Home » Work in US » Consulting vs. Full Time Job in USA on H1B Visa? Money vs. Growth ? Career ?

Consulting vs. Full Time Job in USA on H1B Visa? Money vs. Growth ? Career ?

Many of the Graduating students in USA or professionals with H1B Visa in hand  constantly debate on these questions like : ‘Should I take a full time job or get into Consulting / Contract jobs ?’, ‘Which is better for me ?’, ‘Should I look at Money or Career ?”.  Firstly getting a H1B Visa is sheer luck these days with H1B Visa Lottery, once you have it, you are caught up between these choices…Personally, I have done both of them, let me share my experience and look at some of the pros and cons of both and  provide you with info that can help you make an informed decision.

Just to be clear, consulting jobs in this article refer to consulting jobs typically offered by small consulting companies that just hold your H1B Visa and have you at customer site for the most time.  I am not talking about the top tier consultants at  big MNC consulting firms like Accenture, Deloittes, PWC, McKinsey, etc.

Consulting Job vs Full time Job in USA – What’s the main difference ?

When you are a consultant at a company, you are viewed as an expert to solve or build something. You are paid premium to get that job done. Your age, previous experience in other areas  and title does not matter…you are just viewed as an expert to  build something they want or solve issues they have. You are NOT on the company’s payroll and do NOT get any benefits that the customer company offers to its employees.  Your only reward to doing the job is getting paid for what you have done. Maybe you will get another contract or extension of your consulting engagement. There is NO change in your title ( maybe senior consultant) or reward in terms of leadership position.

Unlike, if you are an employee, you are on the payroll of the company, you would have some additional benefits like good insurance, maybe higher education reimbursement, etc.  You would have a designated title to you, you will have dedicated responsibility to you. If you work hard and succeed, you could position yourself to grow in the company as a leader. You can get promotion  as well, if you succeed doing your job and convincing your manager that you have the leadership traits. You have a defined path to growth. Depending on the company, there are many benefits they offer like supporting higher education. One of my friends, got about $160,000 fully paid for his MBA at Columbia by his company as a benefit.  They have moved him to leadership and growing him as a leader. You may not have all of these benefits, if you are a consultant.

Why do many choose Consulting over Full Time Job ? Money ?

The answer is very simple, more MONEY! Except few, who say that they want to learn more and consulting is good experience to work with many customers. When you are a consultant, you may have less benefits, but the small consulting company would pay more money…The reason is that they have less expense on the employee as they do not require office space and typically they do not need  office space. All they do is hold your visa and pay taxes and they get rewarded quite a bit.  Again, it depends on how you negotiate Salary with the Consulting company , but in general the rule of thumb is that you would make much more money in Consulting roles working for a small boutique firm.

How does a full time job role look like ?  How is the money ?  How is career path ?

Most of the times, when someone takes a full time job at a company, it could happen in one of the three ways.

  • An individual did an internship and they liked their work and offered full time.  ( F1 students with OPT/ CPT experience as interns )
  • The company recruited someone with some background of education and little work experience.   ( F1 students – OPT )
  • The company hired an experienced individual with a specific skill and experience ( Professionals with work experience )

If you are starting your career in a  full time job, the initial pay or salary would very likely to be low, in comparison with consulting jobs. If you are starting your career, it could be even lower. But the whole point of a full time job is that it is not about just money, it has a path tied to you. You are hired in a role and there are many options to grow in the company. Even if you happen to change jobs, the role you held at a company with the designation will help you grow into other role in a different company.  While the money part is not going to be high, it is very good for career and progression in your job.

What is my take ?  What is best for you ?

Well, in my view, I truly believe that you should take up a full time job, it helps you grown in your career in your long term and help you get into leadership roles towards the second half of your career.  Personally, myself, I lost few years doing consulting jobs and could not grow much in career.

There are couple of paths: if you want to be an expert in an area, the best way to start off your career would be join one of the big Consulting companies like Accenture, Deloitte, PWC, etc. and learn as much as you can in your area of interest as a consultant.  Second one is, if you want  to grow in the leadership side, then you join any company of your interest as a general employee with some starting designation and work hard in the company and prove yourself to grow as a leader. If you are an experienced hire by company, you still have choice to pick up a role that can give you enough opportunity to grow in future.

