Graduate looking to get out of Ireland (North America in Mind)

Charlie

Hey all,

I'm 21 and I recently graduated with a 1.1 law degree and am presently completing a Masters in Commercial law (Don't be fooled though, i'm still unsure exactly what carear I want to pursue).

However, I am somewhat unhappy in Ireland, and the prospects it has to offer, especially after working and travelling for the last 3 summers. So I am beginning to get itchy feet, and explore the idea of seeking work abroad (once I finish my masters)

I spent last summer in New York, and the two summers before that in Vancouver and Toronto respectively. I loved all 3 cities, but I think i'm ruling New York out for the minute (it seems like the place is crowded enough as it is, and the most competitive city to secure a decent job in if you're non-american) Also, I have looked at Phoenix in Arizona and Cleveland Ohio, and both appeal to me.

However, from my limited research, it would seem that securing a working visa for the U.S is quite difficult, and therefore I am leaning towards Canada, Vancouver in particular. (Am I wrong? What's the whole deal with sponsorship?)

I have tried Google, but I can't find any site international or domestic (Canadian) that specialises in graduate employment.

I guess i'm asking a few questions.

- Am I mad? Is it unrealistic?

- Are International graduates that attractive to North American employers?

- Does anyone live in the above mentioned cities? if so, how did you find the move there, and settling in?

- Does anyone know of good websites where i could target graduate specific jobs in cities such a Vancouver, Cleveland, Arizona.

- Any other cities in North America that can be recommended?

Thanks in advance for any info

Charlie.

jdivision

Don't they run a New York bar conversion course here that's relatively short? you could do that. Or get a job with a Dublin legal firm that has an office in the US - all of the commercial ones will. Make clear in your application that you want to work over there - they should be able to sort your visa

As for cities in US, San Francisco's great and Boston has grown on me a lot

Charlie

Yeah I had considered taking the New York BAR, in fact a few of my friends are taking it this summer. However, the costs involved (prep course, flights, accommodation etc.) rack up to a pretty penny, the guts of about $3000-$4000 So I really want to be certain that's what I want to do, which at the moment, I cannot say with certainty.

From my experience talking to partners in the big firms, they like to advertise that they have offices in New York, but at best, they will only allow you spend a fraction of your training contract there. The impression I get is that they certainly aren't hiring to then let you go work in NYC.

Cheers for the response though, ad I have heard great things about San Fran.

JæKæ

If you get a greencard, Portland, Oregon is a class town. A US city with a smaller town feel, and no real dodgy scummy element.