I'm confused between these 4 choices that I have. Currently at Microsoft. TC ~45L ; YoE 3; Have confirmation for Google L3 and Uber L4 but haven't confirmed any of them so still waiting for final numbers (sorry TC lovers). G recruiter said they probably won't be able to match Uber L4 offer. They can give around a 10% raise over current TC. Uber, on the other hand, I'm certain can reach anywhere between 55L- 60L. Also have an admit from an above avg US university (1yr masters) that'll cost me around $35k (total cost is 85k but after and scholarship & TAship, I'll pay net $35k). Goal: Fast career progression and $$$ Pros and cons of staying at Microsoft: ✅ Can become L62 by March and (hopefully) move to US on L1B by Aug-Sep 2022. ❌ Not sure how long will it take for me to get H1 from L1B. And will probably be low-balled while I'm on L1B. (People who got H1 from L1B, please enlighten me about how long does it take usually to get one on avg since there is no masters quota) Pros and cons of Google L3: ✅ Google brand (don't know if that's even a thing anymore) and good internal mobility (can apply to US teams after 1yr if I'm not wrong) ❌ Massive downlevel and no substantial TC increase. Not the best team/segment. ❌ OK-ish team/work. Pros and cons of Uber L4: ✅ Good level and (pretty sure) good TC bump. ❌ Will need to wait 2 years to apply for US teams. ❌ OK-ish team/work. • Pros and cons of Masters: ✅ 1yr masters (STEM obv) so less time wasted when I'm not working/earning. ✅ H1 should be easier with OPT due to masters quota and I'll have freedom to avoid lowball as in L1B by changing companies. I think in the mid-term (5 years), OPT-> H1 path will yield more $$$ than L1B-> H1 route. But let me know if you think differently. ✅ Not a major point, but masters will be a change of environment, people, schedule, curriculum, etc. immediately whereas in all other options I'll still sit in my home for at least the next 6 months and things are very monotonous due to wfh (I'm grateful to be spending time with parents during wfh but my mind be taking a toll I feel) ❌ $35K wasted ❌ Not the best/well known brand, just above avg (I honestly don't care about the brand/ course/ academics/ learning. I just want to do it for the visa) ❌ I'm afraid my 3yr work exp will get reset after graduation and I'll hurt my career progression. Many companies consider master grads as new grads even after having experience. For eg: Uber India is giving me an L4 right now. What if they don't give me an L4 after one extra year at masters. ❌ Last but not the least- visa issues, uncertainty, and no side hustles. I'm into youtube, side hustles, etc. for earning, not as a hobby. Not looking for advice from biased Google/Uber fanbois/fangurlz who dream about joining these companies one day. Looking advice from experienced, high achievers with neutral mindsets. I'm kinda inclined towards masters because I think even with an avg tech job in the US, I'll be able to save more than a 70LPA person in India. I don't care much about 'living like kings' in India. I want to know from people here if you think it's the right decision. Also any other points are welcome. #tech #masters #visa #opt #l1 #h1b #google #uber #microsoft
I will suggest alternative, go for microsoft but aim for microsoft Cananda, and get your PR in 2 yrs, once you have PR, sky is limit, you can decide to study full/part time or just go with easy job or do contract work that pays more/hourly
You are not wrong. I still feel US>Canada when it comes to absolute $$$, type of work, and overall talent/competition. Of course, freedom is something that can trump all of this for some people. Thanks for the input.
How about online masters for visa?
Nice idea
You don't get OPT for online masters. You just get included in the masters quota for H1 lottery.
Go for masters, I was on l1, its my third attempt and still no h1. Being on l1 is a very frustrating experience, you become attached to your company. Atleast on opt you can choose which company to land in
It is a short term gain. Eventually you need your H1B
From personal experience, masters degrees does not increase your chances in H1B lottery pragmatically. It just increases on paper. Also the no. of applications increase year after year for H1B
So, what's the solution ?
Chances for getting H1B through OPT (3 chances) and L1B(5 years limit, so assuming 5 attempts) are almost the same. After masters you will be treated like a new grad and it will be career reset again. If it’s only for a job, masters doesn’t make much sense. If you want to go for a PhD later, then choose masters.
The career reset part is what worries me. But if I'm able to crack Uber L4 equivalent roles now, I think I can do the same (at least for some companies) after my master's.
Given your primary motivation is to make money and assuming Uber transfers to US aren't difficult - I voted for the uber option. US masters only for improving H1B chance seems pretty myopic. Target a top 5 school masters in US, if you really value getting back to school.
It's not that easy to transfer out of India as an L3 Googler. You'll likely need to reach L4 which can take ~1.5-2 years.
Why it is not easy? Competition? Which one you think is better to move to US asap: Amazon Dublin or Google India
I came from Microsoft in India and regret masters as a waste of time, money and experience.
True..@OP don't do Masters. Take either Google or Uber or stay at Microsoft for internal transfer
@doodler: why didn't you join msft again after masters? I'm sure you'd have gotten in at the same level (or +1) which you left at.
Go with masters or become L62 next year.
I would go with Microsoft L1B. You are not guaranteed to get H1 even after masters. An L1B (3+2 years) will give you up to 5 attempts at H1B while in the US. F1 will give you up to 3 attempts, but with higher probability. You can always go for MS during the end of your 5th year on L1B. But then again, any decision might work well for you! All the best!
I agree that H1 probability could be equal for L1b and OPT on paper. But, what about those years for which I'll be low-balled while on L1B? Wasting 1 year and then working for 2-3 years on OPT/H1 can yield more $$$ than working 3-4 years on L1B. That's what I feel. I could be wrong.
It is not easy but you have to take the call. Don't just consider 3 years. Consider long term goal and growth! There is no wrong decision. You have to take a decision and make it right!