Tis the land of opportunity no more

 

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by Chuha

22-year old, soon to be M.Sc. majoring in finance and making plans for the future. Everyone around me are talking about emerging markets (BRIC etc.) and I started to wonder what about the good old land of hope United States of America. To put it short, I´m wondering what are the opportunities for a guy like me to land a decent +80k/year job in America in the next five years? Preferably something like a financial controller would be the job title.

Yes, I do know what the current economic situation is now in the States, but looking for a long perspective (+20 years) I see opportunities in States. I like the American culture and their economic structure a lot more than Western Europe. I´ve been in America couple of times and I got relatives living there (Midwest and South), so I think I got somekind of a touch.

Just wondering what do you guys think, should I head for emerging markets as a expat or is there any arbitrage opportunities in States? Green card, is it hard to get?

I feel your pain (I'm in the same position), but the chances of landing a 80K or more job with only a degree and no full time work experience is going to be virtually impossible. My suggestion is for you to research how much money you can actually make, because if you go into an interview asking for say 85K for a job that only pays 45K in this economy, you will never land any jobs.

 

[Chuha]

Originally Posted by cminor

Go for accountancy if you want to be a financial controller.

I have accounting as a minor. Anyway, financial controller was just an example. I thought there would have been more opinions regarding emerging markets vs US career-wise.

 

[postal007]

I don't know too much about this specific area but my brother was an business major in college. The work situation is very tough in the US right now. Given that you are just out school, firms may not want to hire someone from overseas, especially since they have to sponsor you for a visa, etc. Also, when you are here on visa, if you lose your job, you'll have to go back immediately - i.e. you have no protection (unless you find another employer who wants to sponsor you). Plus, many finance/business majors fresh out school like you are hitting the streets every day looking for jobs, and investment banks have laid of thousands. Maybe in a year or two things will get better but I'm betting you may have a tough time. Of course, if you are a superstar, then that's another story (and I have no idea if you are or are not).

You may want to take a stab at emerging markets, but would you be happy in China/Brazil/etc.?