mohitguptask wrote:
Hi Linda,
I have read many articles listed on the forum and I have found your responses quite interesting. I will like to ask you a question and here is how it goes.
I came to US on an F-1 visa in fall 2001 to pursue MS in Telecommunications. After 10 months of study at NJIT, I could visualize that the Lucents and AT&Ts of the world were on the path of severe decline. I decided to switch out of technical work and decided to feel how management felt.
It was then when I joined Wipro Technologies - Lehman Brothers, NY, as a Business Relationship Executive. I worked with them full time for 11 months and 30 days using my Curricular Practical Training. Besides working I also managed to complete all academic requirements for MS. I graduated with a GPA of 3.45.
I got my Optional Practical Training Card on Sept 1st 2003 and hence forth I got back to Wipro Technologies - General Motors, MI. It was Aug 31st 2004 when I had to quit working with Wipro - GM because my work authorization came to an end and I couldn’t get H-1 B since the quota had already exhausted.
This had put me into a week wicket, because apart from the eagerness to continue working, I had applied Immigration to Canada in the Feb 2004 which is expected to materialize in Dec this year. Therefore I decided to join some university where I could get a flavor of management as well as maintain my F-1 visa. Therefore currently I go to some school in NJ but I am aiming at joining MBA in Fall 2005 at the best possible university.
Please note I incorporated a C class corporation which is primarily doing staffing for various IT companies and involved into E-commerce activities. So I spend most of time in researching ways to enhance the growth of my company as well as preparation of GMAT. This means that officially I am not employed but I do own a self established business.
Please let me know if this shall affect me adversely in any possible way. I will appreciate your response.
Sincerely,
Mohit Gupta
It sounds to me that you are self-employed while going to schools, however if this isn't allowed under your student visa then you maybe shouldn't talk about it on the applications.
You should clearly explain how visa restrictions forces some of your career moves and limited your professional options, but emphasize how you have taken advantage of whatever jobs you have had and grown as a result. BAsically you have to make the best of the situation.
The schools certainly know about visa restrictions and will sympathize, but the reality is that your experience may not look as good as the experience of someone who hasn't had those difficulties. ULtimately in a competitive process, it is how you compare to other candidates that determines who is accepted.
Good luck!