I've commented a few times in a few posts about my family's experience going through the F-1 to H-1B to GC route to migrate to the US and I've received a lot of questions over the DM, many of which I thought were pretty basic. I thought it might be helpful to put this primer together so folks know the right questions to ask and approach their planning more strategically.
This post is going to be very candid. I've noticed that the questions I've received come from misconceptions about higher education, F-1 visa, and what comes after graduation. I want to give folks the right information, but also temper expectations and give a realistic portrait of what it means and takes to use the student pathway to legally and permanently reside in the US. It is not a stroll in the park, and I don't want to give anyone the wrong idea.

BACKGROUND

Two of my siblings plus myself are all here in the US via the student visa route. I received my green card in 2021 after being in the US for nearly 4 years. After receiving my Masters at a prestigious university, I was hired immediately by an organization willing to sponsor my H-1B, which they did so after two years of employment under STEM-OPT work authorization. My employer started putting together my I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, which is the start of the process for an employment-based green card) shortly after receiving approval of my H-1B. As the paperwork was being put together, my partner and I decided to get married and I switched from employment-based green card to marriage-based green card. The employment-based green card would have added around a 3 year wait if we went through with it, while my marriage-based green card was approved in less than a year.
Both my siblings are currently in the same pathway. One received their Bachelors last year, was hired before graduation and has recently received approval for her H-1B. Their employer has committed to sponsoring their employment-based green card next year. My other sibling received their MFA last year and is now in the process of getting their O-1, which is a different kind of work visa. Like me, they both came to the US with a student visa. We were all very strategic about the programs we chose and how we approached networking within our industries.
We also prepared for years. I knew I wanted to get my Masters and permanently reside in the US even before I finished college in Manila. My siblings also knew that early on. So as a family we planned for years, including preparing financially because we knew that we had a very slim chance of getting free rides for our planned degrees. Our early planning also helped with our professional decision-making, because we became very strategic about what kinds of jobs we took after graduation in Manila (except our youngest sibling, who did her Bachelors in the US, so her planning revolved around her academic career in high school). I would say from start (initial planning) to finish (with the last sibling also now on the way to permanent residency), it took about a decade.

GETTING STARTED

Is the student pathway the right pathway for you?
The first question you should ask yourself: can you afford the student pathway to permanent residency in the US? Higher education in the US is not cheap. Universities very rarely offer full scholarships to Masters programs, and those that do are incredibly competitive. So you cannot depend on scholarships to help you pay for your degree--doing so will likely end in disappointment.
(PhDs are usually free and includes a living stipend, but the application process for PhDs are on a whole other level. I will not cover it here but I can answer any questions related to applying for PhDs.)
Most Masters programs in the US are two-year programs, and the average cost of a Masters degree is around $60,000 per year (source). That's $120,000--almost Php7,000,000--in two years. That is a lot of money. That does not include your cost of living, which depending on the location can vary. I personally spent around $1000 on living expenses every month (housing was through the school, so the cost of that was included in my tuition statement)--and that is living frugally in a very high cost of living city. That's an additional $12,000 per year. Of course, you can lower than number by living with family if that option is available to you.
So on average, you would need around Php4,200,000 per year for your Masters degree. Again, a lot of money. It goes without saying that the student pathway is a very expensive pathway to permanent residency in the US. Can it also be a quicker pathway than, say, being sponsored by a sibling? It can be, but that depends on how long it will take for you to save up for tuition.
What if you can make those numbers work? What else should you know?
I need to put this upfront: the F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa. Meaning that it is a visa meant for people who will enter the US on a temporary basis. This is why the student visa has no direct pathway or benefit to permanent residency in the US. You need to change status inside the US to one with immigrant intent or double intent to be able to be on that pathway or receive that benefit. That's where visas like the H-1B visa comes in.
You also cannot work outside of your school on an F-1 visa. During the school year, you are allowed to work part-time on campus, and during the summer you are allowed to work full-time on campus. Work outside of the school is only allowed if it's part of your curriculum (i.e. your program has a class for "onsite internship") and you are allowed to be paid while that opportunity is going on. You can do this part-time, but most legitimate universities will have limited opportunities for this (i.e. under your program you're only allowed to take credit for onsite internships one or two semesters). However, your eligibility to work full-time after getting your degree will be affected if you do this full-time for one year. If you want to jump from F-1 to H-1B, this is not something you want to do.
Your ability to bring dependents to the US on a student visa is also limited. You can only bring your spouse and unmarried children under 21. Dependents of F-1 visa holders are not allowed to work in the US (although children under 21 can go to school full-time). This means your spouse cannot work while in the United States, and that includes working remotely for a company in the Philippines.

APPLYING TO PROGRAMS

The student visa still seems like my best option. What's next?
The next step starts with you. I've received a good number of DMs asking me "Is Master of ABC the right course for me?" or "Will a Master of DEF get me a green card?" These are not the right questions to ask because they're not going to get you any good answers. Yes, we know the ultimate goal for taking your Masters in the US to get permanent residency. But the true purpose of getting a Masters in the US is to make you highly marketable and competitive to US employers that will be willing to sponsor your work visa and petition you for your permanent residency.
So you need to view this degree as a way to level yourself up professionally. I absolutely do not suggest getting a Masters degree in something "you already know"--the objective is not to coast while spending Php4,200,000 a year--but to be so much better at what you're already doing. Here's an example.

Maria Clara graduated from Accounting at a good university in Manila and now has around 2 years of experience as a CPA at the finance and accounting department at a multinational corporation based in Makati. She wants to get her permanent residency to the US via the student pathway and has done a significant amount of research on possible Masters programs and career paths in accounting in the US. She started reading into forensic accounting and realized how interested she is in various aspects of this career path. After looking through universities and programs, she has put SUNY Albany's MS in Forensic Science at the top of her list for a variety of reasons. One, it meets the education requirements for certified public accountant licensure in the state of New York. Two, even without a scholarship of financial aid, the costs for international students is not exorbitant at $23,000/Php1,320,000 for the year-long program--with some frugal living and help from relatives in the US, she can save that amount in 3-4 years. Three, New York is the center of global commerce--all the biggest companies and their accounting firms are either headquartered or have large offices in New York City, so she has a wide swath of employment options. Now she just has to get her ducks in a row and make sure her Bachelors meets the requirements for application, as well as put together a shortlist of other programs she should apply and create a timeline for herself and the milestones that need to be hit to make this dream a reality.

