Are you constantly getting no calls or rejects on your job applications? Then, watch this right now.
Why your JobHunt is not working?
Online Career Counseling for Engineers and MBAs
Use our online career counseling services to help you find your happy dream careers 🙂
75% of the engineers are not prepared for the tough job market. On top of that, there are so many courses available online and offline, adding to the confusion. We help you sift through the noise, understand what kind of person you are and what career would make you happy and fulfilled. Because that is what it is all about, isn’t it?
Scholar Strategy Online Career Counseling
We believe that a little introspection can help you save money, precious time and energy. So, we have a simple career QnA package where we can advise you whether you should invest in further education, and what kind of education. We are honest in telling you that a degree will not help you and what should you do instead.
This package is for you if you fall into any of the categories below:
- I’m a college grad not sure whether to go for MS in USA, MBA or take a job
- I work fulltime but am feeling stuck in my current job and considering MBA (or another course)
- I’m a professional not enjoying my current work and wondering what my options are
We believe that higher study is only effective when done in right spirit. If you approach us during your decision-making process, we can help you make the right choice – sometimes, it means not applying for Master’s but switch careers.
Don’t worry, we will accept your query ONLY if we feel we can help you.
How does it work?
- We make you fill out a questionnaire about what you want to do, what kind of work you enjoy doing etc.
- Then you will have a 45 min call (with Nistha) in which she will understand your profile and dilemma fully. We will then create a workplan for you and give you two things to work on in the following week. These will be introspective tasks or finding out about a relevant area (just like she told you to find out about MEM).
- You will finish working on the activities suggested to you and then Nistha will do a final 30 min completion call with you to tie the loose ends and make sure you have a clarity going forward.
Email us with a subject line: ‘interested in career counseling’ and we will send you the questionnaire.
Other options online
Careerguide offers a free career test for people deciding their career choices in school. So does iDreamCareer. While these are paid, some websites also offer free career selection tests.
Trump ban on new H1B visas: updates for Grad Students
Trump has put a ban on new H1B visas – what does it mean for Graduate Students? Here’s some clarifications and advice on moving forward.
President Donald Trump blocked visas for a wide variety of jobs, including those for computer programmers and other skilled workers who enter the country under the H1B and L1 visa on June 22, 2020. It is a temporary ban that will remain in effect till Dec 2020. src: NYTimes
Trump has said that the ban will help domestic workers in USA since the economy is already struggling. The visa suspension could open up 525,000 jobs for US workers, a senior administration official said. The official, however, did not explain how the administration arrived at that figure.
Will Trump putting a ban on new H1B affect Graduate Students?
The ExecutiveOrder does NOT impact students on F1 visas, CPT or OPT. It only impacts the following categories of visa – H-1B, H-2B, L-1A, L-1B, or J-1. This refers to (intern, trainee, teacher, camp counselor, au pair, summer work travel only) and who do not already have such a visa as of June 24, 2020.
New entry suspensions do NOT apply to any of the following:
- Individuals inside the U.S. on the effective date of the proclamation
- F-1 students (including those on OPT, STEM OPT, and/or cap-gap)
- J-1 students (including those on Academic Training)
- J-1 exchange visitors in categories other than intern, trainee, teacher, camp counselor, au pair, and summer work travel.
- Individuals outside the U.S. who already have a valid visa prior to June 24, 2020.
- Individuals outside the U.S. who seek to apply for a visa in a category other than H, L, or the J program categories of intern, trainee, teacher, camp counselor, au pair, and summer work travel
- Any application filed with USCIS including OPT, STEM OPT, H-1Bs, changes of status, etc.
How does it impact the students who graduate this year?
Trump’s Executive Order places a ban on new issuance of H1B visas till Dec 2020. If your H1B visa is already filed and approved earlier in 2020, you should not be affected. However, it is best to contact your employer and confirm this.
In general, the proclamation does not negate selection in the H-1B lottery or suspend an employer’s ability to file an H-1B petition for an employee. If you have more specific questions about this proclamation as it relates to changes to your immigration status that are or will be handled through your employer (such as H-1B, permanent residency, etc.) please reach out to your employer’s immigration team or legal counsel for specific guidance for your particular situation.