If you are starting your career on F1 Visa in USA, there are many companies like GE, SAP, P&G, that offer ‘Leadership Programs’ , which will help you start off your career in a very systematic way and help you grow as a leader in the organization.  You should consult your career center for help at University.

What is your take ? What is your opinion on Full Time vs. Consulting ?

Share your thoughts.

   

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61 Comments

  1. Hello,

    Great article by the way.

    I just graduated with my MBA and want to pursue a position in Business Analysis or as a Project Manager. I put my information on Sulekha.com and everyone came pouncing lol. I am a bit confused as to which consultancy to join. There are so many and they all give same promises and “100%” guarantee. I need some help, can you please guide with my some information or links which can take me to the right path?

    Reply
  2. Hello Sir,
    I have cameto US using a consultancy and now actively lookin for contract jobs. Most of the time this is what the recruiters are saying:
    “Neither we can sponsor H1B visa nor we can take u on contract. What we want is full time employees”

    Can soebody explain me what exactly they are looking for? Green card holders ? Please help.

    Reply
  3. Hello,

    I am a PhD student (pursuing),
    I am working on a mutual project between my university and a company.
    Now then, the company is interested to hire me for a full time position after I graduate.
    But, that company is a small one, the total number of employees including me is just 4.
    And they don’t know the immigration policies and rules for H1B processing.
    However they are interested to file a work visa for me. They don’t run payroll and those stuff, since it is a very small company they pay my hourly wage through check or cash.
    As a student I too don’t have a minimum idea about the process to get H1B.
    Is it possible to get H1B working with this kind of company?

    Kindly Help,
    Krishna

    Reply
    • Krishna,
      Well, the company need to pay you to your bank account and generate payslip properly. It will not work if they pay cash. As per LCA rules and H1B rules, all these have to be there to avoid abuse of the H1B program. You can reach out to any of the immigration attorneys to get an idea of all the requirements for the company to file H1B visa.

      Reply
  4. Hi Kumar/Saurabh

    I need one suggestion.. I came to us through desi consultancy, it’s a simple body shop. While I was searching for contract job I got a full time offer with us based MNC with good package and they have transferred my visa too.
    But my desi consultancy has forced me to sign a agreement for 10k if I leave the consultancy with in 1year at time of joining. Now they are threatening me to pay 10k otherwise they will proceed legally and fail my background verification. And they are not issuing reliving letter also. And they run my payroll given pay stubs but not credited salary amount in my account.
    Can please suggest something how to handle the consultancy guy. How to get my relieving letter and background verification pass.

    Thanks..

    Reply
    • When it is a body shop and already H1 transferred get a perfect lawyer you can sue and screw them in reverse . There is no sick contracts work here .or infact yourself can complaint to Uscis, but however they might have invested a lot you to get here , not sure how long you were with them and working for client as they earn some $ on you every pay check and as per ur comments , leaving the company before 1 year so I think it would be a nice gesture if you pay them what they’ve invested on you

      Reply
      • Hi Sudha,

        This reply is for you and anyone else in a similar situation.

        I don’t think think there should be any obligation for you to pay them or keep staying with them. If you have jumped companies it is because they were obviously paying less than even employment rate. As a consultant you should earn more than an employee. After taking their cut you should probably be earning less than a consultant but comparable to a full time employee.
        You saying an employment opportunity made you earn more only means that you were getting the short end of the stick. Most such desi companies take the first thing they can put you on just to start your billing and then they make you take a lower pay while keeping their profits high. If their margin is for eg. 2000 per paycheck from you they will make sure they get that even if you get only between 3000 per month to live on. Plus if you are here with family, not only is it impossible to live on, they will keep making you jump from place to place and shift apartments, break leases, other contracts, at your own cost. There are other consulting firms that dont make you sign anything. Join them or join the company you have an offer with. Stay away from companies that make you sign a bond now and in the future. Its not worth it.