Bottomline is, your starting point in this entire process is reflection and research. You need to reflect on your own professional experience and skills, as well as your interests. You need to figure out which pathway will give you that professional and technical boost and do your research on available programs at reputable universities, what the job market looks like for your target profession, which companies are known to hire in this space.
Of course, you should also take into consideration your limitations. For example, you can only go to school in San Diego because you can stay with relatives while you're studying. That means your research is location-limited to however far you think you can commute.
When this is properly done, it should lead you to a place where you have a shortlist of programs to apply to. Each program will have their own application and testing requirements, as well as their own deadlines, so make sure to keep track of that.
PRO TIP: while grades during college are an important part of your application, many graduate programs put a lot of weight on your personal statement and professional recommendation letters. This is why the first step on reflection is critical--it gives you a good direction from which to build your story, which you will need to convince admissions committees to accept you into their programs.

ACCEPTANCE

I got into one of my top programs and I have my finances in order! What happens now?
Now it's time to apply for your F-1 visa. Your university will provide you with the documentation you need from them (this is mainly the I-20 and your acceptance letter), but the bulk of the documentation you need to present to the visa officer will mostly come from you. Namely, because the F-1 is a non-immigrant visa, you need to show strong ties to the Philippines. This can take a variety of forms, and oftentimes your mileage may vary especially depending on the school you will be attending (i.e. there will be less scrutiny if you're going to Harvard as compared to a university that's not that known).
If you did not receive a scholarship with your acceptance, you also need to show that you are able to afford the first year of matriculation. So bank statements containing the total amount of tuition, as well as room and board, will be important (usually the I-20 that the university will issue you will include this amount).
At the interview, be polite and only answer the questions asked. Do not offer up information not asked by the visa officer. I suggest you have a ready answer if the visa officer asks you why this particular school and program, but you should have this answer already if you followed my advice about reflecting and researching before applying to programs :)
Visa is approved and on hand! What do I do while I wait to leave for the US?
Networking starts the moment you receive your passport with your F-1 visa. You absolutely cannot and should not waste a single minute of your active student visa, so this is the time you start telling people that you're going to be studying in the US. You need to work your current network and find peers and mentors who will be willing to connect you with colleagues they know who work in the US or have ties to the US in your professional field. Let's go back to Maria Clara as an example.

Finally, after years of hard work, Maria Clara has her desired acceptance into SUNY's MS in Forensic Accounting program, and her F-1 visa was approved by the embassy without any issues. After celebrating with her family, she lets her boss know about her visa approval, who has been one of her most ardent cheerleaders during this entire process. Her boss has also offered to introduce her to their counterparts in the US once she got her visa approved, which is really important to Maria Clara--she knows she needs to get ahead of networking professionally since her time in the US is limited. She has also reached out to other people she knows in the company that engage frequently with teams in the US. She's messaged her college professors as well, as she knows that a number of alumni from her college have migrated to the US. Her plan is to get connected with as many professionals in her field as possible, connect with them in person once she's in the US, and build a rapport with as many connections as possible so she can be guided accordingly and stand out when the time to apply for jobs comes.

Remember that unlike US citizens (USC) and legal permanent residents (LPR), your time in the US is limited and bound by the rules set by your visa. So you have to be creative and get ahead in some way. You need to be more prepared and more strategic than USCs and LPRs because you simply do not have the time to dilly dally. Yes, enjoy and savor in the moment of seeing the fruits of your labor, but the hard part begins now. You simply do not have time to waste.

DURING THE PROGRAM

I'm in the US now and working harder than ever! Is there anything more I can do to set myself apart from others?
Other than to make sure you have high grades and you're setting aside time to build professional relationships, it's time to think outside the box. Remember that you are limited by the rules of the F-1 visa, so experiences such as an off-campus summer internship is off limits to you. You will need to find ways to strengthen your resumé that doesn't include working off campus, and that could take many forms. One of the most effective recommendations I've received on this is to do an independent research during the summer--you could do it via a professor whose class you really liked, or if you've made inroads with some of the connections you've been building since getting your visa, have a professor oversee a research project you could do with those connections. (This is still academic work, and many programs will give credit for this, so it is not considered off-campus work under the eyes of USCIS.) You can use your research to really elevate your skills and experiences when applying for jobs.
It's also time to seriously start looking at potential employers. You can use the connections you've built to get a sense of what the professional landscape is for your field, learn about peoples' experiences at various companies and organizations, and get a feel for hiring processes. Remember, you don't have a lot of time to apply for jobs once you near the end of your program, so you have to be armed with the right information to guide your job hunting strategy. You will need to put yourself out there and be the best version of your professional self if you want employers to disregard that they will need to spend more money to hire you rather than a USC or LPR who doesn't need sponsorship.

LAST SEMESTER AND GRADUATION

I'm in my last semester of my program! Any tips?
The last semester is usually job hunting season, so make sure that resumé is polished and your network is activated. By now, if you've done the leg work, you will have a shortlist of potential employers and you will have made connections in most, if not all, of them. Time to check-in and ensure that they know you're interested in joining their company and you'd like their support and guidance in doing so. This is one of the harder parts of this journey, and you have to be relentless. Use all the resources at your disposal to ensure your resumé is seen by as many eyes as possible, and that includes speaking to your professors, especially your favorite ones, so they can also lend a hand.
More importantly: submit your work permit application (more commonly known as OPT) as early as possible to avoid delays and getting stuck in the USCIS backlog. You need this permit to be able to work after graduation for a limited time (one year for graduates of non-STEM programs, with an additional two years for graduates of STEM programs) without needing to immediately require H-1B sponsorship.
Getting employed by a company willing to sponsor you is not the end of the line. All for-profit companies are subject to the H-1B lottery, which means you will be competing with other internationals for the limited number of H-1B visas allotted every year. So even with an employer willing to sponsor, the H-1B visa is still not guaranteed. You can work around this by joining what is a called a cap-exempt organization instead, and USCIS classifies those as institutions of higher education, nonprofit entities related to or affiliated with an institution of higher education, nonprofit research organizations, and governmental research organizations. That means more research, and more targeted strategic networking, given that your employer pool now is limited.

