Hello everyone, this is my first post on Architect-US as I get ready for my big move to the US. Last year in February I set off from London on a much anticipated, long term backpacking trip taking in the US, Central America and South America. I spent 3 months in the US travelling in a self-converted van before flying to Mexico City and continuing overland all the way to Ushuaia, Argentina.
With the trip coming to an end in December 2022, I needed to plan my next moves and work out where to begin 2023. It has always been a personal goal of mine to gain experience living and working in America. Despite never visiting, New York is the place that I idealised the most and my heart was set on getting work there. In late September I began the process of applying for suitable jobs advertised in New York City.
As my start date was still some months away, I didn’t begin the process with much hope. However, after applying for around 10 open positions, I was offered two interviews in quick succession. Living out of my backpack and moving between remote locations every 2-3 days made organising and conducting an interview a slightly more difficult process, especially with inconsistent and sometimes non-existent Wi-Fi in many locations.
Luckily I was arriving into La Paz, Bolivia later in the week and was able to arrange my first interview to coincide with a stay in an upscale hostel with a designated co-working space. Following La Paz I spent 3 days in the Uyuni salt flats and Atacama desert. This meant my next interview needed to wait until I crossed the border into Chile.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to access the same level of amenities in San Pedro, Chile. With no Wi-Fi in the hostel and unable to find a café, bar or restaurant that offered Wi-Fi, I was unsure if I would even be able to do the interview at all. But on the morning of the interview I was lucky enough to find a fancy hotel that allowed me to have the interview in their closed restaurant.
Both interviews were brief but positive and I was left feeling hopeful about my prospects. In the coming days I was offered both positions and left with a difficult dilemma. Despite being offered less compensation, I chose the company that I felt the work would be most fulfilling and aligned with my career goals. In the end I feel that I have more to gain from my experience than just money. As long as I still have enough to enjoy myself!
Two and a half months later and back in the UK, I am ready to begin a new adventure in New York City. Once I had my job offer, Architect-US helped me through the visa application process. Despite still travelling in South America, they made everything simple and were always on hand to answer questions. I was required to return home and carry out my in person interview at the US embassy in London. Having not seen them for nearly a year, I used the opportunity to surprise my family at home for the Christmas holidays.
I am now due to travel to the US next week and currently hunting for living arrangements in Brooklyn. I am excited to explore a new city, meet new people and begin a new role at an exciting company. But with my passport ready to be picked up in London, the whole thing won’t feel real until I have the visa in my hands.