        To remedy your situation, here are a few things you can do:

        1. Ask for a breakup of that money to be paid on an official document. Put that in writing and only accept their breakup of amounts in writing. There will be various items they divide that amount under. For eg. training, advertising, travel, etc. Training is one of the items they can legitimately ask refunds for, if they can prove it, even though they might have not given you any training for even an hour. Usually asking them to prove it will be enough to let them know they can’t push there. Other things that I mentioned, they have to pay and can’t charge you, so you.
        2. Go to avvo.com and spend some money on a getting actual lawyer advice.
        3. Based on outcome of above, if its in your favor, verbally tell them that you are willing to pay part of it 20-30% in installments, or will be taking them to court as Ravi said for maximum damages. These guys like money, so there is a high chance they will go for your option of part payment. Tell them document first, money later.
        4. If its not in your favor, and this is rare, unless you joined a company they have a non compete clause with, tell them you can pay the amount in installments if you let them have a better job and they give you all the documents you need to get that better job. Give them post dated cheques (Inform the bank to only honor the cheques on and after the date mentioned)

        More links for your reference:
        https://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/will-i-be-deported-if-i-complain-against-my-h-1b-employer

        https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees/reporting-violations

        Search on Google with “uscis complaint against employer” without using the quotes for more links

        My employer was taken to court in a similar way and he had to pay over $20K in damages to an employee he was trying similar tricks with, so it is something that works, although on a case by case basis. Evaluate your case and take action. Its time these desi companies got a taste of their own medicine.

        ————————————–
        Disclaimer: The above information is to be taken only as opinion and not legal advice. Please consult a lawyer with whatever plan you want to put into action.

        Reply
        • Great information Daemon.. helpful for many.

          But I advice don’t pay anything to u r desi consultancy. If u work for 1year they will not pay you extra then why should u pay if they get loss.
          Just imagine if u don’t have project will they pay u?

          If they fail u r background verification u have ever right to take legal action as said above.

          Cheers!!!

          Reply
    • Sudha,

      They can’t demand money like that. I would suggest taking legal advice and also complain to USCIS/DOL if the employer continues to behave this way.

      Reply
  5. Hi,
    I am currently working with a Top 10 Bank in USA(since 2015 Jun). I am on an H1B Visa and there was recently some reorg within the bank and my role was eliminated, as a result of which my employment will end in March. I am currently talking to a desi consulting firm, which will hold my visa and rent me out to different clients. However, I am in a dilemma because of the different legislations that the Trump government is planning, aimed specifically at H1B Dependent employers. About me: 6 yrs of work ex in India(IT), MBA( Finance) from a good ranked US university (Ranked 30-35 overall in the country), and 1.5 yrs exp in my current role in the Bank( Business Manager Role). I was wondering what is a ballpark rate that I should look for, if I eventually go for a desi consulting firm( my current wage rate is $103K Basic + $12K in bonus). Also, is it more advisable to go for a temporary job at my current place, instead of going for a job at a consulting firm? One of the main incentives that I have for leaving is the severance benefit of my current company, which amounts to about $50K.

    Thanks,
    R

    Reply
  6. Hi I am L2 Visa holder(From India) and have EAD in hand. With the information you gave, I wanted to opt for a consulting jobs. Can you help me with these questions,
    1. Can I get to know good consulting companies which i can approach? Indian or American Consultants?
    2. Can you elaborate more on negotiating salary. I heard it will be 80-20,70-30,etc..
    3. What other questions i can ask apart from salary like My Paid Leaves,insurance, etc..
    It would be fine if you explain me the complete process. Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  7. Hi Sir,

    I am Mihir and currently on F1 visa, a year away from my graduation. I am doing MBA and have two years of entry level work experience in India. I am currently working as a graduate assistant for Cleveland State University as a tutor for business statistics in Operations and supply chain management department.
    I was wondering if i should go for full time in finance or business analytics. If I opt for full time, what should be my approach to get a full time at H1 sponsoring company?
    If I choose to work as a consult, on the basis of background, what are the best suitable opportunities for me?

    I would very much appreciate if you could please guide me over this.

