<p>Hi there,
I am from the UK & hoping to study in the USA in 2012.
My question is this, if you go into a field that is almost entirely public sector, what do you do?
I am looking to do a major in zoology or similar, then most probably a pHD in ethology or similar. The jobs resulting from this include wildlife biologist, conservationist etc. These are all state jobs, which require US citizenship (US fish and wildlife, US Geological survey etc).
The dream was to become a biologist over in the USA, but I've realized this is impossible as it requires immediate US citizenship (green card + 5 years living after).
Jobs in wildlife and conservation are of course not profitable jobs, so are almost all public sector, and zoos and similar jobs do not appeal to me.
I'm still in a little shock about this so am really just looking for any advice. Surely many international students come to the USA aspiring to be a biologist?
Any help much appreciated,
Kind regards,
George</p>
<p>Hmm, I’m not entirely sure. You could always try working for a private company surely?!</p>
<p>Well, the dream was to work for US Fish and Wildlife or something similar… You know, good nonprofit conservation work for the government and the country. I’m just not sure of any similar important conservation work that is private sector available… Just not sure what internationals who aspire to be a Biologist do when they come to the US, there seems to be no real options…</p>
<p>There are surely some complexions to work in the US. But, if you complete your all your higher studies in the US and especially make a credit history, you can get a green card. Once you are in the US, you’ll slowly learn that if you stay in a disciplined way for the years to come, US government will happily accept you!</p>
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<p>lol, credit history and “higher studies” have nothing to do with a green card. its either the diversity lottery or the h1b work visa lottery. both of which are more or less based on luck. the latter does require an employment offer and an employer who’s willing to file all the relevant paperwork.</p>
<p>Thank you for the replies. What I’m a little stuck on is how to sustain myself whilst waiting the many years it takes for the US government to accept me. With my degree likely being in Zoology or similar, the only jobs that would appeal would be as a biologist / conservationist etc. which are public sector jobs (and require US citizenship). This is my dilemma right now…</p>
<p>You need a job in order to apply for residency.</p>
<p>One other solution is to marry an American, which is always a possibility.</p>
<p>^^There are girls so many girls in the US…Catch one, marry, get the paper works done, become a permanent resident, and get divorced…finished…;)</p>
<p>gtmanning -</p>
<p>Why the US Fisheries and Wildlife specifically? Is there no equivalent organization in the UK, or in a country that has easier work visa policies?</p>
<p>I have wanted to live and work in the USA for longer than I can remember, unfortunately I have no desire to go to a different country. A lot of people have suggested to simply not go to the US, is this another way of saying my prospects are impossible? I’m not sure. Marriage seems to be the only viable option so far. The US appeals for a number of reasons, both personal and from a conservation/wildlife perspective, though to be honest that is irrelevant, I’m just looking to find out what all the options are in my current position. Is there perhaps a way of obtaining a green card during study? This would allow 5 years during study in which to become applicable for citizenship through naturalization, thus allowing for a state job application?
Thank you</p>
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Not unless you get married or win the green card lottery while you are studying. If getting a green card was as easy as going to college, the US would have a lot more immigrants ;)</p>
<p>OK besides marriage I’m literally seeing no other options… Unless of course there are wildlife jobs in the private sector, which I’m not sure there is… I don’t want to get subject specific here, but I do wonder what all the international students studying zoology/wildlife biology etc go on to do as a job, perhaps they all just go back to their country…</p>
<p>maybe you could email schools that you’re interested in and ask them what internationals from their schools have done after graduating ?</p>
<p>Good idea, thank you</p>