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Hi, everyone. I have really enjoyed reading all of the great information on these message boards. Thank you all for your wonderful contributions.
I am seriously looking into moving down there - will visit first, of course.
I am wondering what someone with my qualifications could do in the VI. I live in Iowa and the weather sucks here! It was -15 this morning without a wind chill and we are getting dumped on with snow. I have a Master's in Linguistics and a Bachelor's in Public Administration. Unfortunately, despite my degree title, I do not speak a second language just to clear that up! 🙂 I taught ESL at the U of Iowa for 1 1/2 years and am now back working in an office setting with grants and contracts. Anything come to mind? I am in my mid 30's.
Also, I have a friend who is interested in moving there, same age. She is currently a manager of a call center at a law firm in Minneapolis. She has a Bachelor's degree and a lot of experience. Her boyfriend is a lawyer (no comments, please! 🙂 Is it possible for any of us to get jobs there? We're very laid back people and are sick of the cold weather.
I've looked into employment at the University. Is that a good place to work and where on St. Thomas is it located? I've had trouble figuring that out.
Would I qualify to teach in the public schools? I ask because I do not have a degree in teaching and although I have past teaching experience at the college level, I do not have "endorsements" or any of the usual credentials teachers need for K-12. I also am a bit worried by what I've read on these boards about the teaching conditions.
I have looked in the newspaper and Island Trader for ideas. I'd love a local's feedback. I would be willing to waitress while I look for work. I spent 4 years waiting tables in Washington, DC in a nice restaurant while in school. I wouldn't know where to apply or what kind of money to expect to make.
Thanks in advance for your replies. I sincerely appreciate it! 🙂
Cheri
Posted : February 6, 2007 7:19 pm
I'm not sure what a call center at an attorney's office is but I do know that good paralegals are in demand & can make very good money so maybe there are "call center" opportunities here. There sure are a lot of lawyers on this teeny island.
UVI is located in the more western part of the island. Not far from the airport, actually (just a little north of it.)
I would think you'd be qualified to work there so if I were you, I'd sure investigate that further.
Posted : February 6, 2007 8:13 pm
Topic starter
It's hard to explain the call center. I don't fully get it either. She's not a paralegal, but that info is very useful, so thanks.
Do the lawyers find work if there are so many of them?
Thanks for replying. I'll keep my eye open at the University. Any thoughts about working in K-12 school?
Posted : February 6, 2007 11:50 pm
Oh, yeah the lawyers find work here. I was told by an attorney that this is one of the most litigious places in the country.
It would probably be easier to get in at one of the private schools if you're interested & possibly in an administrative position.
Posted : February 7, 2007 8:19 am
Topic starter
Thanks, Trade. That's helpful. I am just wondering if I would be looking at months of unemployment, which I couldn't afford. From everything I have read on these boards, it's hard to make ends meet there. Do you happen to know if any schools will pay moving expenses?
Posted : February 7, 2007 8:38 pm
I would seriously doubt it. Private schools don't pay too well either.
Posted : February 7, 2007 8:42 pm
Topic starter
Yeah, that's what I thought. I think my best bet would be an office setting at UVI since I've worked at 3 colleges. They also have benefits.
Posted : February 7, 2007 10:19 pm
Your questions sound as if you've not made a pre-move visit. If this is so, you certainly need to do so. Things are very different here and without a PMV you can be in for some unpleasant suprises.
Without very specific qualifications, you cannot expect to obtain a job unless you are actually on-island standing before employers. That's why we suggest you have a nest egg that will last until you find a job, usually 2-6 months.
Posted : February 8, 2007 10:57 am