    Regards
    Mihir Trivedi

    Reply
    • Mihir,
      Usually, the recommendation is to find an internship or co-op and work with them part time during your MBA or in break time to gain the experience. You should try to use your internship time to prove yourself and to get them to sponsor your H1B. As you are not getting STEM degree, with H1B lottery it can be tricky, but thats life. Try to find an intership at a company that can sponsor you H1B visa.

      Reply
      • If you can change your student visa and enroll in any MS degree category instead of MBA would be my strong advice to you. (Unless you have a business back in India like I do). That way no matter you are not in STEM that wont matter.
        But mind you, if you are planning a longer stay in USA and you dont have STEM category degree which I know MBA DOESNT Have. And as you said you are still 1 year away from your graduation. So its better to change your degree into MS Data Analytics/ Business Analytics or MIS Management INformation Systems. But anything under MS and NOT MBA.
        Its very hard to get job in MBA as we guys get only 1 lottery attempt. Good thing about MS is they get 3 lottery attempt. Meaning u can continue working 3 years after graduation without any necessity for employer to file your H1B visa.
        Thats a great difference.
        Another thing you must remember is even if you plan to re do your masters degree in MS after MBA, NO POINT. As you will get only 1 time OPT card in Masters degree quota. Than u will have to do PhD if you want again an OPT work permit.

        Reply
  8. Hello Sir,

    This is Tejas Malaviya

    My study permit has been refused in 2014. So,Recentl, I have completed one Professional course named CCIE(Data Center) means Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert. Should I apply for a H1B visa as a fresher.

    Which one is a best option
    apply as a fresher
    or
    apply as a experienced

    Reply
  9. Hi Sir,
    This is Tejas Shah from India, currently is in USA, looking for H1B visa for 3 years.

    Having background of Banking/finance Industry/Purely Sales, Operation, Customer Sevice.. etc.. In Banking Industry and having more than 13 years of experience.

    Can I get a chance of H1B visa.. on basis my experience. .?

    If yes…. so how I should approach for the same..?

    Please guide.

    Thanks,
    Tejas Shah

    Reply
  10. Hello,
    i am working as an engineer in a private iron and steel industry. i completed my bachelors degree (metallurgy and materials engineering)in 2013 and currently working. i am planning on doing ms in USA. but i am a little confused in deciding whether to do ms or search for a job by using the previous experience. can i get a job in USA. please help me

    Reply
    • ravichandra,
      It is very hard to find a job and get sponsorship from US employer, with you staying in India. If your goal is to work in US, I suggest you join an MNC where they have offices in the US and there are options to move internally. I suggest reading this article Should I do MS with H1B Lottery

      Reply
  11. Hi sir, I am doing masters in computer science. Actually I am interested in full time job. Some people told me only some companies provides h1 for indians. Is that correct? If this is correct, how can I know which company is providing h1? Can you tell me?

    Reply
    • I am not sure why you got the impression that only some companies file H-1 for Indians.

      Actually most of big tech companies are open to H-1 filing. They don’t discreet b/w Indians and others (although desi consulting companies prefer to hire Indians).

      Reply
  12. Sir i got backlog in intermedite so to save my time i took admission in ITI { Industrial Training Institute } i scored 85% in it so i’m planning to work in Aboard for any work im ready to Go . I have good communication skills and i have excellent skills in Computer Knowledge and i learned HTML,CSS too so what kind of Jobs can i get and how to approach and what’s procedure i’m complte blank here my family need my support. Help me….

    Reply
  13. Hello ;
    I have a doubt
    my h1b was approved and I completed my ms In may 2015;marketing was gng on; still I haven’t found my employment ; so how can I save my time can anyone suggest.
    Thanks

    Reply
  14. Hi!
    My name is Naresh. I completed my Intermediate and now I ‘m planning to work in US. So, what I need to do? If you are thinking about experience then I have experience as Customer care executive. I’m confused how to go?! Shall I go on study Visa or through consultancy work Visa?!!! Please help me Sir!

    Reply
    • Naresh, I believe, you need to have at least a Bachelors degree to apply for H1B visa to work in USA. You need to first complete your bachelors and then think of working in US.

