slimmy05:
Without working or serving the department?

yeah.. Though he had an on campus job

Amefrica:
Happy New Year, guys. Next year is gonna be in America.

Ah! Amefrica dey here so ? Long time bro

nomso27:


Ah! Amefrica dey here so ? Long time bro

Baba mi, longest time oo.. How life na?

bmdflo:
thumbs up to the owner of this thread and everyone that has been contributing, i congratulate those that their visa has been approved, this post is actually informative but i need advice on Msc admission requirements, i finished my degree late 2014 in mechanical engineering with a GPA of 3.8......i'm planning to apply for a school in Maryland cause my aunt nd her family ar there. pls i need advice on which skul is the best in maryland when it comes to engineering discipline and other necessary factors to be put into consideration in selecting the right skul to apply for.

If you have written the GRE already and you have good scores, you can give UMD in both College park and Baltimore a try. They're good, especially UMD College park.

foohard:
Thank Boss..

I work less than 20 hours and it is with IT department of my school and my income is small enough for me to be eligible... i should have just claimed single when applying.

I dont want to just read and take the exams again jare... I want hands-on.. fews interviews have attended gave me an insight of what the industry wants plus network jobs are few and very competitive... So I want the real experience so I can flow easily with interviewers.

Nice. Based on your experience, what are those things the IT industry wants?

IT jobs are plentiful in well-known IT areas such as California (aka silicon valley), DC, Maryland, Virginia e.t.c. You might consider applying in these areas.

bigfrancis21:

@bold...sorry to hear that bro. It can be quite difficult getting a scholarship if you're working and earning high or if your spouse is. Earnings are posted to one's SSN and you're required to provide your SSN during the admission application process. And, the university has access to one's earning records via the SSN. A friend of mine in Texas also faced the same issue.

I'm reading on my own. I got the textbook from my school library and I also have some dumps and ebooks. The CCNA exam costs $295 to register and take.

Where are you based in MD?

bigfrancis21:


Nice. Based on your experience, what are those things the IT industry wants?

IT jobs are plentiful in well-known IT areas such as California (aka silicon valley), DC, Maryland, Virginia e.t.c. You might consider applying in these areas.

Most, if not all, of them are interested in the hands-on thing(experience or training)...based on my own experience..your certifications will get you the interview, your actual skills will get you the job and help you keep it. If you get some training with Kaplan for example, they give you their certificate too, which adds to the value of the certification too in a way

bigfrancis21:


Nice. Based on your experience, what are those things the IT industry wants?

IT jobs are plentiful in well-known IT areas such as California (aka silicon valley), DC, Maryland, Virginia e.t.c. You might consider applying in these areas.

I am considering that cos I have been thinking Chicago is perhaps too competitive... If you love programming, getting developer (app, web etc.) jobs are kind of easier cos there are available positions for less people. Relocation is kinda certain cos this Chicago weather is killing me. Now my mum is running back home because boredom is killing her and weather is not letting her move around (Meaning I have to start paying $5/hour to babysitter).. I am really considering Maryland/DC cos I learned racism there is seldom and IT jobs are available... Another place I am considering is Georgia.

As regards what the industry wants.. I already typed my interview experience with g00g1e before it occurred to me that I signed confidential agreement with them.. but in a nut shell, they ask you about projects you have done and how you did it. So, less theory plenty practicals..

For example, if you present CCNA, you could get asked theory questions about protocols and how they work but most questions would be what projects you have done and details of how you went about it till end..( what causes a particular error message, say, duplex mismatch)

Right... This is why I dont want to read on my own for certifications again.. I want to go through training to acquire the hands-on skills.. It goes a long way.

biikeys:


Most, if not all, of them are interested in the hands-on thing(experience or training)...based on my own experience..your certifications will get you the interview, your actual skills will get you the job and help you keep it. If you get some training with Kaplan for example, they give you their certificate too, which adds to the value of the certification too in a way

Pls is it true that if you are a first time traveller, you must book a return flight? If one is going to the US on a student visa, of what need is there to book a return flight?

Pls what are the requirements for getting yellow card issued at the airport? Must one go with international passport cos mine is still at the US consulate?

I traveled with one-way ticket on F-1 visa.

Femicrux:
Pls is it true that if you are a first time traveller, you must book a return flight? If one is going to the US on a student visa, of what need is there to book a return flight?

biikeys:


Where are you based in MD?