EPILOGUE

The student visa is not an easy or cheap pathway to permanent residency in the US. It is getting harder and harder to beat out USCs and LPRs for great jobs in companies that have the experience and resources to sponsor H-1Bs and GCs. You need to do your research every step of the way and prepare to do some really grueling work in order to be the better investment for these companies. Plus, there is the luck element of the H-1B lottery. But it's not impossible. It can and does happen--my family is a great example of it (we're 3 for 3 in this pathway now). Your preparation and willingness to go the extra mile is critical, and you have to be ready to grind for a while. Rest often only comes when the green card is approved.
For those still considering the student visa pathway to migrate to the US after reading this very long post--good luck, and may the force be with you.

Worked the last two years as an MCO for Gray before leaving. Terrible management, dead end job and wanted to do something better. Went to working delivery for the time being, but applied to work as a production assistant for Nexstar. They interviewed me and saw on my resume that I had experience in freelance writing and web design, before asking me to take their digital content producer position instead.
Sounds interesting and promising, but I could be wrong. What's to expect, and is it a good career to get into?

A workaholic experiences an inability to limit the amount of time they spend on work despite negative consequences such as damage to their relationships or health.
While thinking about the topic of this post, the term ‘Workaholics’ seemed to fit. However, the actual meaning of this term is quite negative in many spheres of life. This is a comprehensive collection of experiences of the people who I deem to be workaholics, in a positive way. Their passion for work and their mentality make them quite interesting and inspiring. The use of the word ‘Workaholic’ is just to emphasize their love for work and their burning passion to rise to the top.
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I got an opportunity to spend a day with a civil engineer. Not a normal civil engineer. She is an odd one out. Her rise is not astronomical, her business is not known worldwide. She is not someone who caused a revolution in her field, nor did she invent something that turned the world of civil engineering upside down. Her presence will not glorify her and her absence will not be commemorated. She is not a sun that shined upon the Earth. But she is someone who never thought of looking back. The sheer fact that her mentality inspired someone to write about her makes her quite interesting and unique.
From the start of the conversation, she was very optimistic and cheerful. She said that Civil engineering is all about creativity. If you have a vivid imagination, you are better off pursuing creative sectors like Architecture. The human mind is capable of wild imagination, but it is only those minds which could create masterpieces out of empty canvases become successful in these sectors. This is not some mere dramatization. They literally create structures from their imagination. They give life to their ideas and make them the reality which we experience.
According to her, it is not always the big things that matter. People who first found out that joining two individual dots will give you a line, would have also found out that four lines can be used to construct a square. These squares become the building blocks of complex structures. This way of looking at tasks, decomposing them into understandable segments makes them way easier.
The one contradicting thing about her is how she selected civil engineering while thinking about her career. To be honest, it was not in her hands. She did not grow up aspiring to be a civil engineer. Her circumstances and popular opinions made the choice, pushing her to become what she is today. Fortunately, what she is today is also what she would have aspired, if she had the choice earlier.
Successful people are not always passionate. But passionate people are always successful. Workaholics are not those who do their passion for work, but they are the people who work passionately despite their situations. The Universe pulls the strings from the back. But these guys were the first ones to overlook it. They turn unfortunate circumstances into advantages and turn work into their aspiration. These are the people I deem to be Workaholics.
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This is the first interaction-based article that I have ever written. This took almost a month to write. It was so hard to remember the points that she had told, and it was too awkward for me to take notes. From the start till the end, it was a ride.
Cheers!

I’m over my job. It is incredibly demanding work both physically and mentally. I regularly work 50-55 hours a week (salary, no overtime pay). The pay is good, benefits are even better.
The problem is- it makes me miserable AND I can’t stop working when I’m “off”. I’m essentially expected to be on call 16 hours a day 7 days a week. I have no interest in continuing in this field and really would love to return to school to finish my degree but I have no flexibility to even consider classes right now.
I make more than my husband. Our insurance and retirement are through my employment, but I don’t have it in me to keep going with this.
Instead of being a SAHM I’m interviewing with daycares that offer SIGNIFICANT discounts. I would get to see my kids throughout the day every day and It would at least keep us afloat while my husband builds his career to be a higher earner.
Has anyone made similar moves? I’m nervous about making the wrong choice here. I know my happiness matters, but the financial hit is terrifying.

My boyfriend and I met in college. I was in my second year and he was a third year. Honestly, he is one of the funniest, kindest, and smartest people I know. Something about his personality just matches mine and I love his energy, compassion towards people, and just outgoing friendliness. We are both looking for jobs right now since I am graduating in a month. I have been working part time at a restaurant as well as completed an internship during college. On the other hand, my boyfriend has been working as a server at a restaurant and lives with his mom, and although he is looking for a job, he hasn't had any luck. So now that his mom is telling him to find a full time job or move out, he is finding himself applying for more restaurant jobs. This honestly bothers me a lot. I know that he wants to go into marketing and business but he doesn't show any interest in learning about these fields when there are so many resources online. He just likes to go to the beach and surf, hang out with his friends, and just work. Me on the other hand, I am actively sending my resumes and cover letters to multiple companies everyday (not having too much luck either), reading, and just bought a plane ticket to new york to stay there after college. I love my boyfriend a lot but I need to understand that he is 23 years old and should start being more independent and driven towards his goals. As a 22 year old, is it wrong of me to leave my boyfriend just because he doesn't have and hasn't been motivated to pursue a professonal career??
TL;DR My boyfriend and I are so compatible but career and goal wise, I'm not liking where he is at. Is it wrong of me to leave him because of this or should I give him more time?

