I was visiting Cornell University department of Statistical Sciences last Friday. It was amazing that how Cornell still remembers its Alumni after almost 5 years. And treats them so well. I was bit disappointed by current student's response to the visit and us alumni. I found the students very dull and were not supportive of the whole ideal of Alumni panel discussion. They were not asking questions and worst I was stopped in between the presentation session reminding me that I have run out of time. But over all I met all the faculty and Prof.Bunge. The visit was quite nostalgic visiting places and towns I had spent time at and driven around. I wish I can go back there again sometime soon.

US Dollar tumbling down.....

Indian rupee rise has created quite a buzz!! in last couple of months. The rise of Indian rupees is good or bad for India is a debatable issue. But One this is for sure. If this continues in the same manner it has since last couple of months. I am packing my bags and returning home.

My India visit!!

At last next week I am going to Mumbai, India. My home away from home after almost 3 years. I am really excited about it at the same time I am little aprehensive about the whole visit thing. We will board Continental flight out of NewArk EWR to Mumbai...Non-stop....It is going to be quite a flight.....almost 15 hours non-stop going and 16 hours non-stop coming back....I have heard quite bad reviews about the flight due to cheap fares. But still looking forward to the whole visit. Last couple of weeks me and my wife have been shopping day in day out...for loved ones. I dont know when we will be able to go there again....But for now...I am quite excited....
It will be a brief stay of 15 days but I am sure we will have good time.....
Apart from Family we are planning a short visit to a shrine out in the dessert state of Rajasthan, Nath-Dwara and will stay back at Ranakpur while coming back.....

Microsoft Hiring practices

I recently came across an individual who was hired from India for a Software engineering position at Microsoft facility at Cambridge, Massachussetts. The pay scale is astronomical and this individual doesn't even have a year of experience.
I wonder why would company like Microsoft hire people from abroad, sponsor their Greencard and incurr all the costs when they can easily find better qualified people from USA.
I was just curious to know that. But from my end I can only say "Good for him".... :-

Greencard!

I have been in this pseudo american stage since last 7 years now and it doesnt seem to end even after all my efforts. No doubt America is a great country that gives opportunities to technocrat people like me. But they need to do some serious work on the immigration law and procedures.

My wife is a permanent resident of US since 2001. And my employer has applied for my permanent residence since 2006. But there is no progress on anything...I am waiting waiting since last 2 years. I wonder why would individuals like me waste their time in this helpless stage. Why world is not transperant enough so that people can move across countries without barriers and beauraecracy.

This seems never ending and I am getting frustrated. I hope by next year I can atleast see a beacon of hope into this issue.

Immigration Voice had its first rally in Washington DC on Sept 18th

Human Genome Sciences Inc.

Recently I received a Job offer for the position of Process Statistician from a leading biotechnology firm called Human Genome Sciences Inc. Very good pay package and benefits but it kind of got stuck at Work Authorization approval. I am a year away from getting my US Pemanent residentship but there is no way to convince these big corporations about this as they dont understand.
Now I have decided not to pursue any new jobs until I get my Greencard in my hands next year.
But I feel helpless about the situation that bright future is waiting. I can see it but cant reach there.
I lost a promising career change opportunity just because of this systemic immigration issue. I believe I got this opportunity without any significant efforts and I will get better opportunities once I have my permanent residentship.

The MBA Tour

I visited the MBA tour yesterday. Since last couple of weeks MBA bug has bit me and I spend significant amount of time researching about schools. After having a bachelors degree in engineering from India. 2 Master of science degrees in engineering and statistical sciences I am not sure if I want to pursue an MBA. I believe my current education is enough. But unfortunately after working 5 years in Operations field as Industrial Engineer (Automotive), Quality Engineer (Automotive), Defect reduction/yield engineer(Semiconductor). I am still clueless in what I want to pursue in my Career. As I am feeling stuck doing back office jobs...crunching numbers...and making reports for managers. I believe I have skills, knowledge and know how. I should be given more responsibilities. I am getting paid well but that Job satisfaction is not there. All jobs I have done in the past after 18 months usually I feel fed up and I seek to move up to a better position. I should get out of this mode.
The MBA tour was great. I attended seminars from Univ. of Michigan, Purdue, Cornell, Canegie Mellon and Wharton MBA program directors. Great schools! But what are my chances to get in?
And even if I get in....Is it worth spending 2 years in school taking the classes I have already taken. The lost salary and financing the education with Family responsibility would be expensive affair.

I am focusing on MBA with Operations focus and as a result I want to place myself into world class consulting firms like Booz Allen Hamilton, AT Kearny etc.
My target schools are:

1. MIT Sloan
2. Carnegie Mellon (Tepper)
3. Cornell (Twelve Month Option)
4. Wharton
5. Haas
6. Stanford
7. Kelloggs
8. Chicago

Lets see where I end up. My goal is to apply for Fall 2009.