How an immigrant from Kazakhstan helps build skyscrapers in New York

Araylym Kaldarbek, 25, moved to the US from Kazakhstan. The girl spoke about working as a specialist in architecture and construction in New York. It helps build new buildings in the world's largest metropolis, reports WeProject.

How Arailim moved to New York

In Shymkent, Araylym graduated from the Kazakh-Turkish Lyceum and the South Kazakhstan State University named after M. O. Auezov. She came to the USA as a student at a language school, and then entered the magistracy. The girl admits that she did not plan to live in the USA, but received a grant from the University of Maryland. She now lives and works in New York. Araylym consults and helps urban developers build buildings.

On the difficulties of moving and adaptation

As an architect, the girl from the first day fell in love with the futuristic views of New York.

“At first I lived in the Russian area in Brooklyn. It helped me mentally get used to the changes, ”she recalls the period of adaptation.

The Arailym grant covered only studies. To pay rent and have pocket money, she had to earn extra money. Most students find it very difficult to find a job because they are not allowed to work outside the university during the year. Many of them take low-paying jobs on campus.

“I was lucky. Back in Shymkent, I received a barista license and quickly got a job in a coffee shop in the USA, ”Arailym said. Her recommendation to students is to translate and certify documents upon arrival, and make copies for convenience. And it is better to learn in advance some profession in the service sector. She advises not to be shy about asking locals questions to avoid mistakes and complications.

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About career

Araylym now works for a private company. Advises architects and engineers of the Department of Buildings in New York. Her company is currently working on four new buildings in Brooklyn and Manhattan. The girl's work list already includes about 45 completed projects.

“I got a job thanks to my internship at the university. I made a list of interesting companies, submitted my resume everywhere and passed the interview. The experience I got in Kazakhstan helped me,” Arailym explained. According to her, life and work in New York is very dynamic. You need to manage to get construction permits on time - bonuses at the end of the year depend on this. Most of her colleagues are immigrants, which allows her to explore new cultures.

Araylym's recommendation: you should gain experience before moving. When hiring employees, companies pay attention just to the experience of the candidate. Use networking, join the community of immigrants from the CIS. Try to find a mentor in Facebook groups or Green Desk and WeWork coworking spaces.

Impact of the move

“Moving to America was not easy. But I realized that all the frames are in my head, ”said Araylym. The girl is very glad that she was able to secure a decent income for a comfortable life in New York.