Before COVID, during my first year of high school, I was an excellent student. When the pandemic hit, I was told not to stress about grades because universities would be understanding of the impact of the pandemic on our mental health and focus. However, after the pandemic, I struggled to regain my academic motivation. Previously, grades meant a lot to me, and receiving a B would have a significant impact on my mood. But now, they don't hold as much value to me. I've come to realize that grades are just a part of the game and don't truly reflect my worth. In the second semester of my first year, my academic performance worsened, and I received a D, the lowest grade I've had since middle school.
Despite knowing that I am intelligent, I'm currently in a funk. People have suggested that I pursue a major in international relations and even consider a career in law or explore my interest in trades and construction management. However, I feel so confused that I can't focus on any particular path.
In addition to my academic struggles, the tragic events like the Oct 7 massacre in Israel have deeply affected me, leaving me feeling depressed and detached from reality. At one point, I even considered enlisting as a lone soldier to fight in the war, disregarding my physical and mental limitations.
With the rise of antisemitism on campuses and the ideological zealotry related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, I have lost faith in universities as credible institutions. Moreover, the decreasing value of a college degree has left me uncertain about making the right decision for my future.
Despite my parents covering my expenses, I am still feeling unhappy. I am aware of the Buddhist concept that life involves suffering. How can I find joy in life and accept things as they are? The fact that I am writing this shows that I do care to a degree. How can I regain my focus and motivation?

I've been hired about a year ago as a specialist to work in a decent sized international team on a project that I find interesting. Only problem is that it's been an uphill battle since I've joined. I feel like I'm actively being discouraged to do my job by some people so they can steal my ideas, I'm constantly having to speak up or fight against the louder voices, and I have to work crazy hours just for people to maybe listen to me and it is exhausting. A part of me wants to quit this bull and find a job where I don't have to fight people all the time and I'm at least a bit respected for my expertise, but being on this project for a while will do wonders for my career in the long run. I need some inspiration/motivation to keep up the good fight and not let the bullies on the team win.
Does anyone have a good story about persevering through a difficult team environment and it getting them to the place they want to be? Or just any kind, encouraging words would be welcome.
TLDR: the team I'm working with suck but I need to stick it out a while longer. Does anyone have an inspiring story to help keep me going?

I got rush tickets to see Ben Platt at his opening at the Palace tonight. To those curious about what the experience was like, here's a rundown:

• He performed mostly original music: 7 songs from Honeymind, 1 song from Reverie, 3 songs from Sing to Me Instead. He also did a good bit of covers, including 1 song from Dear Evan Hansen, 1 duet with special guest Kacey Musgraves, 5 other covers (Judy Garland x 2, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Liza Minnelli)
• The biggest "moments" of the show were probably the DEH cover, the Liza Minelli cover of Maybe This Time, the Kacey Musgraves appearance, and his encore performance of Over the Rainbow.
• The show itself was 1 hr 40 mins. It was more show vibe than concerts. Although not forbidden, there wasn't a lot of standing up, people video-ing, dancing, etc.
• He did a good bit of talking. He seemed very awkward at first (could just be his nerves) but settled in more as the show went on. His talking wasn't all that interesting though. He briefly introduced what some songs were about and told somewhat of a narrative of his career, but mostly just a recounting of events (I went to high school, I was in this, then that, etc). He did not address any controversies.
• He is a very talented vocalist. That is the reason to see the show (if you can get cheap ticks) and he lives up to it -- his voice shines, he belts a ton.
• I'm not surprised bc it was marketed this way, but I thought it was odd to play so much unreleased music because even big fans couldn't sing along. I thought it sapped some momentum at the start and end, as he began and ended on unreleased songs. I also was surprised he didn't do more show tunes.
• He did do one cover of DEH, which seems to be a first for his solo shows. It was Requiem, the only one he wasn't on stage for in the show. He explained he felt he couldn't perform Evan songs anymore because he was trying to move on mentally from Evan.
• The audience was not empty! And they were pretty into it -- lots of standing ovations. Thanks to all the discounts, it looked mostly full in the Orchestra and Mezz (where I was). I couldn't see the balcony but I suspect there were empty seats there. It was open night, though, and the only night that had sold decently. And plenty of celebrities there for opening night (Anna Wintour, Dylan Mulvaney, Beanie Feldstein, Bryan D’arcy James, Noah Galvin [duh]).

Overall? I'd give the experience 3 stars out of 5. He's a very talented vocalist and if you like his music, it's a good time. It's not worth the prices they're charging, but I personally found the rush to be good value as the seats I got were excellent.

