₦airaland Forum

smartkester:
Congratulations Macky on your new juicy gig, you are really a motivation to all of us trying to follow this route. God bless you more

A fair advise wouldn't be bad from you. I already have a Masters degree in Chemical Engineering, I intend to Japa but I'm thinking if towing the PH.d route or another MSc in
STEM course would be better just to boost my employability over there.
I'm not really a book worm but anything goes���

smartkester:
@Mackynaija

Thanks Sir.
Na you go decide this one for yourself o. Check the curriculum of schools and programs you intend to do and see if it's what interests you.

If you no go get non-OPT work permit before graduation, leave chemical alone. Na PR and Citizens angle be that for security reasons.

sevule:
Congrats @mackynaija for moving to Texas! Never understood how people make it out in California. You get paid 6 figures but you cannot even buy a house for under $1.5 million in Silicon Valley. And rent is prohibitively expensive.
Sounds like this will be your first house. Have you thought about buying a duplex instead of a SFH? That way you can rent out one unit and live in the other unit. Some folks that own duplexes do not even have to pay a mortgage because the rent they charge covers the cost of the mortgage.
Just something to think about. Best of luck!

We looked at this option but decided that our primary residence will be one where (as my wife calls it) "we are not sharing walls with anybody".

As long as our income remains stable, investment properties will be a sure thing.
The sudden rise in prices of real estate just soiled the plans, more money is needed for investment.

Good morning mackynaija and all.

I’m looking into applying for MSc Biotech or biological sciences. Please what’s the job prospect of it or is there any course with greater prospect than the aforementioned.

This is not my field so I have very limited knowledge.

alphabbey1:
u mean science student can get visa easily ? coz am a graduate of industrial chemistry and about to start my visa application to US.

Post-graduation opportunities abound. Neurosci has summarized it.
Getting admission and a visa is the first phase, graduating and getting a job is the most important.

The effect of yahoo-yahoo on law abiding Nigerians in America...

1. Around October 8th, I tried to buy a laptop from the US and send it to my cousin for programming practice, the wahala too much:

i. Picker/Shipper will not accept $USD bank transfer though we are both in the U.S
ii. I'll have to pay the cost in Naira to a Nigerian biz account
iii. Shipper will then convert the Naira back to $ through their own method
iv. The exchange rate is N590 to $1

Meaning, it will cost higher than what it should have cost for a direct $ transaction but the fear of illegitimate money transfer and the associated problems with law enforcement makes everyone wary of accepting USD in America.
Even me no deh accept anyhow transfers.


2. In an earlier trial, I tried using a different shipper to send two phones as gifts to Nigeria; circa August 19th was the delivery date to the shipper.
Shipment was held by the U.S Customs, they have to screen and verify yahoo-yahoo electronics are not part of the entire shipment....
EDIT: Today is October 17th, phones still have not been released.

I don tire.

If you think criminality has no effect on you, think again.

dahflemzy:
Boss @MackyNaija...I don dey follow this thread since.
My aunt and her family has been in Texas (Houston) since around 2006 and now she's asking me to come do my masters there when I'm done with my bachelor's (I'm in my finals studying Mathematics in one University in d south west).
Maybe I'll ask for some information when I decide...na money be Koko.

As long as you are in the sciences, you have less to worry about.

Drenimarcus:
Guys in Texas do tell me the real estate is moderate in comparison to other states. Na to buy acres of land and lock up.

Property tax go break your back.

Drenimarcus:
The real estate is in a bubble currently. We were gonna buy another property to rent out but alas! the prices are all jacked up! Inflation isn’t helping either.

That one na your own assessment.

Some say Austin has been under priced and this is the real market value.

It has currently settled for the winter, bidding for lots and floor plans/houses has ceased in most communities in the Austin metro.

Demand is high here so... Heard of 1400 interested people for 140 lots in a community we asked about.
So the price might just be right.

Add the rise in building materials due to supply chain disruption and we no longer know what's the real price of real estate.