Silver spring initially but moving to college park soon, closer to campus.

How about you?

Femicrux:
Pls is it true that if you are a first time traveller, you must book a return flight? If one is going to the US on a student visa, of what need is there to book a return flight?

Totally untrue. Everyone books a one-way ticket. I entered here on a one-way ticket myself. Book one-way.

foohard:


I am considering that cos I have been thinking Chicago is perhaps too competitive... If you love programming, getting developer (app, web etc.) jobs are kind of easier cos there are available positions for less people. Relocation is kinda certain cos this Chicago weather is killing me. Now my mum is running back home because boredom is killing her and weather is not letting her move around (Meaning I have to start paying $5/hour to babysitter).. I am really considering Maryland/DC cos I learned racism there is seldom and IT jobs are available... Another place I am considering is Georgia.

As regards what the industry wants.. I already typed my interview experience with g00g1e before it occurred to me that I signed confidential agreement with them.. but in a nut shell, they ask you about projects you have done and how you did it. So, less theory plenty practicals..

For example, if you present CCNA, you could get asked theory questions about protocols and how they work but most questions would be what projects you have done and details of how you went about it till end..( what causes a particular error message, say, duplex mismatch)

Exactly. You just said what's on my mind concerning requirements. Most IT jobs usually require certifications + work experience or bsc/msc in IT + certifications (for entry-level). Leveraging all three factors - degree, certification and work experience works greatly to one's favour. However, having a university degree doesn't really matter to them as much as having certifications like CCNA, Juniper e.t.c does. Most companies would literally prefer to hire a non-degree holder but with 5 years work experience + IT certifications over an msc degree holder fresh from school, with IT certification but 0 work experience. After some thorough research, certification + work experience are the 2 major factors one needs to succeed in the IT industry. Having a university degree, in addition, kinda helps in what level you get placed on.

Having said that, since you have CCNA already, that should boost your resume. You already figured out that you need work experience i.e. 'hands-on experience' and are currently working in the IT division of your school. That's very great. Continue with the job.

The DMV area (DC, Maryland, Virginia) is one great place to be for an IT individual. IT jobs are here. And it is also a great place to live and raise a family (Maryland especially. Maryland has one of the best public schools in US, it is quiet, has a very low crime rate, lots of Nigerians live here that you'll connect with in no time and feel at home, friendly 'in-between' weather), for a family man like you. And hey, you could even get a government job - secure (no sudden layoffs due to 'economic recession'), lots of social security benefits, high-paying salary, holidays nyafu nyafu (for owambe ) e.t.c. This is a government job area and people move to this place mostly because of government jobs. My aunt works for the federal government and I can't even begin to describe how good life is for her. I strongly recommend that you move over to this area. You will need a security clearance, though, to work for the government, and most likely have to give up your dual citizenship (i.e. your Nigerian passport) and keep only the US citizenship/passport. 'You cannot serve 2 masters at the same time. Lol'

As for me, I figured out I need certifications. I have one already from home - MCITP, but I need to get the CCNA in addition too. I'm taking 2 networking classes next semester, one that deals extensively with routing protocols and the other that is heavily project-oriented, with lots of OpNET simulations - the kinda projects I need for my resume. I'm also currently working with the IT division of my school and gaining the IT work experience that I need.

We shall all get there.

biikeys:


Most, if not all, of them are interested in the hands-on thing(experience or training)...based on my own experience..your certifications will get you the interview, your actual skills will get you the job and help you keep it. If you get some training with Kaplan for example, they give you their certificate too, which adds to the value of the certification too in a way

Yea bro. Work experience + certifications are key in the IT industry!

bigfrancis21:


There are lots of Nigerians here in Maryland, all doing well. You'll feel at home here when you come. University of Maryland's Clark School of Engineering is quite very competitive to get into. I suppose you're applying for Master's. You'll need to score very high in GRE (at least 163 for the quantitative section). Look up their admission requirement here: http://www.enme.umd.edu/grad/admissions
Try these universities in Maryland:
Salisbury University
Morgan State University
Bowie State University
University of Maryland Baltimore County (suggested already by Slimmy05).

Is it okay to choose all your schools within one state?.