Hi everyone,
I'm a brand-new brokeinvestment adviser rep just starting out, and having gone through multiple exams and passing them all on the first try, I thought I'd give my 2 cents on how you can pass them, hopefully in a quicker time than me! I'll go through each test and my personal experience, then I'll explain the methods I actually used and how you can customize them to your needs.
SIE - I literally had zero experience in the securities industry when I started studying. I wasn't sure what to think after the first lesson, but I found it interesting! It took me a little over 2 months to prepare (I used Kaplan for all my tests). I studied for about 2.5 to 3 hours each day, and made sure to take plenty of notes. I found the real test was actually easier than the Final and Mastery Exams. Lots of questions of options, the primary/secondary markets, investment companies and the Acts; overall a good mix.
Series 6 - Immediately started prepping the day after passing the SIE; passed it about a month later. Suitability was the key point of emphasis; I memorized the suitability chart that they gave in the textbook and that helped a ton. Real test had a lot more scenario based questions asking you to pick the right type of investment for a customer. Tbh I was feeling a little nervous for this one since I had failed the second Mastery Exam, and this was three days before my test date. The key difference between this one and the SIE was that the latter had a broad amount of material, while the 6 asked you how products actually worked. I'd say this was the second hardest for me.
Series 63 - Again, started prepping the day after passing the 6. I'm being 100% honest here, it was almost pure memorization. I memorized the exempt transactions/securities, as well as the exemptions and exclusions for broker-dealers, agents, investment advisers, and investment adviser reps by writing them down over and over again (on my laptop to save trees lol). Also, knowing the legal terms was key, because this was a state law exam by NASAA (so don't confuse their rules with FINRA's). The Mastery Exams were a breeze, and the real test was definitely the easiest out of the bunch for me.
Series 26 - Here's where things start to get tougher. The info that I'd learned from the SIE and 6 (they're prerequisites for this one) came back to me, and I had to remember that it was important to look at it from a supervisor's POV, because a lot of questions were going to be based on this (i.e. "A rep commits X, what should the principal do to handle this situation?") The material itself was stuff that had already been drilled into me, but being a 110-question test, I had to time myself to keep pace on the practice tests. On the actual test, I was able to answer all the questions within 2 hours, and that gave me enough time to do a second-run through. Not too bad all in all; for me it was a tad bit easier than the SIE.
Series 65 - Oh boy. Let me tell you guys something that'll save you a ton of headaches later on: DO. NOT. TAKE. THIS. TEST. LIGHTLY. I just passed it last week, and if it hadn't been for the countless hours of studying I'd put in, I most likely would've failed. This literally had all of the material from the previous tests, including the entirety of the 63. On top of that, it also had federal laws that needed to be recognized from the state-level ones. The Kaplan course had 24 units to cover all the material, and a little over 4200 QBank questions. A huge mistake I made was not using all of them up. After taking the 2nd Mastery and all of the practice tests, I had answered around 3000 questions. After some debating on whether I should study some more or schedule, although I was still shaky in a few areas, I decided to go for it. The real test started out easy, and by questions 30-40, I was feeling like I might fail. But I stayed calm and focused on doing my best. I was super grateful for knowing those formulas, as a couple of questions didn't ask for calculations, but simply what they were. The ones that did ask to calculate tripped me up a bit, but I made my best picks/guesses. After answering all the questions with about 50 minutes left, I changed 2 answers; one because I didn't read the question properly and the other because I found another question that helped to answer. As you can imagine, this test was easily the toughest out of them all. I was more than thankful to see that "Pass" appear after clicking "Submit".
So there's my story! Sorry for the long paragraph on the 65; I actually cut out some more sentences to try and shorten it as much as possible. To cap everything off, I'll go through the main strategies I used, and how you can customize them to your will (Although I used Kaplan, they can probably work for other programs as well).
1) Do many practice tests. After each practice test, read the explanations throughly. Understand why you got the question right or wrong. The real test will almost certainly have different wording than the prep course you're using, so understanding the concept allows you to answer correctly regardless of how the question is asked. When I was using the QBank questions, I made sure to set the custom quiz to pull unused questions from the pool, so I didn't know what would appear next.
2) Make acronyms/phrases. They can be about absolutely anything (a movie, a life experience, etc). Anything that you can connect a group of bullet points or a concept to make it easier to remember is a good thing. For instance, I was having trouble with SEP IRAs, and it kept mentioning that only the employer contributes to this type of IRA. So to help me remember, I made the phrase "Solely Employer Puts In" (the first letter of each word makes SEP and I for IRA). Any silly way to hammer that point in means you won't forget come test time.
3) Record yourself saying concepts and phrases, and put it on loop. I started doing this a bit for the 26, and a LOT for the 65. Try to say what you want to say in a minute or less (absolute max of 1min30s). Once you put your recording on loop, you can listen to it over and over again, and this actually forces the info into your brain without you having to think or work too much. After listening to each recording however many times you like, try to write down what you heard. If you can't remember, just keep playing the recording until you've got it memorized.
4) Watch YouTube videos. Please be careful with this one, and make sure you use videos that are up to date (some videos were created years ago and thus pieces of info may not be current). Series7Guru with Dean and PassMasters with Suzy Rhoades are two excellent channels to look into. You never know, these videos may just help you snag an easy point or two on your real test ;)
If you're still here after getting through this humongous post, I wish you best of luck in not just your tests, but your future careers! Take care!

Before COVID, during my first year of high school, I was an excellent student. When the pandemic hit, I was told not to stress about grades because universities would be understanding of the impact of the pandemic on our mental health and focus. However, after the pandemic, I struggled to regain my academic motivation. Previously, grades meant a lot to me, and receiving a B would have a significant impact on my mood. But now, they don't hold as much value to me. I've come to realize that grades are just a part of the game and don't truly reflect my worth. In the second semester of my first year, my academic performance worsened, and I received a D, the lowest grade I've had since middle school.
Despite knowing that I am intelligent, I'm currently in a funk. People have suggested that I pursue a major in international relations and even consider a career in law or explore my interest in trades and construction management. However, I feel so confused that I can't focus on any particular path.
In addition to my academic struggles, the tragic events like the Oct 7 massacre in Israel have deeply affected me, leaving me feeling depressed and detached from reality. At one point, I even considered enlisting as a lone soldier to fight in the war, disregarding my physical and mental limitations.
With the rise of antisemitism on campuses and the ideological zealotry related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, I have lost faith in universities as credible institutions. Moreover, the decreasing value of a college degree has left me uncertain about making the right decision for my future.
Despite my parents covering my expenses, I am still feeling unhappy. I am aware of the Buddhist concept that life involves suffering. How can I find joy in life and accept things as they are? The fact that I am writing this shows that I do care to a degree. How can I regain my focus and motivation?

Hello MasterSpark community!
Welcome to our brand new hub for master electricians and those striving to join the ranks. We're excited to have you here and look forward to building a supportive and knowledgeable community together.
One of the reasons I started this community is because I’ve noticed that many electricians are unclear about the differences between a journeyman electrician and a master electrician. By joining MasterSpark, you'll not only find answers to these questions but also gain valuable insights from experienced professionals.
To get things started, we’d love to hear from you! Please take a moment to introduce yourself and share a bit about your journey in the electrical trade:
Your Name (or username)
Your Experience Level (e.g., apprentice, journeyman, master electrician)
Your Specialization (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial, renewable energy)
Why You Joined MasterSpark (e.g., looking for advice, networking, staying updated)
One Interesting Project you’ve worked on or a memorable experience in your career
Feel free to ask questions, share tips, or discuss any current projects you’re working on. Let's help each other out and make MasterSpark a valuable resource for all members.
Looking forward to your introductions and stories!

Hi everyone,
I am a second-year MBBS student at a medical college in KPK, Pakistan. I'm very interested in pursuing a residency abroad. However, I haven't had any clinical exposure yet, but I aspire to have a career in surgery. While I'm unsure of the specific type of surgery, I know that surgery is my passion. My father, a medical specialist, works closely with patients, and I have realized that one-on-one history diagnosis is not for me. I would rather engage in something more challenging.
That said, I might change my mind after gaining clinical experience and might go into something like IM or EM. I come from a modest background, and I have three younger siblings whose education my parents also need to support.
My parents are already okay with investing in the UKMLA path since it's cheaper and I've been considering it since before medical school. Should I opt for the USMLE path? I am very passionate about my goals and will work hard to achieve them. I'm considering taking Step 1 without using any paid resources and relying on pirated resources. If I pass Step 1, I can ask my dad to invest further in my education. What are your thoughts and advice on this matter?
Thank you!

