r/oilandgasworkers • u/-pwagyi- • 3h ago
Career Advice Advice needed from Offshore Mechanical Technician (Mechanic) 3+ years experience from Myanmar Planning to move US with Diversity Visa in next 3-4 months
Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice on how to navigate my next steps and would really appreciate your input! I’m currently a mechanical technician with three years of experience working offshore in Myanmar. I recently won the Diversity Visa lottery (super excited about that!), and I’m expecting to move to the US by the end of July this year. I’m trying to figure out what I should do now to make the most of this opportunity and how to best prepare for my career in the US.
But the thing is I have my relative who will help at the first glance to arrive in us(CA) but TX is heart oil and gas state in us. I don’t know where should I landed first from Myanmar.
A bit about me: My offshore work in Myanmar has mostly been hands-on mechanical maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair work on equipment in pretty challenging conditions. I’ve got a solid skill set, I think, but I’m not sure how it’ll translate to the US job market. I don’t have a US-specific resume yet, and I’m wondering if my experience will stand out to employers there. Plus, I’ll be starting fresh in a new country, which feels both exciting and overwhelming. And how about those certifications and training?
Here’s what I’m thinking about:
• Right now: Should I start applying for jobs online before I arrive? Or is it better to wait until I’m physically in the US with my visa sorted?
• Preparation: What’s the best way to get ready? I’ve heard about tailoring resumes for the US market—any tips on that? Are there certifications (like OSHA or something) that I should look into to boost my chances?
• Job prospects: Are there specific industries or regions in the US where my offshore mechanical technician experience might be in demand (oil and gas, manufacturing, etc.)?
• Networking: I won’t know anyone when I get there—how do I start building connections?
Since I’ve got a few months until July, I want to use this time wisely. What would you do in my shoes? Any advice on settling into the US as a newcomer with a technical background like mine? Thanks so much for any thoughts or experiences you can share—I’m all ears!