For example 4 schools in 1 state.

bigfrancis21:


Exactly. You just said what's on my mind concerning requirements. Most IT jobs usually require certifications + work experience or bsc/msc in IT + certifications (for entry-level). Leveraging all three factors - degree, certification and work experience works greatly to one's favour. However, having a university degree doesn't really matter to them as much as having certifications like CCNA, Juniper e.t.c does. Most companies would literally prefer to hire a non-degree holder but with 5 years work experience + IT certifications over an msc degree holder fresh from school, with IT certification but 0 work experience. After some thorough research, certification + work experience are the 2 major factors one needs to succeed in the IT industry. Having a university degree, in addition, kinda helps in what level you get placed on.

Having said that, since you have CCNA already, that should boost your resume. You already figured out that you need work experience i.e. 'hands-on experience' and are currently working in the IT division of your school. That's very great. Continue with the job.

The DMV area (DC, Maryland, Virginia) is one great place to be for an IT individual. IT jobs are here. And it is also a great place to live and raise a family (Maryland especially. Maryland has one of the best public schools in US, it is quiet, has a very low crime rate, lots of Nigerians live here that you'll connect with in no time and feel at home, friendly 'in-between' weather), for a family man like you. And hey, you could even get a government job - secure (no sudden layoffs due to 'economic recession'), lots of social security benefits, high-paying salary, holidays nyafu nyafu (for owambe ) e.t.c. This is a government job area and people move to this place mostly because of government jobs. My aunt works for the federal government and I can't even begin to describe how good life is for her. I strongly recommend that you move over to this area. You will need a security clearance, though, to work for the government, and most likely have to give up your dual citizenship (i.e. your Nigerian passport) and keep only the US citizenship/passport. 'You cannot serve 2 masters at the same time. Lol'

As for me, I figured out I need certifications. I have one already from home - MCITP, but I need to get the CCNA in addition too. I'm taking 2 networking classes next semester, one that deals extensively with routing protocols and the other that is heavily project-oriented, with lots of OpNET simulations - the kinda projects I need for my resume. I'm also currently working with the IT division of my school and gaining the IT work experience that I need.

We shall all get there.

Thanks bro.. I am moving to Maryland soon... are you currently in an MS-IT programme?

I am not so pleased with the job in my school, just doing it to settle phone bills and other petty bills... No much exposure as I would like..

foohard:


Thanks bro.. I am moving to Maryland soon... are you currently in an MS-IT programme?

Yea. I am.

mcfarlin:


Is it okay to choose all your schools within one state?.

For example 4 schools in 1 state.

Yap. Maryland is one good place to concentrate all your school search efforts in - afterall, it is one of the IT capitals of US, few minutes drive to the white house (DC), IT jobs are plenty here, ease of getting an IT job on graduation. Why shouldn't one try to get a school here? Cite those reasons and the visa officer will bow in huge acknowledgment (shame acutally, that you know more of the US than her ).

ok nice... Best of Luck to us.

bigfrancis21:


Yea. I am.

richard4ssky:
Thanks to all the big boss and lady in the forum for there wonderful contribution and I want to wish every body here a happy new year celebration and may the good lord grant u all your heart desire in jesus name Amen, sorry about posting this transcript late have been very busy trying to get my ass fix up together well this was how my transcript go. Me..Good Morning

Congrats bro!

Dede Imperiouxx,

I replied your SMS! Waiting for your response!

Enough about IT, are you toasting us to change programme

bigfrancis21:


Silver spring initially but moving to college park soon, closer to campus.

How about you?

Cool...Germantown

biikeys:


Cool...Germantown

Nice. You're an F1 student here too? Which school?

slimmy05:
Enough about IT, are you toasting us to change programme

So if a fine 'something' toast you, you no go fall?

bigfrancis21:


Nice. You're an F1 student here too? Which school?

No, I was. Currently working...

biikeys:


No, I was. Currently working...

Wow...ok. You must really be an old member of this forum...welcome back sir.

Which school did you attend?

bigfrancis21:


So if a fine 'something' toast you, you no go fall?

Nice to know a Nigerian working in IT industry.. Please be helpful to us oooo.

I was scheduled for an interview with a Manager at Motorola, the interviewer's information revealed that he is a Nigerian and was really hoping to meet him but the interview was postponed till further notice.

biikeys:


No, I was. Currently working...

bigfrancis21:


Wow...ok. You must really be an old member of this forum...welcome back sir.

Which school did you attend?

Not really bro my ogas @imperiouxx ,@GboyegaD and co are here.. UT Arlington