Hi all,
I am looking for some suggestions or insights on how to navigate (and advance) my career as a career-changer and mature-age student. Any contribution or perspectives welcome. Questions can be as useful as comments.

Why I am asking

I watched this Ted Talk recently and it prompted me to ask. I recommend it if you haven't seen it.
I have spent the last 4 years working hard in isolation to try and build my skills and break into the industry, but I have completely neglected to build a network, as well as ask for help and advice.
I'm trying to break that habit now. To be clear, I am not looking for anyone to solve my problems. But insights or thought-provoking questions to help me, help myself would be invaluable.

Context

I'm 31, live in Geelong Victoria, am a part-time CS student (half-way through, studying remotely) and have been working full-time as a junior web developer for the last 12 months. I was working part-time prior to that for another 6 months so I could make financial ends meet by working splitting my time with my other, higher-paying job.
As such, I have half a degree and 12-18 months-ish of experience. And I acknowledge this very fortunate as securing that first job can very difficult.
However, I am looking for guidance on how to maximise my trajectory from this position given that I have dedicated a lot of time and effort towards breaking into tech and took a rather sizeable pay cut.
I would also add the company is small and there's only a few devs, with the one senior making all the decisions, meaning I get little mentoring and there's no strong engineering-based conversations. We use Laravel and are just trying to get products out the door and get paid, very digital agency style.
There is nothing wrong with this, it's just not where I ultimately want to be or the technologies I want to use (and build skill with).
None of this is to say "poor me", just set some context for why I am trying to recover lost time and finances as much as possible.

Goals

Generally speaking, I'd like to find a role where I: - Use CS fundamentals more. I'm thinking backend work, building proficiency with a statically typed language, etc. rather than doing more plug-and-play web development using a batteries-included framework. - Am part of a bigger team, so I can learn from those around me and have discussions about tech. - Increase my earning potential and move beyond an entry-level salary (given I don't feel entry-level age) and have taken "backwards" financial steps in the hope of taking bigger strides forward.
I know everyone wants the perfect job and they aren't just handed out on platters. I am realistic. I'm just trying to learn how I can open up better opportunities, and do it sooner rather than later.
##### Advice that exists The top comment on this post about how to make good use of your time while studying CS suggests:

While in course:

• Secure an internship/placement ASAP
• Network, join relevant clubs, meet people in industry, make connections
• Build a portfolio outside of course work
• Find out what you really need to know for your planned career
• Learn practical concepts beyond the course like Git, containers
• Figure out a course plan well in advance

bold = Do these 2, if absolutely nothing else. They will take your career further more than anything.

I think this is excellent advice and would echo its importance.
And while it is still relevant to me, I also tend to think it's more applicable to younger, entering-the-work-force-for-the-first-time students. But I could be wrong!

What I think my problems are

I feel like I am a little stuck -- or moving slowly -- due to the following broad problems: - Opportunities for promotion and growth in my current role are very limited (not just financial, but skills and experience-wise). - I'm not yet academically credentialed nor oozing with industry experience, either. - Non-existent network, a factor of both being a remote student and having only been at a single, small company.

My questions

All of this leads me to the following questions: - Do I simply need to stay the course? I am trying to be proactive, rather than complacent, but it is possible I'm only achieving impatience. - Are university organised networking events and internship opportunities likely to be useful for me or are they distractions at this point? - Is there better advice for someone in my position than what I highlighted above? And if so, what are the high-impact activities someone in this position should be focusing on? - Is there any obvious truths or ideas that I am missing?

Conclusion and connect if you like

Thanks so much for reading this far. Also, to help me build that network, please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. Also, if you're interested, I recently built my portfolio, and I would be open to any feedback you have on that.
I'm also open to collaborating on projects or trying to help you in any way that you think I might be able to.
Thanks again. Any contribution, big or small, is greatly appreciated.
Have a great day, Redditors.
(This is my first ever post, if I unknowingly committed any sins, please feel free to draw my attention to them.)

This may not be the best place to ask but I'm throwing some feelers out there to gain more information. I'm looking at applying to my local union (189), but I don't know the path I want to take. Ive always liked the idea of being a plumber and getting dirty ever since I was younger I thought it was interesting. But in my recent years I've talked with multiple people about and observed welding. A couple local business owners said if they could start over again they would get there welding certs and go from there. Both career paths are in need and from the near 20 people ive talked with from service to new construction say the pay is usually good but depends on what your doing and where your at. I really just want to ask what your experiences have been or if you work in local 189 what are the jobs and company's like? What I might look forward to as a newbie in each profession and really some advice on which path to take. It will eventually fall to me to make the final choice but without being able to actually do the jobs myself I don't know which one I would rather be apart of. In my personal life I know electricians,roofers,hvac techs and carpenters but no one in the professions I'm interested in. If you'd please take the time to help an aspiring tradesman I would deeply appreciate it. Thank you.

Hello, So I have a startup concept I want to follow through but I am having a hard time actually getting feedback about whether my idea is something I should actualize or should not. Any ideas as to how I can get my idea out there just to ensure whether this is something to follow through with or not?
App concept:
Simplest way I can put it = Tinder + indeed but for healthcare jobs only
Jobs range from doctors and any sort of provider to a receptionist for a hospital or in home health care company
The app combines the concept of Tinder's easy UI by streamlining the job application so you just swipe on a job you're interested in. You can add preferences obviously as to what job you want and preference along with hours and other important areas
Later down the road I am going to add in a career section so you can get real tips and advice once you have enough "points" which will be earned potentially through giving feedback or Ads or some form of work. Not entirely sure yet

This is probably one of the most asked INFP questions but I'll ask anyways. How in the world did you find the career you LOVE? I feel like there's no career path that interests me. Like literally almost none at all. If I am interested in something, I find out a deal breaker usually. I've been a stay at home mom most of adult life, and I LOVE that. But my kids are teens now. I did all my pre reqs for nursing, but now I don't like dealing with ppl or being in positions with a lot of responsibility because I scared of doing something wrong. It gives me anxiety to not know my place in this world, have no meaningful contribution now that my kids are older. The jobs that do interest me don't pay well. I love dogs, studying human behavior, health and researching topics. Not sure there's a career out there that doesn't require either more college or will deplete me on a daily basis. Did anyone just fall into their job and love it now? What do you do?

