I was inspired to write this post when I saw a comment asking me if it was possible to get a 'white collar' job in the USA with African qualifications. My knowledge on the job market may be limited to what I have read and heard and I therefore inquire blog readers to give more information if possible.

From what I know, it would be extremely difficult to get a professional job here without being educated here. You know, North Americans( USA, Canada) have this impression that they have the best school system in the world, and any qualification from anywhere else, much more Africa, does not meet their standards. The only situations I know of, where people got professional jobs without schooling here is when they have extensive experience in their field, and they really are on top of their game. Also I find that specialists in the IT field find it easier to find jobs in the USA even though they still encounter immigration setbacks

I have realized that if you really want to make it in the US, you definitely have to acquire some sort of qualification from here. And even with that, you really don't want to do a course that would make you compete with Americans(Hello Liberal arts). The job market here is very competitive, and Americans would definitely be favored over an international student who needs the company to file a Visa in order to work.
I have found that the sectors which have less Americans competing in are the careers that fall under the STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) category. These sectors have been overtaken by Asians, especially Indians. Find out more about the STEM here. I have a friend who just completed her masters in Mathematical Statistics, and she is now working as a data scientist. She now earns more than $100, 000 p.a less than a year after graduation
Also for most African immigrant there is a lot of pressure to go into Nursing. Nursing pays well over here, and you are assured of employment after graduation, so it is a good option for many Africans to consider. Nursing is not a bad career, but I find that most people get into it without having any passion for the job. They easily get bored along the line and some even wait 2 or 3 years just to qualify into nursing school. I believe that there are equally good and better courses out there(IT, mathematics, etc) that would ensure that you have a successful life over here, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to really research on the type of career you want to go into and the opportunities available.

That said, if you have a strong inclination to go into a particular field, you should very well follow your heart, but you must be aware of the opportunities or lack thereof that comes with whatever you want to do.

quiet enlighthening.....but how about someone intending to run his msc in petroleum geology in the us, but under one of the community schools?

sweet-aquifer:
quiet enlighthening.....but how about someone intending to run his msc in petroleum geology in the us, but under one of the community schools?

Community Colleges are just 2 years, and he would have to continue to a 4 year college after graduation.I believe that community colleges have the cost advantage over a 4 year college and it is the best option for anyone seeking to minimize cost. Also I find that it is easier getting into a community college than a 4 year college and the only disadvantage being that you would not get to experience the whole 'college' experience.
Visit my blog www.lifeofanafricanimmigrant..com to read more about living in the US

thanks for the sincere reply....i actually meant msc, not bsc. And pls hw much would it cost for an msc in any of the community schools? Relative to what is obtainable in the colleges. Also, Does their exist any form of discrimination against these community schools and their degrees?

To the best of my knowledge community colleges do not offer masters level programs. Their highest are the 2 year associate degree courses which is similar to to post secondary diploma

ok....mrs african chick, i must confess i like your blog and the amiable manner with which you express your views.....
That said, i will like your candid opinion on this issue. How much will you advice an intending african to have in stock(in dollars) before before going to the us or canada for a two years masters program. Lastly, for an average american university, how much would probably be the cost for tuition for a masters program..

sweet-aquifer:
ok....mrs african chick, i must confess i like your blog and the amiable manner with which you express your views.....
That said, i will like your candid opinion on this issue. How much will you advice an intending african to have in stock(in dollars) before before going to the us or canada for a two years masters program. Lastly, for an average american university, how much would probably be the cost for tuition for a masters program..

hmmmmm this depends solely on ur intending course, ur university of choice and ur lifestyle(spending habits)... though im not in d US or CANADA of sought buh i atleast knw some few things i can share,,

1. Masters degree at universities in US would range from $8000- $15000 p.a(anybody can quote me wrong)
2. In terms of living expenses, i would advice you own an amount ranging from $6000- $10000(depends on you)
3. Masters degree at universities in CANADA would range from CAD6000 - CAD13000 0r more( highly depending on your sch, course and UG cgpa for purpose of subsidy )
4. In terms of living expenses, meennnhhhh it varies in canny oooo like i knw its cheaper in alberta compared to ontario and some other province... just be sure to have enough and put the mind-set of 'work n live' behind u so as to scale thru.
....................................................................................just my 2 cents

Sir,

i'm contemplating moving to canada with my family.....
i earn within the range of (100K - 120K per month) in Nigeria.

I'm a Professional Accountant and IT Certify
my Wife is a Professional Fashion Designer (Fabric Artist with Academic Qualification)

i have all what it takes to reside..

but i don't wanna take steps i will regret at the end of it all..

Is it worthwhile Moving?

the best advice i would give is that you go through the PNP and work your way through since as u said ''I'm a Professional Accountant and IT Certify
my Wife is a Professional Fashion Designer (Fabric Artist with Academic Qualification)'' ...........but first scrutinize this link and you will be fine http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/provincial/index.asp ..........in case any other questions kindly drop 'em here so other NL gurus can tackle it. God bless

Still following this tread, its very educating

DEBOLABI: you have not really answer my question...
my question is it worthwhile? in terms of standard of living over there, employment and salary etc?.

I think it's difficult for someone to satisfactorily answer those questions for you because they're subjective. Also there are many threads here on NL that have discussed the issue extensively, check the travel section or just do a search on the forum in general.

What have you found from your own personal research?

@poster, i think the best way out is through [/b]NURSING[b] i know a handful of Nigerians who did their first degree in Nigeria and some in Canny buh right now their song is [/color]NURSING IS THE THING BRO![color=#000000]....... i bet u some 9ja parents in US will encourage their kids to study nursing because it pays off almost immediately.........

DEBOLABI: @African Chic:::::::::::

you have not really answer my question...

my question is it worthwhile? in terms of standard of living over there, employment and salary etc?

thanks.

Sorry I have not been on Nairaland for sometime. Hmmm very difficult question to answer. Unfortunately I don't have much information about living in Canada. All I know is they pay more taxes than the US and its definitely colder. Sorry I cannot be helpful with this particular question. Hopefully you would get answers from other readers