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I am a Moroccan electrical engineer with experience in Morocco, and I currently reside legally in the United States with a work permit. My goal is to start my career here, and I have been applying to various job opportunities. Although I have had some interviews, I have not been successful in securing a job yet. Unfortunately, I am not fluent in English. Can you give me some guidance on how to achieve my goal?
I am a Moroccan electrical engineer with experience in Morocco, and I currently reside legally in the United States with a work permit. My goal is to start my career here, and I have been applying to various job opportunities. Although I have had some interviews, I have not been successful in securing a job yet. Unfortunately, I am not fluent in English. Can you give me some guidance on how to achieve my goal?
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8 answers
Updated
Kessler’s Answer
I am curious to know what it is that you specify in, and how many years of experience do you have? It may allow myself and others to provide more specific advice. In the meantime, keep in mind that finding a job can be a long process. You may need to find temporary work in the meantime which could allow you time to find a city/state you would like to live in long-term. I know people who took upwards of six months to find a job after finishing their graduate studies, and I know people who had to move around before they were able to start their careers. Good luck with your endeavors.
Updated
Adam’s Answer
number one you need to improve your language and interview skills quickly.
the interview is a very important step in finding a job and unfortunately that is the biggest barrier for foreign graduates.
so I will suggest to start by any job just to support yourself and focus and focus and focus on the language my friend.
also , check with the university where you live and ask them about taking a non-classified class in electrical engineering. that will help you lot.
try to build your professional network in electrical engineering field. maybe look for internship . sometimes people need to see your work before they can go pass your accent.
think also about starting an entry level electrician job just to get yourself in the field and improve your language skills.
remember it takes time and you have to be patient.
the interview is a very important step in finding a job and unfortunately that is the biggest barrier for foreign graduates.
so I will suggest to start by any job just to support yourself and focus and focus and focus on the language my friend.
also , check with the university where you live and ask them about taking a non-classified class in electrical engineering. that will help you lot.
try to build your professional network in electrical engineering field. maybe look for internship . sometimes people need to see your work before they can go pass your accent.
think also about starting an entry level electrician job just to get yourself in the field and improve your language skills.
remember it takes time and you have to be patient.
Updated
Brianna’s Answer
Hi, Lil.
I think it would be a good idea to look in your area or online for an English conversation partner, speech therapist with background in accent modification, and/or a public speaking coach. Interviewing is a skill that is incredibly tough even if you're doing it in your native language. The more practice you get, the better. If you've already done some interviews, try remembering the questions they asked and write them down. Then find a list of other common interview questions. With your coach/teacher/conversation partners practice your answers to those specific questions. It's also a great idea to look up some questions that YOU can ask the interviewer and practice asking them and active listening to the answer so you can respond well.
Your written English in this question was great, so I'd advise having that lead the way: Have a well written and formatted resume/CV with a cover letter for each position you're applying to. Make sure to proof read beforehand.
Good luck!
I think it would be a good idea to look in your area or online for an English conversation partner, speech therapist with background in accent modification, and/or a public speaking coach. Interviewing is a skill that is incredibly tough even if you're doing it in your native language. The more practice you get, the better. If you've already done some interviews, try remembering the questions they asked and write them down. Then find a list of other common interview questions. With your coach/teacher/conversation partners practice your answers to those specific questions. It's also a great idea to look up some questions that YOU can ask the interviewer and practice asking them and active listening to the answer so you can respond well.
Your written English in this question was great, so I'd advise having that lead the way: Have a well written and formatted resume/CV with a cover letter for each position you're applying to. Make sure to proof read beforehand.
Good luck!
Updated
Antigone’s Answer
I recommend doing a certificate at your local community college in CAD or something small. It will do a few things for you:
1. Practice the US language side of things as it relates to the engineering world.
2. Have a US based credential that shows you have had some education here in the USA.
3. Network with the teachers at the school thst typically have field contacts to help you get in the door and start your career here in the states.
1. Practice the US language side of things as it relates to the engineering world.
2. Have a US based credential that shows you have had some education here in the USA.
3. Network with the teachers at the school thst typically have field contacts to help you get in the door and start your career here in the states.
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Albie’s Answer
Lil,
Once you find out that you did not get a job you interviewed for, contact the people you interviewed with and ask them what you could have done better or what more you need to know to have had a better chance at getting the job you interviewed for. Most, if not all, companies should be willing to provide you with their reasons which will help you improve on your qualifications and interviewing skills.
Once you find out that you did not get a job you interviewed for, contact the people you interviewed with and ask them what you could have done better or what more you need to know to have had a better chance at getting the job you interviewed for. Most, if not all, companies should be willing to provide you with their reasons which will help you improve on your qualifications and interviewing skills.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Lil,
To achieve your goal of starting a career in the United States as a Moroccan electrical engineer with limited English proficiency, consider the following guidance:
Improve your English language skills: Enhancing your English proficiency will significantly improve your chances of securing a job. You can do this by taking English language courses, practicing with language exchange partners, or using online resources like Duolingo, Coursera, or Rosetta Stone.