My primary fears, since I was about ten, have been that I will end up in a position in life wherein I am financially unstable, and that I am “useless.” When I say “useless,” I mean a member of society who has nothing of value to contribute… though as I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that this is actually a very unhealthy mindset. When I was younger, I used to look down on people who seemed very calm and relaxed, because I somehow thought it meant that they weren’t hardworking. Now that I’m an adult, I actually understand that it’s healthiest to be able to relax sometimes, but even then, I struggle when I have a break from work and school like I do this week because I think it makes me stop and think about how boring I arguably am. I mean, I suppose that I’m not boring because in my opinion no one really is - everyone has something they can teach you, everyone is more interesting than they may initially seem to be - but at the exact same time, I just mean that I somehow feel like I’m not doing things.
I watch films and television when I’m off school and work, and am finishing “Carrie” by Stephen king (I’ve been reading it for too long, been slacking on finishing it because I’ve been busy with school and work.) But I want to pick up a hobby, to learn something new. I feel now that we are 4 days into this break like I’m going crazy and I need some kind of change, but I’m also afraid to change my schedule too much, especially since when my job returns from this break there will already be a fair amount of change. I’m very tired and always am because of my awful sleeping schedule but haven’t fully fixed it and won’t just let my body take a nap even though I know I should. I’m tired of just watching films and tv on my breaks. I should teach myself something, pick up a new hobby, but I know I probably won’t. I have depression+anxiety+PTSD, I’m an ISFJ.
On Friday, I negotiated my salary with my employer. I had realized earlier this week after my employers sat me down and told me, in short, that my job responsibilities will increase that as an educator, I am underpaid ($17/hr.) I was nervous about it the day before even though I’d been feeling upset (I remember the term that had continuously come into mind was “disrespected,”) and requested the input of my coworkers.
I remember I had been steadily growing more and more agitated when my employers hadn’t set a date to discuss it, although I explained my reasoning to her as I had planned to (I was initially nervous and was actually partly frustrated, even though I knew they were busy with planning end of the year events, because I thought they would say no.) I was wrong. I provided $20 as the goal, said $19 was the lowest I was aiming for - we agreed that $19 in June makes the most sense, and $20 depending upon how June goes (I was specifically advocating for more money due to the care I’ve provided, and will continue to provide, for a child who has different needs.)
I had hesitated to ask for a raise after being promoted even though I’ve been working for nearly a year because I remember feeling early on as though I perhaps wasn’t good enough at my job, and didn’t deserve one because of it (I was told at last month’s evaluation that I’d be bumped up to $18/hr, but basically negotiated my way into more money today.)
I did tell my coworkers afterward, admittedly in a pleased sort of manner that may make me seem like a bit of a show off, even though I’m certain they make more as lead teachers. I have admittedly wondered if I am doing badly for someone my age (19 for nearly two months.)
I remember that I even cried, twice last week when I believed that my employers simply didn’t want to meet with me to discuss a potentially greater pay increase. I did not, however, have a set plan as to what I’d do if they said no.
I have no friends. I know that I should try to make some, but it’s very difficult for me to maintain friendships. I don’t know why. I actually think my communicative skills have improved immensely in comparison to how they were throughout most of high school, but I just am not the type who initiates plans/hangouts.
I have never received a grade lower than a C in any of my college courses (or courses throughout my academic career,) but still don’t know what I want to major in. Multiple people have told me that I should give it time, but some part of me wishes that I knew now.
I normally feel kind of stressed, especially when I’m around my family for a long period of time, but it’s hard to tell whether that’s due to my trauma and anxiety disorder, or apart of my personality. My mother did describe me as having been a “very nervous” child even when I was 3, and I didn’t experience any kind of real trauma until I was about 13-14 as my parents and home situation really changed around that time (my older brother had a mental break that year, and is presently in rehab.)
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I have stumbled upon an interesting opportunity to pivot my career from FP&A to lead a Finance org for a start up and am seeking feedback and input about my situation.
I am currently a Sr. FP&A Manager at a large tech company. I'm going on 6 years working for this company and have been fortunate as the company has done well in recent years. Thanks to stock appreciation I am on track to earn >$400k this year and likely >$300k from next year forward (vest schedule spikes this year). I enjoy my job and the team, I have a great work life balance and work remote. My team is incredibly talented and well respected. Overall, it's a great job and given the resume value I believe this career path will lead to landing a Director or C-suite level job at a F500 firm in due time.
I was not looking for new jobs, I feel very fortunate to be where I am now, but an interesting opportunity has come across my plate. I am close friends with the founder of a start-up who has asked me to lead, and essentially build their entire Finance organization as CFO. His company is doing extremely well; they have engineered the top product in their space and revenue growth is significant. This year they are on track to generate significant revenue and operate with extremely high margins. Currently they are in the process of inking their Series A, they already have offers at valuations of around $100M, and are garnering interest from the top VCs in their space. Oh yeah... I would be remiss if I did not mention this company is in crypto - so a volatile industry to say the least.
I am confident I will be successful if I choose to build the Finance function as the CFO of the start-up. I have no doubts about my capability there, but I still have uncertainty and some doubt about whether this would be the right move for my career. Comp at the start up would likely be $200 - $250k per year plus substantial equity. The job is remote, and I believe I would enjoy the day to day work in building this company even more than I enjoy my current position. From my early analysis the likelihood of the start-up either getting acquired or initiating other liquidity opportunities at a significantly higher valuation is very high. I see this as a potential early retirement opportunity, which is a personal life goal.
My question is, what would you do? I am happy at my current job and as previously mentioned, I was not seeking other employment opportunities. But this job sounds very fun, exciting and potentially lucrative. I am long crypto and have been a crypto enthusiast and investor since 2016. I believe that the product this start-up is developing will change the industry - they have a very large TAM and reliable moat. Any feedback, advice, personal experience, or warnings would be helpful and welcomed.

