How Samuele Landed His H1B Cap-Exempt Role – And How You Can Too!
Samuele (2022, Menlo College)
BS in Financial Technology | Business & Financial Analyst at Menlo College
Challenge:
Samuele faced significant challenges while working at PwC in Dubai. He was offered the chance to transfer to the U.S., but despite receiving the offer, he wasn’t selected in the H1B visa lottery.
“I was offered a job for PWC within the United States, we tried to go through the process on an H1B, and it actually didn’t work out for lottery.”
Additionally, he struggled to establish a strong presence in the U.S. as an international student, dealing with the uncertainties and burdens of navigating the visa process while abroad.
“It’s pretty hard to share your presence within the United States because we come here with a big luggage and a lot of hopes.”
Solution:
Exploring H1B Cap-Exempt Opportunities:
Leveraging Social Networks and Personal Branding:
Attending Job Fairs:
Samuele’s Advice:
Samuele faced significant challenges while working at PwC in Dubai. He was offered the chance to transfer to the U.S., but despite receiving the offer, he wasn’t selected in the H1B visa lottery.
Additionally, he struggled to establish a strong presence in the U.S. as an international student, dealing with the uncertainties and burdens of navigating the visa process while abroad.
Solution:
Exploring H1B Cap-Exempt Opportunities:
- After not being selected in the H1B lottery, Samuele pursued an alternative path through the H1B cap-exempt category, which applies to non-profit organizations like universities, government entities, and research institutes. He reconnected with his university and found a job there, bypassing the lottery process.
Leveraging Social Networks and Personal Branding:
- Samuele emphasized the importance of creating a personal brand, especially as an international student. He built his brand through his LinkedIn profile, personal website, and portfolio showcasing his major projects. This helped him stand out in a competitive job market.
Attending Job Fairs:
- Living in San Francisco, Samuele took advantage of the area's many job fairs and career development opportunities. He actively connected with people at these events, further expanding his network and enhancing his career prospects.
Samuele’s Advice:
- International students should not limit their focus solely to one industry. There are numerous opportunities outside of traditional paths, and being open to different sectors can increase your chances of success.
- Starting your job search early, and making the most of the time you have while in the U.S. is crucial for securing opportunities and gaining valuable experience.
- Continuously connect with people and grow your network to uncover new opportunities.
Highlights
Samuelel shared how he leveraged his network at Menlo College to secure H1B cap-exempt sponsorship.
International students shouldn't limit themselves to just one industry—there are countless opportunities beyond traditional paths. FrogHire.ai is an essential tool for my job search. Always keep connecting with people to grow your network. That's how you uncover new opportunities.— Samuele (2022, Menlo College)