NC State International Students Office
So, who is this bad for?
The proclamation temporarily blocks foreign workers entering on H-1B visas (skilled workers) and L visas (for managers and specialised workers being transferred within a company). Trump also blocked those entering on H-2B seasonal worker visas, which are used by landscapers and other industries. The suspension also applies to J-1 holders “participating in an intern, trainee, teacher, camp counselor, au pair, or summer work travel program.”
The order also restricts the ability of American companies with global operations and international companies with U.S. branches to transfer foreign executives and other employees to the United States for months or year-long stints. And it blocks the spouses of foreigners who are employed at companies in the United States.
However, the above does NOT ban someone who is already in USA as well as valid visa holders overseas, but they must have an official travel document that permits entry into the United States.
Is this a bad news for international students?
Not directly since it has no bearing on F1 visas whatsoever. Last month, we heard a good news that H1B will give priority to people who have studied in USA which is a great news for international students. However, if Trump carries on like this and makes H1B more restrictive, it creates a ripple effect on students ability to work after graduation. I have already written about What is happening with H1B – should I apply for MS? Such news create an uncertainty in the job market and employers become more cautious in sponsoring H1Bs.
Can there be more bad news for immigration in future?
The June 22, 2020 proclamation does instruct the Secretaries of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Labor, and the Department of State to work together to recommend modifications to the proclamation within 30 days and then every 60 days after that. So, we do not know at this time if the proclamation will change or if new proclamations will be issued. However, OIS will continue to monitor news bulletins for more information and update this FAQ accordingly once we know anything.
NC State International Students Office
What can I do so that these developments do not impact me?
Some of my colleagues from Citi who couldn’t get H1B were relocated to other countries. Companies try to retain their skilled employees as much as possible, they can move them to Europe or Canada if needed. Talk to your employer & figure out your options.
Of course, startups may not have all these options but if they really want you, they figure out a way especially now when remote working is widely acceptable.
If you were planning to apply to US for studies, be prepared for such announcements. I believe US is best innovation hub – the kind of work and salaries you get there is unmatched elsewhere. If your goal is immigration, look elsewhere as well.
There’s something called recession or Trump proof graduate – he’s the one who’s been so busy skilling himself that he knows he can find a job in any market. Be that guy. If you want to figure how can you become evergreen employable, try our career coaching services and contact us.
If you are solid in your fundamentals, you WILL find a job. It may not be what & where you wanted it right away but you won’t be unemployed.
Lastly, world is changing in unexpected ways. It’s better to be prepared for the worst. The moment you accept that anything can happen, you are half way ready to handle it. Think of backup options & be damn good in your field.
You can do this. Good luck ?
How can students take care of mental health in Grad School
First year in college or grad school can be brutal for the students. Students who are far from home, trying to create a new life in a new city can suffer from deteriorating mental health. Good news is that it is a correctable issue. Even if you are feeling momentarily lost or low, you can get over it with simple precautions.
Given the covid-19 pandemic and heartbreaking news coming from all corners of the world, we have brought in expert Counseling Psychologist, Sharmishtha Khanna for some well-meant advice. The following post is authored by her.
What causes mental health issues in students?
When the surroundings are unusual and the friendships uncertain, the tendency to feel insecure and weak can come through. In such a situation, it becomes even more important to seek mental stability. You must remember that the onset of college life can be tough at times, but it is worth the effort.
My dear students, the initial excitement and ‘fear of missing out’ can endanger your mental health, so take it easy on yourselves. Take your time to settle in, get accustomed to the novel environment and make friends. If you are in a rush to do everything soon, there are chances that you will not be able to handle all the pressure. Listen to your mind and body, it will always tell you what you can do and when.
This does not mean that you do not push your boundaries – do so with preparation and effort, rather than compulsion and peer pressure.
“A lack of sleep, poor eating habits, and not enough exercise are a recipe for depression among college students. The stress that comes with academia — including financial worries, pressure to get a good job after school, and failed relationships — is enough to force some students to leave college or worse.”- www.healthline.com
How can students cope with depressing thoughts?
- Stay in touch with your family and friends, talk to them about your struggles at college and personal life. have someone who you can reach out to when feeling low.