Olumighty123:
That last house made it to my best, has a garage plus the vicinity looks calm this your terms "Lots", "Community" and all that, me I no understand oo, Nija real estate no dey use those terms. Lol

All houses have 2 car garages, this internet picture for the third floor plan just shows it clearly.

The house go join other houses in a row and go look like the first two bunch of pictures.

It will actually be built in a row with the 'Taft floor plan' and other floor plans based on people's choices. Na the same community wey Pulte deh build.

Paccus, no be only land. we no wan build fish pond

Some communities sell land separately (seen between $45k to $80k) AND
some get "premium" prices for some lands/lots and sell them higher (seen $25k for premium, regular na $5k or $7k). Like those at the end of 10 lots (no neighbors to one of its sides).

Most sell it "together" with the house for like $3k to $10k.

In simple terms, reason am this way:


Floor plan = House with its structural plan e.g 3bed/2 bath, single story or 4bed/5 baths, two story

Lot = Dedicated plots of land (partitioned). Seen as little as 140 and as much as 1200 in a community

Community = lekki phase 1 or Victoria garden city (comes in phases)

Builder = Julius berger or Arab contractors (could be more, seen up to 5 different builders in one community)

Model = A completed Floor plan built for showing to prospective buyers

Upgrades = na upgrade. Change appliance or anything to something of higher quality.
Or add options to the base/basic floor plan e.g extra bathroom.

Paccus:
Congrats Boss I know say as African man na at least 4 bedroom you go buy or build in preparation of when Parents and Siblings start to visit their Son/Brother for Obodo Oyibo. Macky your English now na fully American oo, this write up just dey confuse person.. na Land or house una dey buy? Abeg break am to Naija or British English

Olumighty123:
That last house made it to my best, has a garage plus the vicinity looks calm this your terms "Lots", "Community" and all that, me I no understand oo, Nija real estate no dey use those terms. Lol

I no even realize say I don enter another realm..

None of the above made the cut....
We had planned for a single story, 3 or 4 bath but as we begin the waka, our eyes begin chuck

Online advertised prices are $20k to $50k different from what the final end price will be.
Some builders sell the lots separately (Hidden Oak - $45k to $80k for a lot )
The communities we checked have lot premiums between $5k to $25k, adds to the house price, upgrades further adds more.

Most likely, we'll be doing a 4 bed, 3 bath, 2 story.
Stay tuned for pictures ...
The home buying market is different from what it has ever been.. We should have a solid headway (models for viewing, construction for other buyers or actual lot availability/permit for this home plan) in the next 60 days. Can't wait!!!

Before end of June 2022, construction suppose don complete.

4 communities were scheduled for viewing, we only did the first and the third as the first has everything we want in a house..

Drove through the other two, the fourth one still does bidding for lots and houses... A $10k lot might end up as $25k, sales agent at the third community told us people were bidding between $40k and $80k higher for homes as of last week in their sister community (the fourth scheduled viewing).

See pictures below:
Lancaster by Ashton Woods. 4 bed / 2 baths (can be upgraded to 3baths).

i. Community ii. Model Exterior iii. Living room + Kitchen + Dinning (excess space, too sweet )
iv. Primary bath - shower in the morning, soak in the tub in the evening with sham-pag-ne (people like enjoyment for yankee)

Moving to Texas is a blessing...

Home search has started barely 3 weeks in the state.

Today, we did our initial model home tours and as simple people, we believe we have found the one we'll purchase (not part of the pictures below).
Too fasssst! I love Tx!!!

See pictures below:
Taft by Pulte. 3 bed / 2 bath / 1 office.

i. Community ii. Model Exterior iii. Living room + Kitchen + Dinning (open floor plan)
iv. Primary bedroom

bukiemore:
Available for pickup

Just had a discussion with you concerning shipping.

See if this changes anything. Thanks

MackyNaija:
Yes Sir, on campus only approved by Oisss.
Enough to cover your living cost as you'll only need a split accommodation, utilities and internet then you feed. Say $500 to $750 monthly.

After you graduate and everywhere stew, you fit begin jollof.

