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Ask HN: F1 student stuck in a CS-PhD program. How do I get a job?

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Re: Ask HN: F1 student stuck in a CS-PhD program. How do I get a job?

#11

Post by sndean »

frustrated_phd wrote: post #9
sndean wrote: post #4

So you're making it sound like continuing in the PhD program isn't an option? > start failing my PhD program because I just can't take it anymore? I don't know how serious of issues you're having when you say "just can't take it anymore." If it's anything like what I experienced, it's not unusual. I wanted to quit really often (once per month?) for several years. And I actually did informally quit for a few months. S…

I am aware of the "imposter syndrome" and other vagaries of academic life. I seek advice from colleagues, speak freely to my advisor and I am honest about how I feel about my current situation. This is going on for about a year now, and I am afraid that one day I will just break down and give it all up. I understand what you're saying and to an extent it helps to know others have gone through similar situations. I am…

> I am just looking for options and possibilities in case I give up the PhD program.

Not so sure about CS PhDs specifically, but I know a few researchers (employed by the feds) that have "all but dissertation" on their CVs next to their PhD listing. Meaning they didn't finish but clearly they're employable.

So, from your question:

>Tell them that I can't do my PhD so please give me a job and sponsor my H1B?

You've likely accumulated a lot of accomplishments, are just as valuable as someone who has completed their PhD, and you're employable. Right?

Re: Ask HN: F1 student stuck in a CS-PhD program. How do I get a job?

#12

Post by vr3690 »

In another comment you mentioned that you've already used your post completion opt.

Can you apply for a STEM extension now? That will keep you in the country and let you work for another 24 months. Try to get the highest paying job you can and then Aggressively save to pay off your student loan?

After that to continue staying in the country you'll have to get an H1-B. Having graduated from a US masters program you have slightly better chance in the MS cap but the odds may not be in your favour.

The safest option would be to plow through your PhD program. But you probably already knew that.

Quitting the program and getting a job might be a gamble, but weighing the risks is something you'll obviously have to figure out.

Re: Ask HN: F1 student stuck in a CS-PhD program. How do I get a job?

#13

Post by frustrated_phd »

vr3690 wrote: post #12

In another comment you mentioned that you've already used your post completion opt. Can you apply for a STEM extension now? That will keep you in the country and let you work for another 24 months. Try to get the highest paying job you can and then Aggressively save to pay off your student loan? After that to continue staying in the country you'll have to get an H1-B. Having graduated from a US masters program you ha…

> Can you apply for a STEM extension now?

Unfortunately, I can not. I spoke with our international student advisor and it appears that I cannot get STEM extension. I need to be in post-OPT phase to get a STEM extension which I forfeited when I joined the PhD program. I can only get another post-completion OPT after I complete the PhD program.

I can get a pre-completion OPT, but as I quoted in another comment that is a limited option.

As each day passes by I am trying to digest the reality that I have to complete the PhD program. I am trying, but TBH I don't know how much I can force myself to do it. I am scared of my future, and I can't find a way out of this mess :'(

Re: Ask HN: F1 student stuck in a CS-PhD program. How do I get a job?

#14

Post by frustrated_phd »

sndean wrote: post #11
frustrated_phd wrote: post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I am aware of the "imposter syndrome" and other vagaries of academic life. I seek advice from colleagues, speak freely to my advisor and I am honest about how I feel about my current situation. This is going on for about a year now, and I am afraid that one day I will just break down and give it all up. I understand what you're saying and to an extent it helps to know others have gone through similar situations. I am…

> I am just looking for options and possibilities in case I give up the PhD program. Not so sure about CS PhDs specifically, but I know a few researchers (employed by the feds) that have "all but dissertation" on their CVs next to their PhD listing. Meaning they didn't finish but clearly they're employable. So, from your question: >Tell them that I can't do my PhD so please give me a job and sponsor my H1B? You've li…

I am confident that my profile is employable. However, in terms of current status in the PhD program, I am about to finish my first year in the PhD program. I think as compared to other PhD students, I am a bit hesitant to put myself in the top bracket. On the other hand, I would put myself at par with other professional/graduate Masters student.