- Avoid peer pressure as much as you can. In order to be a part of some group, students do the things that they may not do otherwise. Refrain from losing your sanity because of someone else.
- Take charge of your life, set limits for yourself in terms of social activities that involve any kind of intoxication. Exercise the power of choice.
- Be assertive. Do not succumb to bullying and report it as and when required. You do not deserve to be insulted and nobody has the right to do that to you. Stay away from such people.
- Romantic relationships, at this age, can seem overtly important for survival – losing people may feel like world is ending but remember that it is not the case.
- Practice mindfulness. Learn to be in the moment and abstain from living in the past or future. There are apps like Headspace, Calm and Balance that you can use to get started.
- Focus on the short term goals that will eventually lead to the main goal. It will build confidence and help you succeed in your endeavours.
- Some plans will work out, others may not. Keep trying without worrying about the end result, that is what is in your hands- free will.
- Most importantly, seek help when required. Do not let some kind of mental block delay your visit to a therapist. The earlier you identify the problem, there are better chances of you coming out of it.
About the author: Sharmishtha Khanna is a Counseling Psychologist with clients world over. She has been in the field since the last 5 years and has touched the lives of many individuals and helped them in becoming a better version of themselves. She is trained in Cognitive Behaviour and Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapies. You can find her write ups and posts under the name of Maansikta on Facebook and @Maansikta.health on Instagram. She is available for e-counseling, and can be contacted at maansikta.health@gmail.com, along with Facebook Messenger and DM on Instagram for the same.
Also read: 20 Secrets to Successful Dating in Grad School
Most graduate schools have an in-house counselor and visiting them is covered in your student health coverage. If you are feeling low and sinking into negativity, reach out and make an appointment with your counselor TODAY.
Defer your Fall 2020 admit because of Coronavirus?
Are you wondering if you should defer your Fall 2020 admit because of Coronavirus? Read on. At the end of this post, we share a great decision making technique that you can use for yourself.
In our previous post, we discussed overall Covid impact on international students. We also saw 5 ways in which recruitment and job hunt will be affected.
Most of the schools including the mighty Harvard Business School has decided to allow its accepted applicants to defer their admits to next Fall. The other option is to accept the classes online. Some of the schools (eg UMass Amherst) have even offered the option to stretch the program to 4-5 semesters to ease the visa concerns.
Deferring to Fall/Spring 2021 – what does it mean?
Let’s look at the pros con of deferring your admission to next Spring or Fall
| To Spring | To next Fall |
|---|---|
| No CPT for Summer 2021 | Delay in graduation |
| Situation may not change – 6 months not long enough to try something | Uncertainty continues for another year |
Starting the classes online – what does it mean?
Many schools are giving the option to start the Fall classes online. Here are the pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Start on time | Impact on peer learning |
| No delay in graduation | Impact on networking |
| Possible uncertainty on CPT for Summer 2021 |
Some people may not want to wait much longer since they already have enough work experience. In that case, considering to start the Fall sem online is a way out. Of course, they must reflect on what it means for their jobhunt.
How is the economy looking and what does it mean for your jobhunt?
How is US market looking?
The recovery of US markets has been impressively fast and solid. While it took 1 year+ for DJI to bounce back during 2008 recession, it recovered 33% of its losses in 3 weeks. Even the magnitude of decline has been lower.
Why did US market recover so quickly?
Senate approved $2 Trillion Stimulus in record time. It is hailed as the largest-ever economic stimulus package in U.S. history, amounting to 10% of total U.S. gross domestic product. The bill was much larger than the $831 billion stimulus act passed in 2009 as part of the response to the Great Recession.
Bottomline is US government acted rapidly (enacted within ONE week) and decisively. The impact of the stimulus is that 150M people are getting money deposited in their bank accounts. There are further proposals to support the unemployed for at least 6 months.
How is Indian market looking?
While Indian markets are mirroring the US markets so far, there are many question marks on the fundamental strength and wellbeing of Indian industries.
Moody’s had earlier cut the forecast for India’s GDP growth this year to 0.2%. And very recently, Goldman Sachs slashed it down further to -5%. This foreshadows trouble in Indian economy.
What are the markets telling us worldwide?