      Reply
  15. I am new on H1B visa in US. I was in US before on L1.
    I have a consulting or contract job offer on hand and also a potential FTE offer. I don’t care about the money honestly and it’s the path/growth and cushion that I am looking at in FTE role. But my only question is if the company (its a huge banking organization) holding my visa (that is after joiningg as FTE) tells me that the project is being shelved due to budget and all that and asks me to go the same day…then what would happen to my status? They won’t market me outside if I am correct?? They will do GC processing but what would happen to me in above scenario before 140 is approved or 485 is filed??? Any inputs/expert comments greatly apppreciated…I need to make this decision in a week’s time unfortunately 🙁

    Reply
    • Why do you think they will ask you to go after hiring immediately ?
      That project may have been stopped but they can place you somewhere else as you were hired as FTE.
      KEep yourself up-to-date and be good whatever you are expert at- you will find a job soon after they ask you to leave, you will be safe again.

      Reply
  16. I will be going as consultant since I am in a consulting company now and don’t have a choice in that matter of taking up a full time job. I have a few questions: I am married with a year old kid. How long should I wait till I can get my family there? I have about 15+ years experience in .Net field. My company has a bond of two years which I have to sign with a guarantor in India. What are my options of getting a full time job on my own? Do other consulting companies pay off the bond amount?

    Reply
  17. Hi,
    I have h1b visa and in US since 10 months having 5 years of exp. I am looking out for change.
    Now i have a couple of offers.
    One is from desi IT company (client is dell) and other is some consultancy which I never heard of nor able to find more info about it on google, but client is jpmc and as per consultant it is contract to hire position which may give me FTE of chase after some months.
    Payment is around 10K/year extra for consultancy but keeping the location of two jobs in mind and cutting cost of living i may end up saving the same.
    So wanted to know how do I cross check if it is really a contract to hire opportunity, even if it is one, what could be loopholes in joining a consultant, and that too on just transfer receipt.
    So seeking help as I am a bit confused. Can you pls suggest.

    Reply
    • @MP
      – client does not matter. What you want out of the client / project matters. If you want more money, then take the highly paid one for now, work there for a year or more, and then start making a move to a different client. If you want stability more, then take the C2H position.

      Reply
  18. Very nice articlae and comments.
    Can someone please help me out. I have a valid H1B visa with next 3 years validity and at present i am in US at my client location. For same client i’ll move to singapore after 3 months (For 1 Year or more). Please let me know how feasible to search any FTE job in US if i’ll be outside the USA.

    Reply
    • @Ajai
      – Good networking helps, wherever you are. But, in general, it is difficult to find jobs inside the US while you live outside the country.

      Reply
  19. actually these days consulting jobs are not paying good,except few short term roles where they pay around $150 and short term. Its better to take FTE if you have genuine experience instead of giving money to middle layers(vendors, consulting firms) as I see many MS students take consulting by putting experience where clients never check.
    And then consulting jobs with Accenture, deloitte etc. are very different, they are FTE with Accenture,Delotte and these companies charge clients very heavily, but the job nature is same as the small desi consulting firm job

    Reply
  20. Hi,

    I have a approved h1b visa and got a approval i- 797 form too.
    Can USCIS ever withdraw or take back the approval for any reasons?
    Are there any incidences you know happened in the past?

    Reply
    • Yes, if it was filed under Master’s quota and your university falls under For-Profit university category.

      If you have work experience and have Bachelor’s degree, the H1B should have been filed under the appropriate category.

      Of late, this has been the case that has been the most visible.

      Reply
  21. Hi friends,
    I have a question and I need your expertise please. My company wanted to file my greencard and we had a meeting with attorney via phone. She said that I don’t qualify for EB-3. I have MS in Electrical & Computer Engineering from US & my wage is 84k/year. She says my wage is too small in North California region. My job description says BSEE degree with minimum of 2 years experience. I always thought for my job description, & with my wage, I ll easily qualify for EB-2. If I get in EB-2, I may get my GC in less than a year coz we just have a handful people from my country, but with EB-3; I have to wait for 5 years.

