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.
The Decision to Move
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 Journey and Transition
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.
Career and Advice
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.