Re: Ask HN: F1 student stuck in a CS-PhD program. How do I get a job?

#15

Post by vr3690 »

frustrated_phd wrote: post #13
vr3690 wrote: post #12

In another comment you mentioned that you've already used your post completion opt. Can you apply for a STEM extension now? That will keep you in the country and let you work for another 24 months. Try to get the highest paying job you can and then Aggressively save to pay off your student loan? After that to continue staying in the country you'll have to get an H1-B. Having graduated from a US masters program you ha…

> Can you apply for a STEM extension now? Unfortunately, I can not. I spoke with our international student advisor and it appears that I cannot get STEM extension. I need to be in post-OPT phase to get a STEM extension which I forfeited when I joined the PhD program. I can only get another post-completion OPT after I complete the PhD program. I can get a pre-completion OPT, but as I quoted in another comment that is…

You can do it mate! Best of luck!

Try switching advisors or maybe even fields within your CS department. You might start something you like

Re: Ask HN: F1 student stuck in a CS-PhD program. How do I get a job?

#16

Post by frustrated_phd »

vr3690 wrote: post #15
frustrated_phd wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Can you apply for a STEM extension now? Unfortunately, I can not. I spoke with our international student advisor and it appears that I cannot get STEM extension. I need to be in post-OPT phase to get a STEM extension which I forfeited when I joined the PhD program. I can only get another post-completion OPT after I complete the PhD program. I can get a pre-completion OPT, but as I quoted in another comment that is…

You can do it mate! Best of luck! Try switching advisors or maybe even fields within your CS department. You might start something you like

Thanks!

I am currently thinking of taking a break and come back to the program with a fresh perspective. I have faith in future me, I just need to find him ;)

Re: Ask HN: F1 student stuck in a CS-PhD program. How do I get a job?

#17

Post by dorfuss »

frustrated_phd wrote: post #13
vr3690 wrote: post #12

In another comment you mentioned that you've already used your post completion opt. Can you apply for a STEM extension now? That will keep you in the country and let you work for another 24 months. Try to get the highest paying job you can and then Aggressively save to pay off your student loan? After that to continue staying in the country you'll have to get an H1-B. Having graduated from a US masters program you ha…

> Can you apply for a STEM extension now? Unfortunately, I can not. I spoke with our international student advisor and it appears that I cannot get STEM extension. I need to be in post-OPT phase to get a STEM extension which I forfeited when I joined the PhD program. I can only get another post-completion OPT after I complete the PhD program. I can get a pre-completion OPT, but as I quoted in another comment that is…

With Masters in CS your future is rather secure. You can apply for a permanent visa in Australia, Canada or anywhere else in the world and get a good salary. Don't worry that much, you are young (I assume) and you have a bright future ahead of you. I also think that even back in India you could find a decent job with your skills. Don't panic, it's just a beginning. Cheers!

Re: Ask HN: F1 student stuck in a CS-PhD program. How do I get a job?

#18

Post by JSeymourATL »

> But what do I say to the company about my visa status?

Start reaching out to and networking with senior executives from your country of origin. Linkedin advanced search is an excellent resource for this. Also, Google search for Indian entrepreneurs> https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/apr/11/powerful-...

It's enough to say at this juncture you believe it's best to suspend your academic track and start working professionally. Those individuals will likely be more understanding and sympathetic to your situation. And more inclined to deal H1-B sponsorship requirements.

Re: Ask HN: F1 student stuck in a CS-PhD program. How do I get a job?

#19

Post by nanis »

frustrated_phd wrote: post #10
nanis wrote: post #3

https://www.uscis.gov/eir/visa-guide/f-1-opt-optional-practi...

I have used up my previous F1-OPT (post completion) to do be a research assistant with my current advisor. I could do a pre-completion OPT but as per the website you linked me to: "If the student chooses to engage in pre-completion OPT, he or she may not work more than 20 hours per week while school is in session, but may work full-time during his or her annual vacation and other times when the school is not in sessi…

IANAL, but I don't understand why you would have had to use your F1-OPT for an RA position.

I am not recommending F1-OPT forever obviously. But, it would buy you time until you find someone willing to sponsor and H1B. Things are much easier these days.

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