    Reply
    • @Tinagd – Salary is just one factor out of many in any immigration application. Without knowing how many total years of experience, work (layoffs, break in employment) /education (duration of degree, any breaks, highest degree achieved)/ family (any relatives who are US citizens, etc) and multiple other factors concerning your current employer – it is difficult to say why, what, how, when, which.

      Please note that whatever suggestion we mention here is just that – a suggestion.

      Please consult an attorney as your situation might have to be looked at in-depth, and things which seem clear at the onset might not be so, especially in immigration issues.

      Reply
  22. Nice and Informative Article. I am here in US on an H1B through my current employer and was thinking on my next move – Contract Vs Full Time. I am now sure that Full Time is what I should do!

    Reply
  23. I agree with you completely. Getting into a full time role helps set a clear path for growth. You get to work with people in high ranks and if you perform well, there is no reason for you to grow. Money isn’t everything in life, a clear growth path will give you all the money you need.
    Also if you are planning on gaining say 10-15 years of experience here and move back to India, then you will be able to dictate the role and pay that you would want in India.
    Also the leadership programs that you mentioned are a great way to fast track your promotions in a company. You usually get to work in different areas and choose the one you like the most. You work with directors and managers and converse with them on a daily basis.

    Good luck!

    Reply
  24. This is really very informative.Based on this, I would like to ask few more questions.Please some experts here, do reply me with your valuable suggestions.

    I am currently on h4 & got my H1B approved this year.I already had 5.5 yrs of exp in India(in .Net).So my question are
    1.How & when I can start looking for a Job.(I mean can I directly apply to the requirements in Job portals or do I need to go with my consultancy requirements).
    2.And If I start my Job search now & get through the Interview , what should I answer the Interviewer regarding my visa status ?

    I appreaciate any kind of help.Thanks.

    Reply
    • @Madhu –
      If you got your H1B approved, it must be through some company, right? Are you asking about switching to a different company?

      Reply
  25. I started my career as FTE (still working as full-time-employee) , in my experience, it is your choice based on where you currently stand in your career: Entry-level Vs Mid-Experienced Vs Experienced Professional.

    However if you care about money, then you may want to consider several points on your annual earnings in Consulting Vs FTE and compare what your earnings would be at end of the year after considering several factors in each model.

    If you are a FTE, you would be paid for national holidays, at least 2 weeks of vacation, company shared insurance, 401(k), tuition/technical certification reimbursements, trainings, relocation assistance, and continuous payroll. You can concentrate on your career with piece-of-mind.

    If you are a consultant, assume you have got 6 months project, then to get your next project, you may be on unpaid duration (i.e. bench time) for 1 to 2 months (depends on the market and candidate skills), you would only get paid for the hours you work which means no pay for national holidays, you may have to pay high premium insurances and your have to pay for your relocation expenses. So being a consultant and considering the above facts, you need to put assumption that you will be paid for 10 months in a year which is roughly 1600 hours; and if you include vacation time of 2 weeks in a year then your billable hours would be somewhere 1500 hours. Based on your current market hourly rate you can estimate how much you can earn in a year which is 1500 hours multiplied by hourly rate. Now you compare this amount with your full time salary.

    If you are lucky and if you get a long term project that lasts for at least a year and with decent hourly rate, then you may earn more or even double than your FTE salary.

    Reply
    • Very good article. Thanks.
      Of course, consultant gets more money the FTE, but if you have family, think about school for your child(ren). Every year (if the project lasts that long), s/he has to change the school and you cannot get same level school (rank wise) every time. Going through this transfer process will take lots of time which are unpaid regardless of your hourly rate, right! So there are pro and cons in both scenario. Finally, everyone has choice.

      Reply
  26. Hi , very informative post and I like the thoughts of doing full time than consulting, consults suck most of the money what we get paid from client. so I decided to find a full time job, I been working as a Java Developer since 4 years, can anyone help me to find a full time job in USA. I do have MS in computer science. Atleast please suggest me where to find full time java jobs ? I am on my H1 now.

    Reply
      • @K – apart from what Kumar has mentioned, I’d add LinkedIn to that list.

