Thread: US company culture on hiring external (independent) IT contractors

As some may know, I'm looking to relocate to the US on an EB-5 visa (foreign investor).
I currently own my own business here, which provides IT consultancy to companies. There's a mature culture here for that, rates are "OK", quite a few contracts open on the market at all times...

Question is, what is the US market like, and what culture exists in the companies. / gov't agencies? Any specific requirements?

Talking about IT (IT security) consultancy here.

Idea is to hire extra people over time, but that depends on what kind of rates versus cost I can get...

Any insight more than welcome!

Where in the US?

When you say it security, what are you meaning?

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Originally Posted by fusionstorm

Where in the US?

Doesn't matter, but preferably somewhere warm

Originally Posted by mrmikey32

When you say it security, what are you meaning?

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IT security, mostly information risk management (ISRM), ISO27001, network security architecture, ...
As I'm used to working internationally, any company having offices abroad, or working with foreign partners, might be interested to use my experience, as I've done projects all over Europe...

Originally Posted by SimonSays

Doesn't matter, but preferably somewhere warm



IT security, mostly information risk management (ISRM), ISO27001, network security architecture, ...
As I'm used to working internationally, any company having offices abroad, or working with foreign partners, might be interested to use my experience, as I've done projects all over Europe...

JP morgan/chase bank would be one to look at. They fired their IT department, and outsourced it all.

HSBC is a good one to look at. A lot of credit card companies outsource now.

I do some IT security work on the side to help out friends, and do a lot of IT work now for a large bank

PM if you want

Originally Posted by mrmikey32

JP morgan/chase bank would be one to look at. They fired their IT department, and outsourced it all.

HSBC is a good one to look at. A lot of credit card companies outsource now.

I do some IT security work on the side to help out friends, and do a lot of IT work now for a large bank

PM if you want

Guess I'd need some inside leads to cut around the red tape

What are rates like?

Originally Posted by SimonSays

Guess I'd need some inside leads to cut around the red tape

What are rates like?

helpdesk is where the money is being made. From what I have seen.

Originally Posted by SimonSays

Doesn't matter, but preferably somewhere warm



IT security, mostly information risk management (ISRM), ISO27001, network security architecture, ...
As I'm used to working internationally, any company having offices abroad, or working with foreign partners, might be interested to use my experience, as I've done projects all over Europe...

Where does matter. Certain areas of the US are doing well economically, and IT consulting business is vigorous and competitive. Other areas are in the doldrums still, and perceived non-mission critical areas of IT e.g. security are languishing.

What you can charge depends on any unique skill sets or clearances you might have. What you've mentioned thus far doesn't separate you from the "masses". I know one area of security that is particularly robust are consultants with security clearance to perform work for the federal government agencies. But being a foreign national, you'd have a tough go at building up that book of business.

Originally Posted by fusionstorm

Where does matter. Certain areas of the US are doing well economically, and IT consulting business is vigorous and competitive. Other areas are in the doldrums still, and perceived non-mission critical areas of IT e.g. security are languishing.

What you can charge depends on any unique skill sets or clearances you might have. What you've mentioned thus far doesn't separate you from the "masses". I know one area of security that is particularly robust are consultants with security clearance to perform work for the federal government agencies. But being a foreign national, you'd have a tough go at building up that book of business.

I meant, it does not matter to me where I'd live and work, as I have no real affiliation with any city / region, but obviously I wouldn't go live in an area without potential to build up a business.
I do have NATO clearance but should get that renewed, I can try to get that sorted before I move.