IndiaFeb 2
Microsoftlostinjp

Should I go for on-campus MS CS for US SWE jobs?

I am currently pursuing an online MS in CS. I never considered on-campus programs because I was already earning somewhat above average as a SWE. I didn't find the opportunity cost reasonable earlier. That said, I always wanted to work a few years in the US as a SWE. I originally planned to eventually transfer internally via my company. However, to keep my compensation competitive, I had to job hop. Given the average payscale in India, I do think that I would need to switch companies a couple more times until I hit 10 YoE or so. This means, to transfer internally to US, I need to considerably compromise on the TC. I considered other options that would fastrack my transfer, if the internal transfer doesn't work out - on-campus MBA or PhD in ML. I am more interested in the PhD but I don't have very clear research focus areas as of now. Again, there is a 5-6 year opportunity cost associated with the PhD. If I pursue the MBA on the other hand, it doesn't make sense to return to the market as a SWE. What really pushed me to decide how I wanted to make the move was the fact that I would probably be getting married (arranged) in the next 2 years. It would be almost impossible for me to transfer then. I then realized I could request to go on-campus via my ongoing online master's program itself. I know the H1B scene isn't great currently, but if I am able to save at least as much as I am currently saving while getting US experience, it would be invaluable. Again, moving on-campus is a gamble on whether I will get hired in this rough job market, that too on a visa. What I am betting on is that my interviewing skills are reasonable enough to get me new opportunities here in India in this market. What do you advise? Anything else that I should consider? Follow up question - How much difference in savings over time would I see by working in the US? Sorry for the long post. TIA! TC - 31lpa YoE - 3

Microsoft mTfl04 Feb 3

Which online MS course r u pursuing? Is it OMSCS?