Moving from Melbourne to NYC (New York, Boston: unemployed, transfer, top schools) - City-Data Forum

semelb · 06-17-2009, 11:43 PM

Hi,

I'm after some advice on moving from Melbourne, Australia to New York City.

I have visited New York several times over the past few years and have fallen in love, i just want to be there more than anything. I have friends and family there too.

I am finishing my Bachelor of Business Marketing and Management degree at the end of 2009 and am looking to move over to NYC asap.

I have substantial work experience as i have worked full time throughout my degree in the marketing industry, yet only for Australian companies - so that's a dead end.

Everyone argues, why would anyone in NYC hire and sponsor an Australian to work in NY during this climate but there has got to be a way!

Suggestions???

- Recruiters??
- US networks in Australia/Australian networks in NYC??

I know i'm working against the odds but people do these things all the time, there has to be a way.

Cheers, looking forward to some great advice!
S

Viralmd · 06-18-2009, 06:20 AM

You are, indeed, working against the odds. With so many unemployed American citizens, you'd have to have unique or extraordinary skills to get a sponsored visa. I would suggest you wait a few years.

aebrett · 06-18-2009, 07:46 AM

If you can find a suitable US company with an office in Melbourne, you may find that you can get a job with them in Oz, and then after a year or two speak to them about moving within the company. If the company values your skills they may well be willing to transfer you to the NYC office. That way has the advantages that (a) you've demonstrated to your employer that you're worth transferring and (b) intra-company transfer visas (L1) are generally easier to get than H1B visas.

Unfortunately, your comment "why would anyone in NYC hire and sponsor an Australian to work in NY during this climate" is largely true if you're looking to get hired in NYC straightaway. This might be possible if you were a very experienced and talented individual, but if you're fresh out of uni this won't be the case (no offence - I'm talking about people with 10+ years in the industry, an international network of business contacts and a proven track record).

Biskit · 06-18-2009, 08:04 AM

There's Americans that are far more qualified from some of the most prestigious schools in the US with years of relevant New York experience all fighting for the same job you're looking for in this recession. You're going to have to convince 3 or 4 rounds of executives that first of all your degree matches up to the pedigree of some of the top schools in America, your experience is relevant, you have skills that no other American who wants the job has, and finally that they should go through the hassle and extra cost of sponsoring you. The people that are coming from Australia to NYC to work are the cream of the crop, highly specialized professionals that have years and years of experience and are often senior people in multinational corporations. To come straight out of college with no experience is next to impossible. Maybe if you work at a Deloitte or Accenture and are exceptional, you might be able to request to work on a project in NYC as long as you fit the relocation and living costs - I would recommend that, some kind of international consulting firm that has offices in Australia.

tpk-nyc · 06-18-2009, 08:30 AM

I've met a number of Australians in the last few years (before the economy tanked) who moved to the city; all moved back without finding a job. The one Australian I know who has a job in the city works for Rupert Murdoch and was hired in Australia.

Chava61 · 06-18-2009, 03:41 PM

I spent some time in Melbourne several years ago as a tourist (& loved it but couldn't stay as there obviously!). I think it would be just a difficult for American wanting to relocate to Melbourne/Australia as it would be the opposite. So I think that unless you find a sponsor before coming to the USA, your chances of getting a job here in NYC are small.

semelb · 06-19-2009, 11:32 PM

Thanks for your help everyone!! Definitely no surprises there - unfortunately

My next question is, other than the big finance/accounting/banking firms, does anyone know of US companies that have offices in Melbourne/Sydney? I know that working over here in Australia for one of these companies gives me a better chance at international transfer...

Thoughts?

Thanks again!

S

Biskit · 06-20-2009, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by semelb

Thanks for your help everyone!! Definitely no surprises there - unfortunately

My next question is, other than the big finance/accounting/banking firms, does anyone know of US companies that have offices in Melbourne/Sydney? I know that working over here in Australia for one of these companies gives me a better chance at international transfer...

Thoughts?

Thanks again!

S

Go the consulting (system implementation or strategy) route if you're interested in the work. Every major consulting firm has offices in Sydney - Accenture, Deloitte, IBM Global Services, McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, Bain etc.

Consulting is good because it's easy to transfer internationally for projects if you're good - I've seen it in my own circle of friends many times. You just have to get in and be exceptional, which is the hard part.

tpk-nyc · 06-22-2009, 07:51 AM

You could also take the academic route and apply to a graduate program. NYU and Columbia are by far the best for business although they are very expensive and highly selective.

If you really want to make a career for yourself in New York I would highly recommend going to a top-tier school. It really does make a difference in this town.