Hello, I have spent a little over 8 years wasting my life in IT roles that I have finally decided it is time for a change. I can't spend another day looking at command prompts lol. I love project management, Product management and business analyst type roles. I am specifically looking at project coordinator roles and am thinking of getting a CAPM cert to help me stand out more, but everyone on the internet says PMP or nothing so we shall see if it actually helps. The problem is I am getting zero interest for any of these different roles and I suspect it is either experience or my resume. Attached is my resume which I use for these roles. I tend to change my current position responbilities up the most to try and relate to the which ever job I am working. Unfortunely I lost my career job last year and this new job the hiring manager lied beyond anything I have ever experienced and I don't even do 10% of what they said I would be doing so it isn't helping me gain any experience towards what I actually want to do. The formatting issue with the dates is because I took the company name and locations out, it doesn't look that bad normally.
https://preview.redd.it/2cg7owkdba3d1.jpg?width=791&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=165fdafdffdf413d967fdc37dd5895e271079053
https://preview.redd.it/gcaaj0ldba3d1.jpg?width=791&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=30254cc29cfc42748ec9c1e7f497e87942a51983

Hey there my name’s Jaden! I’m 5’9, Vietnamese/Black mix, and have recently settled into my career and got a flow going on. In a good mental state as well and now I just need to work on my physical state lol. I’m skinny only weigh 155 lbs, I’m just trying to put on some muscle mass 💪🏽. I found it hard to date as I was going through transitioning and what not. I do work very early in the mornings so my responses might be at weird times. Enough about work, I enjoy video games, I have 2 cats I love to death, I like to travel I’ve been to over half of the states in the US. I’m starting to travel internationally this year. I enjoy pretty much anything, I’m very open to try new activities. I attached a picture of myself, we’ll talk more about each other if you’re interested, message me with a picture of yourself!
Pic of me: https://imgur.com/a/69cpGC8

Let me preemptively ask for forgiveness, this will be a bit of a rant. Please skip to the end for a link to the research this rant mostly pertains to.
I'm 34. I spent more nights than I could ever count throughout my childhood sleeping at the park and just staring at the sky. I never once wanted to teach physics, although I love when people are curious and wouldn't be against it. I never once wanted to be on tv as the 'now let's talk to astrophysicist xyz' guy. I did then and still do prefer to go unnoticed; I never wanted people to put me on some pedestal at a party because of the career I dreamed about having.
I just wanted to understand how the Universe works. I wanted to push societies understanding of the Universe forward and bring us all closer to the stars.
Where this rant is coming from
During my undergrad I was offered an incredible job opportunity that was truly once in a lifetime, so I took 5 years off to work abroad. Because of that I decided against a PhD and wound up working in software. I was reasonably happy with my career, but I always felt as if I wasn't contributing as much as I was capable of contributing to society. I enjoyed the problem solving, but I wanted to do something that mattered.
Two years ago an epiphany hit me. Einstein had made a massive assumption, and our observations are better described by a model in which that assumption is inaccurate. I began to focus more on formalizing a theory around this geometry, and not long after left my career in software behind. It has taken me 2 years to formalize this model to the extent that I was comfortable submitting it for publication.
This model both coincides with every single piece of experimental validation for existing interpretations of relativity, and makes multiple predictions that we have already confirmed through observation and/or experiment that SR and GR cannot account for. It yields a peculiar velocity that aligns with direct observation, produces a mechanism for the bullet cluster lensing effects, can explain the lack of gravitational aberration, and remedies multiple relativistic asymmetries and paradoxes... again... without a single conflicting prediction that would lend weight to existing models or the model being proposed. It requires far fewer modifications to pre-relativity theories than either SR or GR, and produces none of the asymmetries that fall directly out of current relativistic interpretations.
Despite all of that, I was just rejected for publication 3 times. The math is absolutely rock solid, it makes multiple verified predictions, and creates not a single conflicting prediction. Admittedly, it's an Annus Mariballus level of a leap, but that's what happens when the entire field sits still while they pose for talk shows for 80 years.
The fact that this paper, despite making incredible and verified predictions has been denied publication 3 times has everything to do with the fact that physicists have become celebrities. If you spend your entire career taking pride in the fact that your claims are mind bending and that you're one of the few that can actually grasp them, would you approve a paper that demonstrates just how wrong you've been? Physicists absolutely love to take experimental confirmation of a very specific part of a theory and extrapolate on that publicly, claiming that the experimental evidence proves far, far more than it actually does, and now the entire physics profession is incapable of moving forward due solely to their inability to admit they were wrong, and that their genius social status is completely unearned.
The human body is far more complex than the cosmos, yet medical doctors don't behave this way. Einstein's celebrity status has ruined physics, and ruined the career I dreamed about since I started sleeping at the park at 8 years old. That is not to say that it is Einstein's fault. He after all chased answers to the mysteries of the Universe; the celebrity just happened. The physics profession since then, however, has become completely full of people that live for this celebrity status. It is full of people that are completely driven by the acceptance of others, the praise of strangers, and the feeling that everyone else is looking at them and thinking about just how smart they are.
Trying to get people like that to approve a paper that demonstrates just how wrong they have been for their entire career is hopeless. Because of that, I'm releasing a note taking app I built over the course of my own research, and am publishing the paper there. I would encourage anyone that's interested to check it out here. Just go to the demo section if you're not actually interested in the app.
I've never been so conflicted about something in my life. On one hand, I'm more confident in this model than I am that I would fall to the floor if I were to walk off of the roof. I know it's just a matter of time until this reaches the right researcher. On the other, I'm aware of the damage this is going to do to the field that I've been drawn to my entire life. How much faith are people going to lose in physics when they realize the celebrities they listened to for the past 80 years took 10% experimental validation and filled in the remaining 90% with a wild guess, and portrayed it all as if it was a fact? They've destroyed academic physics to the extent that potentially ground breaking peer review is now relegated to online forums, so for-profit journals don't question the existing science that has led us straight into a dead end.
The links for those interested: Home Page
A summary of the article
A list of 14 different examples of why this model is more consistent with observation than either SR or GR
Thanks, Andrew

Hi,
I’m a pre-IB student who has started attending an IB school this year. Next year, IB starts yet I’m unsure of what career I should go for. The subjects I started taking are below (note; there’s no SL, HL in pre-IB)

• English
• Math
• French
• Psychology
• Biology
• Business Management

Initially, I wanted to become a psychologist but now I’m starting to consider other career options because they seem just as interesting. In particular, physiotherapy, orthopaedic surgery, psychiatry and OT. On the other hand, I also really like business and might want to do accounting.
Does anyone have any advice on how I can decide my career choice, and any advice for selecting HL and SL subjects?