Anonymous Q&A: Moving to Silicon Valley from Southeast Asia, USA Hiring & Visa Roadblocks and Talent Ecosystems – E624

Jeremy Au and an anonymous guest discuss the challenges of pursuing career opportunities in the United States from Singapore. They talk about how visa rules limit options, why overseas LinkedIn applications often fail, and the appeal of Silicon Valley’s innovation cycles. They also cover cultural differences that require stronger self-promotion, and why resilience is needed when adapting to life abroad.

03:03 LinkedIn job applications feel slow and ineffective: By the time roles are posted, they may already be filled, and rejections arrive quickly

12:52 Graduate programs bring uncertainty: Even Ivy League graduates face high unemployment, making MBAs and master’s degrees a risky bet

16:03 Financial expertise is a strength: Skills like FP&A and CFA provide a clear value proposition to startups seeking structured knowledge

17:40 Silicon Valley offers faster innovation cycles: It draws high-risk, high-reward talent, with constant new waves from VR to crypto to AI

27:42 Cultural norms are different: U.S. workplaces expect stronger self-marketing and bold salesmanship, unlike Southeast Asia’s modest approach

35:02 Relocation requires resilience: Those who prefer routine must adapt to chosen and unchosen struggles when moving abroad

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/southeast-asia-move-to-silicon-valley

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