Wow,, finally I completed this thread. I started reading this week, and today I have reached the last page.

Thank you @MackyNaija, indeed your stories and life experiences on this thread has inspired me alot. Keep on the good work.

Pls I have a question, (I know that basically almost all the issues relating to going to US for further studying and working there has been covered here), but my question is this-

I am graduate of Mass Comm in IMT, Enugu, though I have clocked pass 30yrs, but I have this dream of going outside the country probably USA, (or any other sane western country). Is it possible that I can be given admission to do Masters in International Relation or any similar Courses such as Sociology considering that I have HND result (second class upper) and also considering my age?

Secondly, around how much in Naira (in your estimation considering the dollar exchange rate now) will it cost me?

Pls I will really appreciate your reply. Thank You all
CC: to MackyNaija, Bossman, Krogor, Tunmuse100, TheGrandChemist, etc etc all the Bosses here that I no fit remember their names now..

Merry Christmas all.
But I wan leave Naija. I wanna start making that move NOW!!!

jubianose:

I am graduate of Mass Comm in IMT, Enugu, though I have clocked pass 30yrs, but I have this dream of going outside the country probably USA, (or any other sane western country). Is it possible that I can be given admission to do Masters in International Relation or any similar Courses such as Sociology considering that I have HND result (second class upper) and also considering my age?

Secondly, around how much in Naira (in your estimation considering the dollar exchange rate now) will it cost me?

Set your age aside, it's just a number. There are no employment restrictions (by age) set by employers in the USA that I know about. Age s a 'Federal protected class'.

For your question about Hnd qualification, read through this thread - https://www.nairaland.com/370346/what-hnd-equivalent-usa
Towards the end of the first page has important information.

For the cost, you'll need to find that out from the pages of the individual schools you want to apply to. There are several ways of surviving the high cost of schooling, since you have read through my thread, you should know those ways.

Lastly and most importantly, try to do a STEM course - It grants post study visa and employment opportunities are numerous.
You might only get admission in a course related to your bachelors but once you are on ground, you can seek for a transfer to Stem.

MackyNaija:

Set your age aside, it's just a number. There are no employment restrictions (by age) set by employers in the USA that I know about. Age s a 'Federal protected class'.

For your question about Hnd qualification, read through this thread - https://www.nairaland.com/370346/what-hnd-equivalent-usa
Towards the end of the first page has important information.

For the cost, you'll need to find that out from the pages of the individual schools you want to apply to. There are several ways of surviving the high cost of schooling, since you have read through my thread, you should know those ways.

Lastly and most importantly, try to do a STEM course - It grants post study visa and employment opportunities are numerous.
You might only get admission in a course related to your bachelors but once you are on ground, you can seek for a transfer to Stem.

Thank you so much. I don't really know what is STEM, cos I'm new to this things. But I will browse it. If you have anymore info on STEM course that I will likely need considering my background I will appreciate. God bless you.

EDITED:
I found this STEM COURSES!!. I'm considering Computer Science. I believe I can do it. If I seek transfer to it, is it possible that I can be given considering my bachelor's being Mass Comm??

jubianose:

EDITED:
I found this STEM COURSES!!. I'm considering Computer Science. I believe I can do it. If I seek transfer to it, is it possible that I can be given considering my bachelor's being Mass Comm??

Admission is based on bachelors and past experiences and I believe you can always find a way around restrictions by speaking directly to the departments involved.

Most entry level jobs (and even internships) require past experience either thru work or research for you to be considered for open roles.
If you have skills in computer science, nothing stops you from chasing it.

MackyNaija:

Admission is based on bachelors and past experiences and I believe you can always find a way around restrictions by speaking directly to the departments involved.

Most entry level jobs (and even internships) require past experience either thru work or research for you to be considered for open roles.
If you have skills in computer science, nothing stops you from chasing it.

Ok. Thank You Sir.
I appreciate...

MackyNaija:

Admission is based on bachelors and past experiences and I believe you can always find a way around restrictions by speaking directly to the departments involved.

Most entry level jobs (and even internships) require past experience either thru work or research for you to be considered for open roles.
If you have skills in computer science, nothing stops you from chasing it.

Will a Teaching Assistant role count as one of this experiences??

Please between Seattle, WA and San Jose, CA which holds a better job prospect for a mid-level Frontend Development jobs.

MackyNaija:

Admission is based on bachelors and past experiences and I believe you can always find a way around restrictions by speaking directly to the departments involved.

Most entry level jobs (and even internships) require past experience either thru work or research for you to be considered for open roles.
If you have skills in computer science, nothing stops you from chasing it.

Paccus:

Will a Teaching Assistant role count as one of this experiences??

