Marvelous Meet-up 2024

• ​Study Abroad

• US Immigration

• Job Market

• Assistantships

• Visa and More

Sanjeev Sriram

Open Ended

What do you want us to cover?

Poll

Which one do you think is better?

• Going to masters after doing a job for a few years in India

• Going to masters right after graduation

• Not sure

• Aug 2017 - Started my B.Tech in IT at SNIST, Hyd

• Mar 2020 - Started two companies: Printoonistic, Flit Movers!

• Jan 2021 - Started working as Big Data Engineer at Walmart (Infosys)

• May 2021 - Graduated with my B.Tech degree

• Aug 2022 - Moved to US in Fall 2022 for MPS in Data Science

• May 2024 - Graduated from UMBC with Data Science degree

• 2022 - 24 - Self learnt UI/UX Design from YouTube and courses

• July 2024 - UX Design Intern at Zolve

• July 2024 - Lead Production Designer for FAANG

• Sep 2024 - Senior UX Designer for Apple (On-Site Vendor)

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My Journey so far...

Poll

Which intake are you planning for?

• January 2025

• August 2025

• January 2026

• August 2026

• Other

My stonks in 7 years!

​📈

Poll

Did you get your Visa already?

• Yes, All set to fly!

• No, I did not give my interview yet

• No, I got rejected

• Visa interview preparation and overcoming rejections..

• Profile-building for visa success.

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Visa

Multiple Choice

Which document is required at the visa interview to prove financial capability?

• I-20

• DS-160

• Bank Statement

• All of them :)

• Immigration processes and tips for smooth transitions.

• Immigration forms, questions, and customs

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Immigration

• Deciding the right intake and course.

• Choosing fields of study for better career prospects.

• Course structure and its practical benefits.

  .

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Academic/Course Details

Multiple Choice

What type of visa is typically required for international students to work full-time after graduation?

• B1/B2

• J1

• F1

• H1B

• Job market insights.

• Preparation for internships and assistantships.

• Choosing career paths in specific fields (e.g., UI/UX, cybersecurity, VLSI).

• Balancing studies with work experience.

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Career Guidance

• In-demand skills

• Impact of AI

• Layoffs and no jobs for fresher

• Strategies to follow

Job Market

Spring 2025

​MVP Links

Decide to study abroad and take the exam and get admit in colleges
Search for education loans and scholarships
Apply for and receive your visa
Find suitable health insurance
Fly to the US
Get a Forex Card
Finalize US housing arrangements and pay the rental deposit
Book your flight tickets
Meet the immigration officer and adjust to English as first language
Get a phone connection
Join college and adjust to the new academic environment
Transfer money from India
Open a bank account and get a credit card
Manage the challenge of constantly converting USD to INR
Purchase a phone/ laptop/ cooking essentials
Make friends and seek part time employment
Graduate and relocate to a new city; apply for auto loans and home loans

Things to do before

Poll

Which GRE section do you find the most challenging?

• Verbal Reasoning

• Quantitative Reasoning

• Analytical Writing

GRE

• ​Tips, timelines, and best resources.

• How to improve weaker sections.

• Impact on admissions and scholarships.

• Common Mistakes to Avoid on GRE Test Day.

Multiple Choice

Which of these is typically the most cost-effective way to send money abroad?

• Forex card

• Bank wire transfer

• PayPal

• Credit card cash advance

Forex

• ​Basics of currency exchange and saving money.

• A comparison of options like Wise, Western Union, and banks.

• Strategies to get better rates.

• Which is better for tuition and daily expenses?

• Regulations for Forex Use by International Students.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following impacts your education loan approval the most?

• GRE score

• Collateral value

• Course reputation

• Visa type

Education loans

• ​Secured vs. Unsecured Loans

• Moratorium periods, interest rates, and refinancing options.

• Top Banks and Financial Institutions for Education Loans: Pros and cons.

• Impact of Loan Approval on Visa Success

• Tips to Minimize Borrowing and Interest Costs

• Refinancing

Multiple Choice

What is a good credit score range in the U.S.?

• 300-500

• 500-700

• 700-850

Credit card

• ​Best Credit Cards for International Students in the U.S.

• Building a Credit Score as a Student:

• Maximizing cashbacks and points.

• Responsible usage tips.

• Differences Between U.S. and Home Country Credit Systems.

• Life in the U.S. after studies.

• Accommodation, cultural adaptation, and mental health support.

• Advice for students considering studying abroad.

​Life Abroad: Adapting, Thriving, and Preparing for the Journey

Open Ended

Any more questions?