The US govt is prepared to do whatever it takes and is looking decisive about keeping the economy afloat.
India and rest of the world is simply mirroring what’s going on in USA. So, if there’s recession in USA, expect a worse recession in India.
What is happening at H1B front and will you get work visas easily?
Trump can resort to stricter immigration steps to improve his re-election campaign. As pointed out in my previous article, Trump is against the IT outsourcing companies sending their folks on H1B and NOT against students like you.
In May, we had a team of Democrat and Republican Senators proposing a H1B Reform Act which is a great news for people studying in USA. Read our detailed commentary on the same and what it can mean for you.
How might US Presidential election complicate things?
- Trump means solid economy but tricky H1B visas
- Democrats victory means softer economy but better H1B visa
Should you defer your admit because of Coronavirus?
At the end, you have to decide for yourself keeping all the above information in mind.
On one hand, US economy has strong foundation. Even if there is a slowdown in second half of 2020, the markets are expected to recover well and healthily in <1 year. Same cannot be said for India. The GDP is declining more than expected and job losses are mounting. Indian government doesn’t have the wherewithal to support everyone whereas US just did. They are putting money in bank accounts directly, they are prepared to act tough if required.
On other hand, there may be short term challenges if companies go shy in sponsoring H1Bs which directly impacts internships and jobs. Also, cutting back on funding may lead to fewer assistantships and scholarships – making it overall more expensive. Dollar however remains strong.
But keeping all these facts aside, it boils down to what matters the most to you. We share a great technique below that you can use to make this decision more wisely for yourself.
5 ways Coronavirus (Covid-19) will impact the job market for Master’s students
Here are 5 ways that Coronavirus will impact the job market for current and aspiring graduate students. The better you understand this, better it will be for your jobhunt strategy.
Covid 19 toll is increasing day by day on the whole world. As we adjust to this new normal, here are few things to keep in mind for MS and MBA candidates.
Coronavirus job search impact
Apart from the learning impact which is happening as classes are being conducted virtually, there is a fear how badly coronavirus will affect the job hunt. As we all know, Coronavirus will leave behind a massive global recession. This means that whatever you are used to in your job hunt strategy is going to be questioned.
1. Remote jobs will increase
This one is a no-brainer.
Between 2005 to 2017, there was a 159% increase in remote work. In 2015, 3.9 million U.S. workers were working remotely. At the start of 2020, that number stood at 4.7 million, or 3.4% of the population. Here is the kicker – March roadrolled it all. Today, nearly 90% of white collar jobs are happening remotely!
Tailor your resume and mention any successful projects you have completed remotely. Highlight that you are comfortable and conversant in working remotely to get empathetic brownie points from the hiring manager.
2. Referrals will become critical in recruiting
The immediate effect of the lockdown is cancellation of campus events, job fairs and so on. If you are to survive in the coronatimes, you will have to get comfortable finding the jobs from your home. While on-campus career portals will continue, a major part of your job hunt would be on your own.
Secondly, due to the budget constraints and recession slump, employers will be more cautious in recruiting. At such times, one usually falls back on the most reliable source of hiring – referrals. That’s right, finding referrals can make or break your job hunt. Your best bet is to get existing people to refer you in their companies. This is also where networking skills make a huge difference in your success.
Read: Masterclass on ‘How to find internships and jobs in coronavirus times and recessions‘
3. Visa sponsorship will become more scarce
Bad news – companies will get more selective in sponsoring H1Bs (and work visas in other countries). Nothing much can be done about it. It will help to talk to your International Students Office and get tips on how to get the max of your OPT period.
4. Revenue contributing roles will survive
When the economies are booming, even the supportive and non-revenue generating jobs are on the rise. But when the purse strings are tightened, these roles are the first to get shed. And it does not mean that only administrative roles are affected.
Think it like this – are you contributing directly to your company’s top line? For eg. Google search or adwords team are critical to it at all times whereas those experimental projects may get shelved when times are tough. While data science role may be critical to Netflix, a funded content startup could have hired a data scientist just to show it off to its investors.
Try to find roles which are crucial to the company’s revenue generation as they are safer and more promising in long run.
