OPT Visa and Job searching

nicoleberemovica·Sep 11, 2023

Posted in:Advice

Hi Everyone!

I was wondering whether anyone has advice on switching careers on an OPT STEM visa. Since I graduated last year, I have been working as a UX and Market Researcher at an agency and I am looking to switch into a new role. However, I have encountered mostly rejections based on my visa status in last years application. I was wondering wether anyone has advice on how to get a job on OPT STEM in the tech world and whether there might be some places that are better than others (e.g. start ups vs bigger corporate)

Have a lovely day

Nicole

Iynna·Sep 11, 2023

Hello! I have had many friends take on all kinds of roles on a STEM OPT, from Hedge Fund, Investment Banking, Strategy&Ops in Tech etc that I don't think it really matters. And I suspect the rejections are not just based on your visa status being a STEM OPT, but maybe just the fact that you are on a visa sadly. I'd for sure talk to a lawyer though, and then I'd just spread my eggs and apply across the board. There is a misconception that only corpo would sponsor a visa but a number of smaller early stage startups would do it, they'd just need the right guidance!

nicoleberemovica·Sep 18, 2023

thank you so much!

CarolinaGomez·Sep 13, 2023

Hi @nicoleberemovica I am on an H1B and have worked at both early stage startups and large corporate companies and both have sponsored my visas. It really depends on the founders and their vision, some early stage startups are founded by folks who were previously on visas and understand the talent from the immigrant communities however during this weird economic downtown many companies across the board are refusing to hire those of us on visas because of the added costs for sponsorship.

Iynna·Sep 17, 2023

"some early stage startups are founded by folks who were previously on visas and understand the talent from the immigrant communities" THAT PART! @nicoleberemovica check out Unshackled Ventures and its portfolio companies!

nicoleberemovica·Sep 18, 2023

this is great to hear. I will check them out. I much appreciate it.