Birzeit grad with US passport seeks robotics entry path
A 2027 engineering grad with ROS2 skills but no US local experience asks how to break in.
A Computer Engineering student at Birzeit University in Palestine, set to graduate in 2027, is seeking a path into the US robotics and embedded systems industry. Despite holding US citizenship, he has no US work or education history, and his local region offers zero industry opportunities. His hands-on portfolio is impressive: ROS2 control software for a multi-agent robotics platform, FreeRTOS firmware on custom boards, and a WRO Future Engineers competition robot he built entirely from PCB design to low-level firmware. He's asking whether to apply directly for jobs or pursue a US graduate program first.
A forum response from an experienced professional (Mujadid-Ali) points out that US citizenship already removes the biggest barrier—legal work authorization. The advice is straightforward: build a strong LinkedIn profile, actively apply to relevant roles through LinkedIn and other job platforms, and trust that companies will offer relocation if he clears the interview process. This highlights a key reality for global technical talent: a verified skill set and citizen status can outweigh a lack of local experience. For the student, the recommended first step is direct job applications rather than delaying with grad school, though further guidance in the thread suggests networking within ROS and robotics communities could also open doors.
- Student has US citizenship, eliminating visa sponsorship hurdles for employers.
- Portfolio includes ROS2 multi-agent control, FreeRTOS, and a from-scratch competition robot.
- Advice: apply directly to US firms via LinkedIn; relocation is possible for strong candidates.
Why It Matters
For international engineers, citizenship plus a strong project portfolio can bypass local experience barriers—a blueprint for entering US tech.