Crowniran
I didn't mention the low cost method. Above is the medium city cost.

Go to a school like tamuk in a low cost of living area, 2 bedroom rent is $600..
Up takes up to 4 occupants legally.
Utilities split in 4 ways is cheaper too. Making rentb+ Utilities about $200 for you.

Feeding is roughly $100, bread and peanut butter + chicken thighs bi-weekly.

Total $300 monthly. No room for alcohol or too much enjoyment.

Pritipresh:
I have been following up this post keenly. Wondering when I'll read-up. Thank you very much Sir @Mackynaija I wish to know the total cost of Postgraduate Diploma/Master there in Naira and how long it will take to finish. Read History and International Studies.
Any chances for me?
Any useful advice on this shall be most appreciated

I dropped tips on why and how to draw closer to the 'sciences'. Check the last 5 pages.

Arrive on a course close to your BSc (due to visa reasons), do one semester then apply for a switch to something closer to the sciences [think procurement, logistics, supply chain mgt, industrial management/ technology].

Philadelphia:
It’s alright.
I asked for communications outside here because I have a peculiar; very peculiar case that I can’t discuss here. Not for anything else.

You wan do special consultation?
You go pay o...

Floda:
Thanks for the reply Sir, Data Analysis it is.
I'm on it already.

Aside from the tools, the major point is how do you arrive at a 'data driven decision', na the Koko be that.

So when you are making recommendations, you have a reason why. It's not based on guess work.

I'll be using powerBI in my current role but we have a very robust system (reason am as templates) already in place to generate frequently used reports.

MackyNaija is back!!!!!!!!!MackyNaija don born
Congratulations on your New Wins, Time travels fast. I
It’s time I start making plans for myself, Control Japa is important.
I have made some research online, please I’ll like to know your input on schools with cheap and scholarship opportunities in the states for a graduate of humanities(Sociology).
IT is the new oil money, how can I switch career path.
Thank you boss

I have tried to share insights from what I know on a question similar to this.
Check the last 10 pages.

Good morning,

I sent you a DM.
Please kindly respond with your number.
There’s something peculiar and important that I’ll love to discuss with you please.
Thanks.

Unfortunately, I don't do communications outside of here.

Chaiiii confirm OT
(No use the money build fish pond, come Yankee come discover your full potential).
U too much Bros
Congratulations

Thank you.

Pls,how possible is it to change status in US. I have a friend who is going on tourist visa to America but with the intent to change to student status there.Please what are her chances?

Google 'preconceived intent', that's grounds for denial.

Stay back in Nigeria and apply for f1, b1b2 will be canceled.
OR
Come to the US on b1b2, go back to Nigeria and apply for f1.

Option 2 is better (visa in hand) as she will stand a better chance at f1 as someone that has lived up to the initial b1b2 agreement.


Still, a change of status within the US is possible.

Floda:
1. Based on your knowledge and experience as an engineer, which skill between C.A.D ( Solidwork, AutoCAD etc ) and Data Analysis is more relevant to a person looking to do masters in IE.

2. If Data Analysis, what software are majorly used as related to IE.

1. Design is mainly for mechanical engineers.
Everyone should know data analysis because manufacturing usually requires looking through production data for insights which could be throughput, failures or for forecasting as examples..

2. Will explain longer below...
Check on YouTube for any 15 to 45minutes video on data analysis with excel, this is the entry point.

crowniran:
thank you very much sir. I am likely to get complete tuition waiver in one of my choice schools. Msc Industrial Engineering.
My concern now is the living expenses, what kind of jobs is accepted for an international student? Must it be on campus?

Yes Sir, on campus only approved by Oisss.
Enough to cover your living cost as you'll only need a split accommodation, utilities and internet then you feed. Say $500 to $750 monthly.

After you graduate and everywhere stew, you fit begin jollof.

