master’s in the US vs Google Zurich

Google
pink worm

Go to company page Google

pink worm
May 8, 2021 46 Comments

Hello,

I have an offer for a master’s in CS (MSCS) at carnegie mellon. The goal would be to join Google (or similar) after my master’s.

I am also doing a SWE internship at Google Zurich right now and was thinking about not doing the master’s, joining Google Zurich and transferring to the US on a L1 visa. (Thus saving master’s tuition fees).

Which road is better in terms of 💰 on the long term?

EDIT: I am NOT from India/China

TC 110k (internship)

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TOP 46 Comments
  • Citibank / Product
    brbnapping

    Go to company page Citibank Product

    brbnapping
    [Google] - You would take internal transfer from Zurich to USA but you would be on L1B which has 2 disadvantages
    1. You have to agree on their salary/compensation. No room for negotiation
    2. Until you get your H1B, you won’t be able to switch companies. You will be underpaid compared to your peer

    Advantages:
    You won’t be appending your 1.5-2years on MS and might reflect on your experience and promotions

    [MS] - You will be on F1-OPT visa, which gives you an opportunity to switch companies and also get paid similar to your peers. Disadvantage would be the fees you will be paying at CMU which would be part of your savings if you choose internal transfer.
    May 8, 2021 1
    • Amazon
      Wpmq01

      Go to company page Amazon

      Wpmq01
      This.

      If it's possible I'd wait until I know if I'm getting a return offer for FT. If I get it, I'd join Zurich (pay will anyway be comparable to that in US) and transfer after promo to L4. If the returnoffer doesn't arrive or it's just for another internship, I'd do the MS.
      May 8, 2021
  • Samsung
    Hyper 🔁

    Go to company page Samsung

    Hyper 🔁
    Go to 🚘 🍉
    May 8, 2021 1
  • Uber
    K491

    Go to company page Uber

    K491
    Masters hands down, will fetch you long term advantages and you can join FAANG anytime
    May 8, 2021 1
    • New
      xgan24

      New

      xgan24
      Google tag can give me similar credibility.
      May 8, 2021
  • NVIDIA
    koolaid🥤

    Go to company page NVIDIA

    koolaid🥤
    Google.
    If u want to do research, go for research heavy masters if not fully sure. Otherwise phd.

    Only reason of doing non-research masters in US is moving to US for the TC from low TC country. U are already in Switzerland making that sweet US TC.
    May 8, 2021 6
    • Google
      pink worm

      Go to company page Google

      pink worm
      OP
      lol
      May 8, 2021
    • NVIDIA
      koolaid🥤

      Go to company page NVIDIA

      koolaid🥤
      Somehow I assumed that u r Indian.
      I see u don't have green card issues. So, do whatever u want.

      Also, u should care more about work in both Industry or academia. Brand alone isn't much. So, u should look into what google team actually doing. U can go for more research based M.S. ur thesis will add weight to CV also U may have a paper.

      U may want to update that u are European in description.
      May 8, 2021
  • Microsoft / Eng
    e^(iπ)= -1

    Go to company page Microsoft Eng

    e^(iπ)= -1
    If $ is your only metric, skip the masters if you are sure of the conversion from internship to full time offer.

    But masters from CMU will be invaluable. I would've chosen CMU over Google in this position.
    May 8, 2021 1
    • Google
      pink worm

      Go to company page Google

      pink worm
      OP
      No I am not sure at all. I heard that if you do 2 internships it is easier to get the full time offer. and the master s would allow me to return as an intern.
      May 8, 2021