If an academic research has been done centering on the job field, it should work.
You just need to align what you have done/currently do with what you wanna do job wise.
Put together a winning resume highlighting those knowledge/skill set.

Dremca:
Please between Seattle, WA and San Jose, CA which holds a better job prospect for a mid-level Frontend Development jobs.

Never been to Seattle and don't follow it's job market but what I know is that the Bay Area holds huge opportunities.
Bay area cities for this role - San Jose, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Mountain View, Cupertino, Palo Alto, Fremont, Hayward, Oakland, Berkeley, and San Fransisco amongst others; this is a huge market. Just ensure you negotiate for bay area salaries, na software role, them need bring better money.

I just saw Mid-Level... The person no get problem!

i keep asking myself when will i make enough money to travel out God please show me ur light even if is small i would worship you till i die i just need to leave naija biko

@Mackynaija and all other elders in the house, I extend my special greetings for this invaluable thread. I have two questions please:

1)From my little research, it seems to me that a PhD in Economics is considered a STEM course in the US. If I follow this pathway, what are my chances of getting a post study permanent residence permit?

2) I want to go through the PhD pathway because it seems that it has more and better funding opportunities. Do I stand a chance to get admitted with the following profile:

GRE score: 308
BSc GPA based on WES evaluation: 3.7/4
IELTS overall band: 7.5

Thanks all.

heniford2:
i keep asking myself when will i make enough money to travel out God please show me ur light even if is small i would worship you till i die i just need to leave naija biko

It isn't wholly about money.

In some instances like for doing a PhD, you might only need 1x GRE fee ($260), 2x Application fee ($100 for two schools) and a flight ticket ($1,000).
Pocket money for your first month (Roughly $500 to $,1000).

The tuition will be covered by a scholarship and living costs covered by a monthly stipend from the school.



This is very doable. Chip away at this costs year by year and in the near future, you have been able to do it.

Kahbahsah:
@Mackynaija and all other elders in the house, I extend my special greetings for this invaluable thread. I have two questions please:

1)From my little research, it seems to me that a PhD in Economics is considered a STEM course in the US. If I follow this pathway, what are my chances of getting a post study permanent residence permit?

2) I want to go through the PhD pathway because it seems that it has more and better funding opportunities. Do I stand a chance to get admitted with the following profile:

GRE score: 308
BSc GPA based on WES evaluation: 3.7/4
IELTS overall band: 7.5

Thanks all.

No one can say what your exact chances are but your profile looks good.
Prior publications and/or experiences/skills will always aid your cause.
What you will need to survive here are the skills in the field you intend to break into.

In my field, I am currently working to take more certifications (ASQ Certified Quality Audit0r, Suppl1er Quality Engr and Ipc A-610 - Electronic Assemblies)
and
Add higher level Data An4lytics (Python + Sql) to my skill set to increase my viability as a 'Business Intelligence Engineer' so when Quality Engineering stagnates, WeMove!


2 years plan... Later people go say na juju I use , No na cacu and hustling. It doesn't happen overnight.

MackyNaija:

No one can say what your exact chances are but your profile looks good.
Prior publications and/or experiences/skills will always aid your cause.
What you will need to survive here are the skills in the field you intend to break into.

In my field, I am currently working to take more certifications (ASQ Certified Quality Audit0r, Suppl1er Quality Engr and Ipc A-610 - Electronic Assemblies)
and
Add higher level Data An4lytics (Python + Sql) to my skill set to increase my viability as a 'Business Intelligence Engineer' so when Quality Engineering stagnates, WeMove!


2 years plan... Later people go say na juju I use , No na cacu and hustling. It doesn't happen overnight.

Thanks alot boss for your quick response. You are apparently a very strategic thinker.

Please can you throw more light on the permanent residence prospects for PhD graduates.

Kahbahsah:


Thanks alot boss for your quick response. You are apparently a very strategic thinker.

Please can you throw more light on the permanent residence prospects for PhD graduates.

The bolded made me smile It is borne out of my life experiences and the opportunities that abound in the United Stat3s. I cannot let these go to waste.

In the school I attended, most PhD students from 2017 Self Petitioned for residency. The first person with a PhD tried and was denied, told his friend who had just an Msc, this friend fine-tuned his application from lessons learned and was approved - I am guessing the catch was stating/showing his research which would be continued during his PhD was "important for national growth".

Employers also petition for students too - after graduation, one gets a job using the OPT +/- H1B to Green card path. Heard employers can file directly for a Green card skipping the H1b, I have never verified this.

You'll need to check online to understand both pathways. I wish you the best!

MackyNaija:

The bolded made me smile It is borne out of my life experiences and the opportunities that abound in the United Stat3s. I cannot let these go to waste.