Network with professionals in your field: Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to meet people who work in the electrical engineering field. Networking can help you learn about job opportunities and gain valuable connections.
Customize your resume and cover letter for the US job market: Tailor your resume and cover letter to match the requirements and expectations of US employers. Highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements in a way that resonates with the American job market.
Leverage professional organizations and job boards: Join professional organizations like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) to access job listings, networking opportunities, and resources specifically for electrical engineers. Utilize popular job search platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn to find job openings and apply directly.
Consider obtaining relevant certifications: Pursuing certifications like the Professional Engineer (PE) license or obtaining certifications from organizations like the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) can demonstrate your commitment to the profession and increase your credibility in the US job market.
Seek mentorship and guidance: Reach out to experienced professionals in your field for advice and guidance on how to navigate the US job market as an electrical engineer with limited English proficiency. They may be able to provide valuable insights and connections to help you succeed.
Consider part-time or internship opportunities: If you struggle to find full-time employment, consider part-time or internship positions that can help you gain experience and improve your English skills in a professional setting.
Consider language-related job opportunities: While you work on improving your English, you might consider job opportunities that specifically require your expertise in electrical engineering and your native language, such as working for multinational companies with Moroccan clients or in industries with a strong presence in Morocco.
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of finding a job in the United States as an electrical engineer, even with limited English proficiency. Remember to be persistent and proactive in your job search, and continue to improve your language skills to further enhance your career prospects.
GOD BLESS,
James.
To achieve your goal of starting a career in the United States as a Moroccan electrical engineer with limited English proficiency, consider the following guidance:
Improve your English language skills: Enhancing your English proficiency will significantly improve your chances of securing a job. You can do this by taking English language courses, practicing with language exchange partners, or using online resources like Duolingo, Coursera, or Rosetta Stone.
Network with professionals in your field: Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to meet people who work in the electrical engineering field. Networking can help you learn about job opportunities and gain valuable connections.
Customize your resume and cover letter for the US job market: Tailor your resume and cover letter to match the requirements and expectations of US employers. Highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements in a way that resonates with the American job market.
Leverage professional organizations and job boards: Join professional organizations like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) to access job listings, networking opportunities, and resources specifically for electrical engineers. Utilize popular job search platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn to find job openings and apply directly.
Consider obtaining relevant certifications: Pursuing certifications like the Professional Engineer (PE) license or obtaining certifications from organizations like the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) can demonstrate your commitment to the profession and increase your credibility in the US job market.
Seek mentorship and guidance: Reach out to experienced professionals in your field for advice and guidance on how to navigate the US job market as an electrical engineer with limited English proficiency. They may be able to provide valuable insights and connections to help you succeed.
Consider part-time or internship opportunities: If you struggle to find full-time employment, consider part-time or internship positions that can help you gain experience and improve your English skills in a professional setting.
Consider language-related job opportunities: While you work on improving your English, you might consider job opportunities that specifically require your expertise in electrical engineering and your native language, such as working for multinational companies with Moroccan clients or in industries with a strong presence in Morocco.
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of finding a job in the United States as an electrical engineer, even with limited English proficiency. Remember to be persistent and proactive in your job search, and continue to improve your language skills to further enhance your career prospects.
GOD BLESS,
James.
Updated
Maria’s Answer
This is a very frustrating barrier unfortunately. Good employers would focus on the content of what is being said rather than how it's being said; those are effective conversations and also inclusive practices with appreciating the diversity within the industry. During an interview or even on the application or resume, it is okay to be honest with the level of proficiency in a language. For example, in the resume section under "Relevant Skills, Training, and Knowledge" could include words like English (working proficiency).
In addition to these answers here, another insight into hiring practices is sponsorship. Depending on the company, some may or may not have certified documentation with USCIS to sponsor visas for long-term. However, it is illegal for companies to ask about citizenship status or if English is their first language. While it seems that this isn't the case.
In addition to these answers here, another insight into hiring practices is sponsorship. Depending on the company, some may or may not have certified documentation with USCIS to sponsor visas for long-term. However, it is illegal for companies to ask about citizenship status or if English is their first language. While it seems that this isn't the case.
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Luke’s Answer
For the English fluency side of your question, I would suggest that you find language exchanges in your city and practice speaking to English speaking natives. I learned French by speaking to people in person and using the internet and applications to meet people. Two applications that I would suggest for language learning are below:
Meetup - use this to find language exchanges in your region to meet people and practice English in person
italki - use this application to book 1 on 1 classes to practice conversation, vocabulary, grammar, etc.
Otherwise, since you are currently based in the US, don't be afraid to have conversations with strangers in every day life. You can go shopping and talk about merchandise with someone that works in a store, something like that.
Meetup - use this to find language exchanges in your region to meet people and practice English in person
italki - use this application to book 1 on 1 classes to practice conversation, vocabulary, grammar, etc.
Otherwise, since you are currently based in the US, don't be afraid to have conversations with strangers in every day life. You can go shopping and talk about merchandise with someone that works in a store, something like that.