MS in CMU vs SDE in India

Cisco
DeshDrohi

Go to company page Cisco

DeshDrohi
Apr 10 15 Comments

Hi everyone,
I have got and admit for CMU MSE-SS program but getting cold feet or dilemma whether to even go for a MS in USA. Below are some points that I am considering.
1) In India too I can earn > 40 LPA with 1.5 year experience and interviews lined up from Google, Amazon, and 6 other companies if I don't go to USA. And the pace with which Indian Tech sector is growing is just crazy.
2) In the long term I want to start something of my own tech/non tech and MS is a 5 year boundation (2 years MS + 3 year OPT to save money and repay loan) and hence this would push my timelines. I.e I will be 28 after 5 years when I return to India.
3) I really want to experience life abroad and MS seems a gateway to world as I can work/travel in Canada or Europer etc.
4) I believe my decision is being driven by FOMO of letting go an opportunity from top uni and a sure shot chance of experiencing US.
5) Is MS even anything more than an entry ticket to working in US, does it help in future career ladder ( if I don't do something of my own).
6) The option of going via L1 is tricky and rare unless you are in Google.

These points are the ones I am considering . Now, I am also seeing MBA as a great option (might broaden my understanding of Business) later say if I don't go in for MS. What is the opinion of you guys ?
#engineering #software #opt #MS #us #h1b

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TOP 15 Comments
  • New / Strategy
    xlk253728

    New Strategy

    xlk253728
    If you are planning to startup do not go the MS route, it'll most likely screw up that path. F1, H1B are all shitty visas and you fall into this rat trap of anything for the visa.

    I'd argue even MBA is not really helpful. Maybe a 1 year ISB MBA is good, but if you go abroad you'll end up as a program manager in Amazon which again is not ideal for your plan to startup.

    Also, rethink why exactly are you want to go abroad. If it's exposure, go directly to Amsterdam or London or even Berlin without an education loan. Lot of companies are hiring from India and it'll be the best not too much commitment route.

    I say this because in case you do not like living in US, you'd have to repay a $ loan living in India. So that's the mindset trap most people I've observed fall into, to get the US visa at any cost.

    If you are not really sure what exposure really is, my suggestion is to as option 1 try global remote companies such as Zapier etc(weworkremotely.com) and roam the globe on a remote role.

    I worked remote for an Aussie company and worked out of SE Asia for 4 months, 2 months in Australia and 5 months in US. My realisation was that Bali and Australia were what I enjoyed more than US and then I stopped pursuing US degree.

    Since then I've been spending a month in Europe and a month in SE Asia every year.

    This is what worked for me.
    Apr 10 5
    • New / Strategy
      xlk253728

      New Strategy

      xlk253728
      @Microsoft I got paid in the lower spectrum of what my role and experience would've earned in Sydney. Also, it was a bootstrapped company.
      Apr 11
    • But still higher than india tc right? Any ballpark and ur yoe?
      Apr 11
  • Amazon / Eng
    naive_1

    Go to company page Amazon Eng

    PRE
    Microsoft
    naive_1
    As far as getting an opportunities in the United States, Canada or the UK is concerned, you might not need an MS degree.
    You need to be double sure around why you need it. If you really ask me ,I would have done it for the exposure. I guess ,it would have been happy time of my life.
    Apr 10 1
    • Cisco
      DeshDrohi

      Go to company page Cisco

      DeshDrohi
      OP
      Yes that's what's driving me too, going for the exposure and experience which IMO won't be the same in L1 as you would be surrounded by work buddies only.
      Apr 11
  • NVIDIA
    CJXj01

    Go to company page NVIDIA

    CJXj01
    I did my MS at CMU in 2019 after a Tier-1 Engg degree from India. I'm currently working in the US, and from your post I think you have some things slightly wrong. You just need 1-1.5 years to recover the loan costs when working at a decent company especially in the Bay Area. You'll need to save up a bit, but it's definitely doable. CMU admits are relatively easy to get, especially for an MS - they have way too many programs and admit too many Indians. It'll always be there as an option for you if you apply. I also had a startup prior to my MS, so I have that interest in business as well. Feel free to DM if you have any specific questions!
    Apr 10 1
  • Salesforce/ OP - same thoughts, for a friend. What did you both decide?
    May 2 1
    • Cisco
      DeshDrohi

      Go to company page Cisco

      DeshDrohi
      OP
      Didn't make a decision as such but both things are going parallely. , I am interviewing some companies meanwhile my loan is getting processed. Let's see would keep the post updated
      May 5
  • Hey OP, what did you decide? I’m in a similar Situation
    Apr 13 1