Damian shares his unique perspective as a child immigrant to Ireland who grew up to become a leader in the tech industry, eventually navigating the complexities of the UK job market post-Brexit.

Damian moved to Ireland at the age of 10 during the “Celtic Tiger” economic boom.

Damian’s entry into software engineering was facilitated by strong professional networks and a booming market.

Damian moved to the UK due to his partner’s job opportunities and eventually transferred within his own company.

Drawing on his experience as an Engineering Manager, Damian offers practical advice for those looking to move abroad:

this chapter summarizes Pilo Massimino’s experience moving from Argentina to the Netherlands (Holland), focusing on the logistics of the move, the temporary nature of his stay, and the general cultural attitude toward foreigners in the Dutch workplace.

Pilo Massimino, originally from Argentina and experienced in working in Europe, details his professional move to the Netherlands (Holland), highlighting the differences in immigration processes and work environment compared to Ireland.

Pilo’s move to the Netherlands was characterized by a specific, short-term professional goal, dictating his immigration status.

Pilo offers insights into the prevailing work culture and employer-employee relationships he experienced in the Netherlands.

Pilo’s time in the Netherlands served as a crucial professional transition before he moved to next country, listen and find where, where he decided to seek more permanent employment and stability.

This chapter summarizes Engineer Benny’s experience moving from Venezuela to the United States, focusing on his motivations, the challenges of professional validation, and the essential mindset required to thrive in the US job market.

Engineer Benny left Venezuela, driven by a desire for a better quality of life and professional growth that he felt was no longer possible in his home country. His decision was motivated by the political and economic instability he experienced in Venezuela, prompting him to seek a more stable environment for his career and future.

Benny’s experience highlights a common and significant hurdle for professionals immigrating to the US: the validation of foreign credentials.

Benny offers critical advice on the psychological shifts necessary for success in a new country:

Work and Learn Abroad’s episode 60 features a conversation with Harsh, a software engineer from India who has been living and working in the United States for 16 years. Harsh discusses his journey, from his initial motivation to leave India to his experiences with education and career development in the U.S.

Harsh’s decision to move to the U.S. was driven by a desire for a different educational experience. He describes the Indian education system as “very close-knit and very intense, rigorous,” where students take six or more courses per semester and are expected to follow specific books. He heard from cousins in the U.S. that the system there was more relaxed, allowing students to focus on research and invest more time in their studies. His move was also motivated by a personal interest in driving German cars, which he couldn’t do in India, and a love for New York bagels.

The idea to move came to him during his third year of engineering when a cousin explained the different academic fields available in the U.S. This sparked his interest in finding his own niche, something he felt was not encouraged in India where people tend to “go with the herd.” He and two close friends decided to pursue this goal together, applying to different universities and arriving in the U.S. within the same month.

The transition was a significant change, especially for Harsh, who is an only child and was accustomed to his family’s support, including his mother filling his glass with water and his grandmother serving him food. His mother’s main concern was whether he would be able to cook for himself, a skill he had to learn quickly. The family was supportive of his choice, viewing it as an opportunity for him to take on a new challenge.

Harsh and his friends handled all the preparatory work—including taking the GRE and TOEFL exams and researching universities—from India. He applied to six universities and was accepted into four. He ultimately chose Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, and arrived on August 16, 2009. His initial arrival was a moment of panic when his uncle, who was supposed to pick him up, missed the pick-up. With no cell phone, he had to rely on a payphone and the kindness of an airport employee to make contact. This experience, along with his first winter in the U.S., cemented his feeling that he was in a “whole different land.” He remembers the exact moment he felt a sense of belonging: sitting in a café, looking at the New York City skyline, and realizing the magnitude of his journey.

Harsh’s first job after university was with a consulting firm that helped him find a role as a software development engineer. He describes sending out resumes to over 40 companies before getting his first job. He learned the importance of focusing on skills that align with job requirements and being open to learning new things. He advises recent graduates to not just “know about” a skill but to have “done it as a project,” as this practical experience makes a significant difference.

He emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind about location, as limiting oneself to a specific area can restrict opportunities. His own career journey took him to places such as New Jersey,California, Florida, and Texas, with each move dictated by both job opportunities and a desire to experience different climates and regions.

Harsh’s final advice to anyone considering a similar path is to observe, learn, and grow from the people around them. He encourages listeners to be truthful, be open to new experiences, and maintain a healthy balance between work and life. His final words encourage the younger generation to “be an example for the next generation” and to think of what they can contribute to the world.

Ever wondered what it’s like to leave everything behind and start fresh in another country?

In this inspiring episode, we talk to Salva, an Argentinian who moved to the USA to work, study, and grow.
He shares his honest experiences—the challenges, culture shocks, growth, and the powerful mindset shift that comes from stepping out of your comfort zone.

Whether you’re dreaming of working abroad or simply curious about how travel can transform your life, this episode will open your mind and fuel your courage.

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Contact Chedwick at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chedwick/

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Contact Daniele at  [email protected]

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Contact Georgi C at

linkedin.com/in/georgi-chervenobrezhki-37409284
email: [email protected]

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