Nefesh BNefesh

Wednesday, May 23rd

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I would like to say that the employment department for Nefesh b'Nefesh has been unflagging in its dedication to finding jobs for new olim - following through and helping at every stage, responsive to all inquiries, and always on the lookout for what is best for the oleh.

-Kim, NBN 2005

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To start me off, NBN gave me all the necessary tools and resources to begin the search. And the best part about this all was that they themselves were looking out for me, and sending my resume to any fitting positions they found. With their help, I landed my first job in Israel in a very reasonable about of time. A big thank you to the NBN Employment Department!

-Donna, NBN 2010

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I wanted to thank the NBN team for setting me up with my first job in Israel! I couldn't have found this position without you! I am so glad I turned to NBN for help.

--Taire, NBN 2011

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Thank you for your smile! I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the talk we had after the linked-in session. Thank you for listening. I will be in touch. From my heart, thank you for everything!

-Polly, NBN 2008

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I started looking for a job on my own as soon as I arrived in Israel and after three months without a decent break, I reached out to NBN for help. NBN told me that they would start sending out my resume which I thought would be a nice, extra outlet. I was feeling hopeless, but now I am now very happily employed thanks to NBN who connected me with my current employer! Thank you NBN

-Tamar, NBN 2011

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I made an appointment at the NBN office to review my new resume tailored for the Israeli market.  The advice they give one is advice anyone who is job hunting knows - network, network, network.  What NBN gave me was a built-in network that I could immediately start to connect with.  However the most important thing I received was the belief that I had a great team behind me and that I am not alone!

-Ayala, NBN 2010

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The NBN Employment Department gave us realistic expectations and helped us prepare a game plan - who to meet, which sectors are looking, how to make and approach potential contacts. Throughout the process, it was evident how the NBN staff care and do their utmost to help new Olim transition successfully. I found a wonderful job (that matches 100% what I desired in a position) because the NBN Employment Counselor saw a position and cared enough to send my resume in to the company. I received a phone call not too long after, and a few interviews later I am happily employed!

-Amy, NBN 2010

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I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all of your assistance yesterday. I walked into your office not quite knowing what to expect and was amazed by the type of assistance that you were able to provide.

-Nir

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The NBN Employment Department sent me the links from their job board. I sent my resume to positions that I thought were relevant and gave my specific information to the NBN Employment Department. A month later I get a reply from someone who got my resume from the NBN Employment Department. I was thrilled!

-Amy, NBN 2010

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Engineering (Mechanical)

Interview with a Mechanical Engineer

Special thanks to JJ Schwartz, mechanical engineer, for contributing his time and sharing his experiences. JJ made Aliyah with Nefesh B'Nefesh in 2005 and he holds a position at IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries) as a design engineer.

Can you describe what a mechanical engineer does, for someone who is unfamiliar with the field?
I'm a mechanical engineer, specializing in design.   I draw 3D models with the help of CAD software. I'm in the army now and I'm using Soldiegde. I also work at the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), where I use CATIA. These are detail filled drawing, with exact measurements, and relationships. The drawings are then sent to the manufacturer to be made.

What education is needed for your job, both in Israel and the U.S.?
A Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.

For your profession, what work settings are available in Israel?
It depends on what you are looking for. There are start-ups as wellas larger, more established companies.

What licensure is required?
If you decide to work for a government company (such as IAI), you will need to have your degree recognized by Misrad Hachinuch (Ministry of Education). However, most companies won't waste your time, and won't ask you to have your degree recognized.

Do you need to know Hebrew?
No, although it will help you communicate with your co-workers, and it's always a plus.

What experience do I need, in order to land a job?
None. I got my job straight out of college.

What is the market like?
The market is very good. I turned down several job offers. Plus, the army is always looking for professionals.

Are there any technical differences to be aware of, between Israel and the US?
No technical differences, however many formalities are different. Casual dress is the custom (jeans, t-shirts, sandals in the summer), and you'll be on a first name basis with your boss. Of course this varies from boss to boss and from company to company. My overall impression is that on the average, the work environment is a much more casual in Israel than in North America.

What is the average salary range?
Naturally, it depends on your experience and skills. For a fresh graduate, you can expect between 7,000 and 10,000 NIS/month, depending on your negotiating skills and where you work.

What are the best routes for continuing education?           
I personally plan to do a Master's degree part time, while continuing to work full time. I believe that's the best route.

Do I need to join any professional organizations?
No.

Is there anything else you would like to share with new Olim?
Like anywhere else, you'll find what you're looking for through networking and research. People are extremely open to helping others. I personally submitted many resumes to people I know only through email. I found my placement in the army because my friend's uncle's friend is a lieutenant-colonel in the air force. Don't be intimidated, and never use the excuse, "Why would a person like him want to help me?" In general, don't use excuses; be Israeli. If you are worried that you are being pushy, realize that it is the North American part of you that is holding you back… ignore it and move forward. It doesn't mean that you should be rude, on the contrary, people actually appreciate your manners. But it is very important that people don't mistake your good manners for weaknesses…
Good luck!

Can you give me tell me something about your Aliyah experiences?  
I made Aliyah on the Sept 7, 2005 NBN flight. I studied in Ulpan in Beer Sheva, then I moved to Tel Aviv, where I started to work at IAI as a design engineer. On December 18, 2006, I was drafted to the army for 6 months, where I am currently serving in Matzlach. My unit is responsible for all of the replacement parts for the ground forces, and my job is to draw parts that we need to manufacture. After the army, B'ezrat Hashem, I'll be going back to my job at IAI. In my spare time I play rollerhockey (in Ra'anana) and ice hockey (in Metulla, whenever I can make the Thursday night trip up north). I also surf and kitesurf. I'll be 25 next month, and am very happy to be in Israel.

Note from Nefesh B'Nefesh: Olim should be aware that it can take a while to receive security clearance to work in the defense industry.