Full funded Masters or gambling with FAANG

New
WlWR00

New

WlWR00
Apr 28, 2021 22 Comments

I came to the conclusion that to live the life that I want, I would have to settle abroad in Europe or US or Canada. I currently have the following opportunities:

1. Full funded scholarship offer for Masters in Canada. It's a pretty great offer!
2. In interview process for 3 of the FAANGs. Nothing is confirmed yet unfortunately and will likely not be before the deadline of accepting the Masters offer.

Now I am completely split here and was hoping to get some answers to my questions:

1. If I go for Masters, will that affect my chances of landing a job at FAANGs negatively? For example, the two years gap in job experience.
2. What if after going to Canada, I get a job offer from FAANG? Would it be a good idea to drop out and go for the job? Wouldn't that negatively affect my chances of getting a work visa in Canada in future?
3. I fear that I may not be able to get into FAANGs at all, even though I firmly believe I should. But for this if I do not go to Canada, and later never be able to get into FAANGs then, I might never be able to get out of here.

I would highly appreciate if you would like to share some of your valuable experience.

Thanks!

--------
Background:
Got a SWE job straight after Bachelor's Degree. Currently have around 3 years worth of solid experience with a strict upwards growth in terms of skills and salaries as well. Salary is great in terms of the country but compared to a developed country it is absolutely nothing. Also, nowadays I am feeling there's almost no such companies here that can either level with my expected salary or my expected career goals. Not to mention, the living standard here is extremely poor.

TC: banana 🍌🍌

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TOP 22 Comments
  • Uber
    Ovenmitt

    Go to company page Uber

    Ovenmitt
    Also, consider that you might be able to do internships at FAANG while you are doing masters
    Apr 28, 2021 3
  • As a non US citizen as well it seemed to be hard to join any tech company in the US without already having some work authorization.
    I did a master in the US to get the OPT work authorization after getting a degree with a F1 visa.
    Just FYI
    Apr 28, 2021 3
    • New
      WlWR00

      New

      WlWR00
      OP
      I heard it was easier for Canada PR /visa holders to get US work visas. Is that true?
      Apr 28, 2021
    • Oracle
      stakes

      Go to company page Oracle

      stakes
      Not its not. It becomes easier after getting Canadian citizenship though.
      Apr 28, 2021
  • Amazon
    Ugpe62

    Go to company page Amazon

    Ugpe62
    If FAANG is in USA, then you have to consider if you want to go to Canada or USA.
    If FAANG is also in Canada, I would recommend to go for Masters if you don't have any financial restrictions.
    If FAANG is in USA, do factor in the issues faced in immigration to different countries
    Apr 28, 2021 0
  • Intel
    fnJN30

    Go to company page Intel

    fnJN30
    Go to Canada and get your Masters. You should/could get your PR during the 2yrs it takes to finish your Masters. If you get a job there, you should be able to apply for citizenship in 1 year and get it in another. In a total of 4yrs, you would not get that kind of security in US.

    I assume you are young (possible mid 20s), if you sort out the visa stuff in Canada before you settle down you will be golden! Canadian citizens can work in US without hassle. IMO, a huge pay and career growth in US won't be that appealing when you are constantly stressing about visa.
    Apr 28, 2021 3
    • Intel
      fnJN30

      Go to company page Intel

      fnJN30
      I dont think so, Masters is also considered as experience here. It just comes under a separate category, academic experience. As long as you don't pivot too much on your Masters' (like data science for example, but you stick with CS) from your job experience, you should be good.
      Apr 29, 2021
    • Intel
      fnJN30

      Go to company page Intel

      fnJN30
      One more thing I would like to point out, if you are not from a highly populated country like China or India, you still have a good chance of getting PR in the US very quickly. I have a few colleagues who got their PR in a couple yrs. However, this is definitely tied to your job. If you dont get H1b picked or if you lose your job during this time it's a problem. Whereas in Canada, you can get a PR while you study and it wont be tied to your job.
      Apr 29, 2021
  • Apple / Eng
    ahuxjejkka

    Go to company page Apple Eng

    ahuxjejkka
    I’d say do the Masters, if you’re interested in enhancing your skills with it. It can be a great opportunity. You can always apply and interview with FAANG.
    Apr 28, 2021 0