5. Few industries will dry up
It breaks my heart to see how brutally the travel sector has been hammered in the covid-19 crisis. It is probably a good time to join an edtech, healthcare or foodtech company as opposed to retail, construction, or transportation. The idea is to focus on industries that are hiring and not, firing.
Who is hiring or firing?
These companies have frozen their hiring due to Coronavirus
Top Bay Area Startups That Are Hiring Right Now
How do you cope up with something like this?
Yes, the future is looking bleak. As per BBC, nearly 200 million people could end up out of work by mid 2020. But it is at times like these, we need to look at this pandemic for what it is – a jolt to our world. Remember, while you are only feeling the brunt on your job prospects, there are millions dying.
This is truly a testing time for humanity and the ultimate strength we all can find in is in knowing that our world has changed. Covid-19 is bigger than a job loss, you or me. People have lost lives, dear ones, homes, life savings and hope. As you try to build your own life, try helping those around you too. The only thing that can help pull us out of this gloom is grace, kindness and generosity. Let us be grateful for where we are and what we have NOT lost – our health, our families and food.
I am sure you will conquer this. Hang in, there. Stay safe, stay sane.
How can we help you?
We are doing our best to collect resources on helping you combat the covid-19 crisis. Keep up to date on Coronavirus impact on international students here. Comment what else do you want to hear from us.
Why MBA? Here’s how to decide
Why MBA is a big question mark to tackle not only in business school application but in introspection. Here are few things for you to ponder upon before you make the big decision.
Does it make financial sense to do an MBA?
Assumptions
Let’s talk about full time MBA in USA/Europe where most of the Top B Schools are. Assuming you are currently working in a non-fancy job in industry earning $70K. No interest rate on your student loans for simplified calculations.
Financials
- On an average, a FT MBA in USA will cost at least $150K and 2 years. Assuming you were earning $70K right now, that is a cost of $150K+$140K of opportunity cost = roughly $300K. Go for part-time to save your opportunity cost.
- For banking or consulting or high growth tech sector, average salaries post MBA can range between $90-$100K (total compensation however can add another 40–80K depending on bonuses). Taking a modest average salary of $130K for our average candidate, 30% tax and $40K living costs, it means 5-6 years of break even period. As bonuses pile up and you ride higher the career ladder with your MBA brand, this is not a problem. You will eventually recover the cost and grow.
- For other non-traditional roles esp in non profits or startups, salaries may average out around $80-$90K in an optimistic scenario with no bonuses. You might break even in 8–9 years.
- If you end up performing below average or move back to a country where avg salaries are low, ROI may not even make sense extending to >10 years.
What are the biggest benefits of an MBA?
Even if it makes financial sense to do an MBA, you need to have better reasons to spend 2 years of time, energy and money into B School. Plus, it’s not easy. Stanford has 6% acceptance rate and if you are an Indian IT Grad, all odds are against you.
Career Growth
- If you are performing decently in your job and keep getting promoted, MBA add on does not help as much. Especially in tech, non profit and startup sectors, MBA may not be as big a must-have as in banking and consulting lines.
- If you are already at a senior position, it is better to convince your company to sponsor your Executive MBA.
- MBA makes sense if it can help in career switch you are looking for. For example, if you are a software engineer looking to get into Finance, yes MBA will give you what you need and may be the only option you have.
Network/Brand
MBA eventually is about its brand and networking opportunities. How much is that worth to you is something you need to figure out.
I know of 2 good situations which genuinely warrant an MBA-
- You are stuck in your career growth in an industry that values MBA a lot. Therefore you need an MBA to move beyond a certain level. For e.g. some companies such as Big 4 Consulting or Wall Street may not consider you for executive roles unless you have an MBA.
- You want to switch careers to an industry that worships MBA.
Beyond these, I think you should carefully evaluate your ROI and decide if it makes sense.
Also read: 10 reasons why you should pursue MBA after engineering
I must put a caveat out there. If you want to start your venture, please skip MBA and go for it. You will learn things practically and that is for the best.
Lastly, I must add that MBA is more than knowledge or brand. It is exposure and a way of thinking. Some people know exactly what they are going to get out of it and how they will use it to get multi fold returns. If you are that person, then, by all means, go for it. Because when it comes to education, exposure, opportunities, swag/partying, attitude, and confidence, very few experiences can match MBA.