In the school I attended, most PhD students from 2017 Self Petitioned for residency. The first person with a PhD tried and was denied, told his friend who had just an Msc, this friend fine-tuned his application from lessons learned and was approved - I am guessing the catch was stating/showing his research which would be continued during his PhD was "important for national growth".

Employers also petition for students too - after graduation, one gets a job using the OPT +/- H1B to Green card path. Heard employers can file directly for a Green card skipping the H1b, I have never verified this.

You'll need to check online to understand both pathways. I wish you the best!

Once again, thank you �

MackyNaija:

It isn't wholly about money.

In some instances like for doing a PhD, you might only need 1x GRE fee ($260), 2x Application fee ($100 for two schools) and a flight ticket ($1,000).
Pocket money for your first month (Roughly $500 to $,1000).

The tuition will be covered by a scholarship and living costs covered by a monthly stipend from the school.



This is very doable. Chip away at this costs year by year and in the near future, you have been able to do it.

this figure you mentioned know are close to 4million naira

heniford2:
this figure you mentioned know are close to 4million naira

It's actually between $2000 and $2500, which is less than #1.2million. This is not too big.

Let me inspire you a bit. Early into the pandemic, I lost my source of income and became broke. However, during this time, I was able to write the GRE ($200), IELTS ($200) and applied for a PhD program to two different schools (this costs about $200), without me spending even up to #1000naira (for data subscription).

All I had to do was to apply for a MasterCard program that pays for GRE and IELTS, and then I prepared my school Applications. When I was ready to submit my application, I scrolled through my phone to look for any foreign number I have that I could convince to help me pay the application fee, and eventually two of my old time friends who are in the US paid this for me.

I'm currently waiting for a positive feedback from the schools, while I put the right strategy to get my flight ticket money ready.

I hope this inspires you and someone else who wants to cry that he/she lacks money.

While Phd is good, it's important to do it in the right field. If done in one of those fields that do not have a high demand, it will be tough to break in and actually get a very good job. Honestly, I do not feel Economics is one of those where it will be easy to get a "good" job after Phd. Unless you go to one of the top schools.

Kahbahsah:
@Mackynaija and all other elders in the house, I extend my special greetings for this invaluable thread. I have two questions please:

1)From my little research, it seems to me that a PhD in Economics is considered a STEM course in the US. If I follow this pathway, what are my chances of getting a post study permanent residence permit?

2) I want to go through the PhD pathway because it seems that it has more and better funding opportunities. Do I stand a chance to get admitted with the following profile:

GRE score: 308
BSc GPA based on WES evaluation: 3.7/4
IELTS overall band: 7.5

Thanks all.

Bossman:
While Phd is good, it's important to do it in the right field. If done in one of those fields that do not have a high demand, it will be tough to break in and actually get a very good job. Honestly, I do not feel Economics is one of those where it will be easy to get a "good" job after Phd Unless you go to one of the top schools.

Well according to data, Economics is one of the best fields to have a doctorate degree. A PhD Economics degree can get you any where - be it government, private firm or think-thanks. The opportunities are much, and also depend on your skillset.

Kahbahsah:


It's actually between $2000 and $2500, which is less than #1.2million. This is not too big.

Let me inspire you a bit. Early into the pandemic, I lost my source of income and became broke. However, during this time, I was able to write the GRE ($200), IELTS ($200) and applied for a PhD program to two different schools (this costs about $200), without me spending even up to #1000naira (for data subscription).

All I had to do was to apply for a MasterCard program that pays for GRE and IELTS, and then I prepared my school Applications. When I was ready to submit my application, I scrolled through my phone to look for any foreign number I have that I could convince to help me pay the application fee, and eventually two of my old time friends who are in the US paid this for me.

I'm currently waiting for a positive feedback from the schools, while I put the right strategy to get my flight ticket money ready.

I hope this inspires you and someone else who wants to cry that he/she lacks money.

Please can you expand further on how you paid for GRE and IELTS without spending from your pocket? I really need the info. Thank you.

Bossman:
While Phd is good, it's important to do it in the right field. If done in one of those fields that do not have a high demand, it will be tough to break in and actually get a very good job. Honestly, I do not feel Economics is one of those where it will be easy to get a "good" job after Phd. Unless you go to one of the top schools.

I honestly appreciate your input, although available data supports misterdhee1's opinion. And a PhD in Economics in the US is now a STEM course because of its high emphasis on mathematics and statistics.

Misterdhee1:

. When according to data, Economics is one of the best fields to have a doctorate degree. A PhD Economics degree can get you any where - be it government, private firm or think-thanks. The opportunities are much, and also depend on your skillset.