Below is a post on a different thread about some of the options available as an Industrial Engineer:

In no particular order, the field can fetch you careers as:

1. an Industrial Engineer with a focus in a) Process Improvement b) Quality Engrg c) Ergonomics and Safety systems

2. a Manufacturing, Process and Operations Engineer in multiple industries

3. a Project Engineer with a focus in a) Risk Assessment b) Scheduling c) Engrg Economic Analysis

4. a Supply Chain (SC) professional with a focus in a) SC Program Management b) Logistics c) Procurement d) Operations Management

5. an Analytics Expert, Operations Researcher or 'Statistician'


One can do a combination of these roles at the same time.
This list is inexhaustive and I lumped together closely related career paths. This will give you more areas to do your homework on.

Finally, I know two Industrial Engrs that currently work as Software Engineers.


If you can set your focus on studying in the US, you'll be amazed at how far you can go and what you can achieve. Follow the link to the USA student visa thread (below) and go learn a lot about how the process works.

https://www.nairaland.com/6354180/general-usa-student-visa-enquiries-part

Remember that these info stated above might have changed... Just like the requirement for going on IT was updated circa 2019.

Only serves as a guide.

I am technically 'always' available here till the lord says otherwise
I prefer to answer questions here so others can learn from the ramblings. Thanks for understanding.

crowniran:
Good day sir. I have been trying to reach you. I hope family and work is fine. I am considering my MS in Industrial Engineering and TAMUK is one of the schools I have messaged. Please, how does the scholarship thing work. What percentage of tuition fees does it cover. Thanks.

Below is my profile
3.33/4(Wes unofficial)
312(Q-163, V-149)
Toefl..will be written this month
Bsc in Civil engineering

Your gre score is very high, I believe their requirement is around 298 (could be less).

How it works: Graduate school awards scholarships based on availability. $1,000 scholarship split half into two semesters making you eligible for roughly 50% of the tuition for both semesters.

I explained it somewhere on this thread in 2017, search for it as any new explanation might be inaccurate.


Aside this, your department might have a GA, TA, or RA thingy going on. They recently started bachelor's in IEEN so there's availability of assistantship.


In summary,
1. graduate school offers scholarship with admission - no special application required.
Sometimes, harassing them gets you this money.
Most times, applying EARLY with a competitive profile is the surest way.

And

2. Department offers assistantship on arrival. Sime schools can give you this before arrival.

I'm trying to figure out which of those ride is yours, I guess the GMC

Toyota or Lexus, I don't spend my money on crap.
Truck na waste of space and gas.

Parked towards the left, then a left turn.

Guontey:
Thanks. What's "Bl1nd"?

Go to your App store
blind - anonymous professional network

'Reddit or Nairaland for workers'.

Taken a few minutes ago at 8am Tx time...

Calm and bright morning... The sun only goes hotter from here.

Richmond, still on your question...

If we do a normal 2-bedroom and drive my paid off jallopy 08 Rx, we fit spend way less than $2000 monthly on living cost...

Current standard is over $3000 monthly.

So, say approximately $1800 vs $3200 in both instances for Austin, Tx.
Our living cost will only go higher as we have plans to chop life!

richmond500:
I mean what's the average monthly expenses of living in the US

It depends heavily on salary, location and lifestyle.

See examples:
Engineer 1 vs Engr 3 salary: $65k vs $85k

Bay Area, Ca vs Austin, Tx: Normal 2-bed Rent $2800 vs Luxury 3-bed rent $2200

Lifestyle: Everything still depends on how much you are willing to spend and on what.
Some people prefer to save and use $50k for a wedding, I will personally not try that.

I just convinced my friend to sell his circa 2016 Highlander for $22k and add the money to his house closing payments.
Was contemplating selling my 2018 Camry for $19k and using the money for a house - very likely will NOT do that as my bi-weekly take home will be higher now.

Guontey:
Hello guys,

I got an interview invite from a FAANG for a data scientist position. How does one even prepare for such an interview? Do they ask leetcode questions? I'm not a coder; I'm a statistician.

Check on Glassd00r for interview structure for the company.

There the most comprehensive I have seen.
Edit : They have the most comprehensive... [All this lose guided typing of mine ]

Also, join Bl1nd and see what you can find from running a search.