        I got my last 3 jobs off of LinkedIn, as it gives an overview of your profile, skills, recommendations (if applicable) and other associated information – which gives an overall picture of who you are and who the company would like to add to their list of ‘assets’.

        Keep browsing, searching. A job search in itself is a full time job. Don’t slack off. Might be tiring at times, but definitely worth it.

        Reply
  27. Very valuable points from Kumar.

    I came here to do my MS and then worked full time and then moved to Consulting (still am in Consulting). I would like to add that take a full time job only if you and your family like the location and would like to be there at least 3-5 years from now. This might not be a big deal, but as with any job, people will and do get fired based on the company’s growth, so you should have a safety net when you move. This would be difficult if you join full time in a company, be there for 1-2 years, then build a house, and then realise you have to move 1 year later.

    Geographical logistics are a nightmare if you have a family, so that is something that needs to be remembered. Consulting – in this case- offers flexibility.

    Reply
    • Yes KC. Need to consider that, if not it may not be easy to move out after a while. Good Info. Thanks for adding your thoughts !

      Reply
      • Hello,
        Very good article. Yes I have heard from people (Who got settled) the same above one which you wrote.The opinions are two ways .Firstly I recently graduated and I am from Mechanical background in Btech and took Industrial and Engineering Management as apart of Ms.So people of my age /position have a opinion to opt for consultancy unless he/she worked for a while in particular area back in India. I have no experience on so called IT (SAP/JAVA etc..). Now that SAP management and Production planning suits me as it has some supply chain which is in my curriculum of my masters. So like all other I have also opted for consultancy way since i have left with no option.
        So can you please suggest me on two things
        1. Consultancy job (how long i should be with them .is this good/bad to proceed)
        2. What’s you opinion about the SAP modules that i have opted (does any company in future offer me a FTE that gives all options like insurance,stocks etc )
        Please assist me

        Reply
        • @Raviteja –
          1. Consultancy job (how long i should be with them .is this good/bad to proceed)
          –> Upto you. Personally, I joined FTE after my Masters’ degree here, and then after 2 years, moved to Consulting (yes, predominantly Asian consulting firm) and have been in Consulting for about 3-4 years now. I like it; I have been married as well, and in many ways – it gives flexibility. Depending on your spouse (whether on F-1 or H1B), it gives flexibility to move to a new place without restricting one for the other. If your spouse is on H-4, of course, then it does not matter – unless of course, if you are planning to start a family and you work in short term projects all the time.

          Main thing to remember – there are trade-offs for both paths. There is no one-size-fits-all answer for this question. It is upto everybody’s comfort level and what they want out of each job / place / relationship / career. Everything is related, even though we might pretend it is not.

          2. What’s you opinion about the SAP modules that i have opted (does any company in future offer me a FTE that gives all options like insurance,stocks etc )
          –> SAP, like many other technologies – is a good technology. It doesn’t mean you will get a job within 24 hours after you get trained on it. At the same time, it doesn’t mean you won’t. I personally don’t have any knowledge of SAP, so I would defer that to people who know it better and can help provide more input on that.

          Maybe the take away I can provide is this:
          – when you are thinking of FTE, you think about salary, benefits, vacation time, work-life balance, location where you will be, whether your spouse/partner can find a job in the same company, and schools etc (if you have kids). You think about all this because it is not a ‘job’ anymore; it will be your career, your life, your community, etc. You are invested in the company as much as the company will be invested in you.

          It doesn’t mean you will have job security, or that won’t get fired; it only means you will be more responsible (from the company’s point of view) and act the same way because you are a part of their organization.

          – when you are thinking of Consulting, you think about hourly rate, and that’s about it. Rest of the stuff, is on you. The client – however nice they might be – won’t be required to think about your family, benefits, etc, because according to them, they are paying top dollar, and so it is all on you. Chances of getting fired are same or a bit high compared to FTE.

          Remember – if a company wants to cut costs – first would be the extremely highly paid consultants first, the highly paid FTE next, followed by the rest. At whatever stage you are in, we will all fall in either category at some point in life. So – in the end – it all balances out. The choice is yours.

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