A LinkedIn post by a career coach has sparked discussion about the decision to move to the United States for higher education or career advancement. Anushk Sharma, Head of Growth at Open Venture, argued that going to the US will not solve all problems and that some individuals are better off staying in India rather than making an impulsive, mid-career decision to relocate.
Why Some Should Think Twice
Sharma recounted that a friend recently asked if he should pursue a Master's degree in the US. His answer was a firm 'No' because the friend was already earning Rs 18 lakh annually in Bangalore. While Sharma acknowledged that the US is not inherently bad, he emphasized that his advice was not based on the current situation in the US but on the fact that his friend was already 'winning a game most international students are still trying to enter.'
Sharma cautioned that people should not come to the US for the wrong reasons, as it could derail their career. In his post, he highlighted three specific groups of people who should reconsider their plans to move to the US.
1. High Earners in India
Individuals already earning between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh per year in fields like computer science, IT, or data science should think twice. 'You already have what most international students fly across the world chasing. Your post-graduation salary here may not even match what you are leaving behind. You are not upgrading. You are gambling with a strong hand,' Sharma wrote.
2. Freshers with No Skills
A US degree will not rescue someone who lacks the right skills. 'Even Harvard, Stanford, and MIT students are not landing jobs without real skills right now. A US degree is a stamp, not a skill. Recruiters are hiring builders, not bystanders with brand-name transcripts,' the post read.
3. Those with Financial Constraints
People whose finances cannot support the move should be cautious. 'A wrong loan today is a 10-year debt sentence tomorrow. Salaries are lower, job hunts are longer, and the OPT clock does not care about your family's EMIs. The US dream is real. But it is not a default. It is a calculated bet,' Sharma advised.
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