You will get what you put into it.
I am writing down my half-MBA story from NYU Stern on Pre MBA Book – Scholar Strategy for the same reason.
Top 10 Essential Books every student must read before graduating
All students don’t have the money to travel or take every course they are interested in. That is why reading books is such a great idea. Every student can afford to read books and that can teach you so much more than you can ever imagine.
So without further ado, here is our list of Top 10 Essential Books that every student must read before they graduate.
1. How will you measure your life? by Clayton M. Christensen
If the decisions you make about where you invest your blood, sweat, and tears are not consistent with the person you aspire to be, you’ll never become that person.
Especially if you are ambitious by nature, your vision can be clouded by the biased definition of success prevalent in our society. So much so that you might completely lose track of what is important and what is not for being happy. A good book, simply written with good case studies. The fact that it is written by HBS Professor shows how badly MBAs need a reality check.
2. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you
I wish I read this earlier. We think we can change the world by ourselves, in our isolated identities. But later you realize, life is about people and relationships. Even professional success is determined more by your ability to connect than pre talent. Everybody must know how to make friends and how to be agreeable. Period.
3. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Winners are not afraid of losing. But losers are. Failure is part of the process of success. People who avoid failure also avoid success.
Either you understand money because your Dad was good at it and taught you or you will struggle rest of your life trying to find it. Our education trains us to be good employees, not successful. Money comes from a different mindset and Kiyosaki does a good job at setting the stage. What this book does well is piquing your curiosity in personal finance.
4. Economics in One Lesson: The Shortest & Surest Way to Understand Basic Economics by Henry Hazlitt
Everything we get, outside of the free gifts of nature, must in some way be paid for. The world is full of so- called economists who in turn are full of schemes for getting something for nothing. They tell us that the government can spend and spend without taxing at all; that it can continue to pile up debt without ever paying it off, because “we owe it to ourselves.”
It debunks some of the most widespread economics beliefs. Whether you intend to work in a related field or not, I feel you must possess a working understanding of money, finance and economy.
5. Exponential Organizations by Salim Ismail
Today, if you’re not disrupting yourself, someone else is; your fate is to be either the disrupter or the disrupted. There is no middle ground.
Highly relevant in the world of fast moving tech startups that you cannot ignore.
6. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
No matter what he does, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn’t know it.
Because everything cannot be rationalized. Do not lose touch with magic as you move into the world of adults.
7. The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera
The heaviest of burdens crushes us, we sink beneath it, it pins us to the ground. But in love poetry of every age, the woman longs to be weighed down by the man’s body. The heaviest of burdens is therefore simultaneously an image of life’s most intense fulfillment. The heavier the burden, the closer our lives come to the earth, the more real and truthful they become. Conversely, the absolute absence of burden causes man to be lighter than air, to soar into heights, take leave of the earth and his earthly being, and become only half real, his movements as free as they are insignificant. What then shall we choose? Weight or lightness?
Because everyone craves for love and struggles with keeping it. It is a sublime novel on humans and love and how things are anything but simple. And language is decadent. My writing improved after reading this, I swear.
8. Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
To sell your soul is the easiest thing in the world. That’s what everybody does every hour of his life. If I asked you to keep your soul — would you understand why that’s much harder?
Because there is a time to think irrationally and be driven by your inner fire. As you grow and mature up, you will realize how impractical this book is. Nonetheless, when you are touching your twenties, you want to change the world. And you should read what Howard Roark did.
9. A book from your geography
Then I would recommend reading a good book that talks about the economy and current state of your the society wherever you hail from. Know what is happening and why. It is good to know your roots well.
10. HBR articles and booklets
HBR gives you wisdom in nuggets, easily digestible format. Pick your topic and dig in. I loved their series on Communication.
A good starting point could be — https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-must-read-Harvard-Business-Review-posts-articles
High School, College, Grad School — these are the best times of your student life. Reading these 10 books can make it all the more rich and rewarding.
We showed you 10 hacks to help you thrive in school and college last time. Life is more than a degree or a job. Books are timeless and someone said it rightly – those who do not read are not better than those who can not read 🙂
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