Thanks alot for your input.

REDBULL1:


Please can you expand further on how you paid for GRE and IELTS without spending from your pocket? I really need the info. Thank you.

I stated it earlier. I applied for MasterCard scholarship. I passed some of the tests involved, after which I was sponsored to write the GRE and IELTS. You can google more on mastercard scholarship.

Kahbahsah:



I stated it earlier. I applied for MasterCard scholarship. I passed some of the tests involved, after which I was sponsored to write the GRE and IELTS. You can google more on mastercard scholarship.

Thanks for this information.

I usually tell people that the money is not the greatest problem they have (finding & settling on a school/program, passing the GRE, getting an admission and getting a visa is harder).
Have a viable plan and history of good 'doings' you can sell and friends + family will support the dream.

I won't be surprised if these friends chip in to get you a flight ticket and initial living expense because you have shown the money will be utilized as an investment and put to good use.
I don't need to say more - you are on the right path. Keep pushing!

B0ssman:
While Phd is good, it's important to do it in the right field. If done in one of those fields that do not have a high demand, it will be tough to break in and actually get a very good job. Honestly, I do not feel Economics is one of those where it will be easy to get a "good" job after Phd. Unless you go to one of the top schools.

M1sterdhee1:

. When according to data, Economics is one of the best fields to have a doctorate degree. A PhD Economics degree can get you any where - be it government, private firm or think-thanks. The opportunities are much, and also depend on your skillset.

Kahbahs4h:


I honestly appreciate your input, although available data supports m1sterdhee1's opinion. And a PhD in Economics in the US is now a STEM course because of its high emphasis on mathematics and statistics.

This is what I love to see! People dishing out info (from hear say, personal knowledge, data and so on) and everyone learning a thing or two as no one knows it all.

I always loved Applied math and Statistics, if I didn't get admitted into Engineering for bachelor's, these two would have been the next option. People underrate these fields.

MackyNaija:

Thanks for this information.

I usually tell people that the money is not the greatest problem they have (finding & settling on a school/program, passing the GRE, getting an admission and getting a visa is harder).
Have a viable plan and history of good 'doings' you can sell and friends + family will support the dream.

I won't be surprised if these friends chip in to get you a flight ticket and initial living expense because you have shown the money will be utilized as an investment and put to good use.
I don't need to say more - you are on the right path. Keep pushing!

Very nice words from my Chief Inspiration Consultant�

Kahbahsah:

Very nice words from my Chief Inspiration Consultant�

Our discussions activated some sleeping neurons in my brain...

1. I verified the 0PT direct to Gre3n card is legit. Catch is, if this is still processing while your 0pt allowance expires, you fall out of status, Everything ends.
That's why people choose the h1b soft landing even when employers wanna go directly which gives a longer allowance to process the gre3n card.

2. The self petition class is the "EB2 Nati0nal Intere5t Wa1ver". It works! I know people that have used it. 1 masters, continued to a PhD and 2 PhDs. Same school, they could have been more I don't know of.

Kahbahsah:



I stated it earlier. I applied for MasterCard scholarship. I passed some of the tests involved, after which I was sponsored to write the GRE and IELTS. You can google more on mastercard scholarship.

Thank you my friend.

MackyNaija:

Our discussions activated some sleeping neurons in my brain...

1. I verified the 0PT direct to Gre3n card is legit. Catch is, if this is still processing while your 0pt allowance expires, you fall out of status, Everything ends.
That's why people choose the h1b soft landing even when employers wanna go directly which gives a longer allowance to process the gre3n card.


2. The self petition class is the "EB2 Nati0nal Intere5t Wa1ver". It works! I know people that have used it. 1 masters, continued to a PhD and 2 PhDs. Same school, they could have been more I don't know of.

Well done boss for the insight. This sounds good to me.

Kahbahsah:


It's actually between $2000 and $2500, which is less than #1.2million. This is not too big.

Let me inspire you a bit. Early into the pandemic, I lost my source of income and became broke. However, during this time, I was able to write the GRE ($200), IELTS ($200) and applied for a PhD program to two different schools (this costs about $200), without me spending even up to #1000naira (for data subscription).

All I had to do was to apply for a MasterCard program that pays for GRE and IELTS, and then I prepared my school Applications. When I was ready to submit my application, I scrolled through my phone to look for any foreign number I have that I could convince to help me pay the application fee, and eventually two of my old time friends who are in the US paid this for me.

I'm currently waiting for a positive feedback from the schools, while I put the right strategy to get my flight ticket money ready.

I hope this inspires you and someone else who wants to cry that he/she lacks money.

still don't understand and beside apart from applying masters are the not any means