A battle most of us students are fighting constantly is the infamous job hunting. I feel this is one such topic that deeply resonates with students all over the world. In this article, I want to shed light on the distinct challenges that international students face while trying to secure full-time employment in the United States (U.S.), and why this issue deserves more attention and action.
Why is it an issue?
The United States is more than just a destination for most international students—it’s a dream. Many of us come here on student loans, driven by hope and a fear of the unknown. According to the Institute of International Education, approximately 1,126,690 international students are currently enrolled in the U.S. This is no surprise, as the U.S. education system is widely recognized as state-of-the-art, offering groundbreaking technological advances, abundant resources, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. For those of us coming from diverse backgrounds and cultures, it’s a place of possibilities. Additionally, the emphasis on mental and emotional well-being in education here is a fresh change for students from countries where such support might not be as common.
However, finding employment for international students is twice as hard given the visa complexities and constraints. Students from the STEM background rely on the optional practical training (OPT) which is a program that allows students to work for 36 months in the U.S. after post-graduation. This is an issue because there is a clock that’s ticking for all international students. Students must find a job within 90 days of graduation or will sadly face deportation. This ticking clock creates immense pressure, especially for those with student loans. The stakes are high, and the stress of navigating these hurdles can take a heavy toll on mental health.
To top this off, most companies are hesitant to hire international talent due to the costs and complexities of sponsoring and H-1B visa. This can take a hit on a company’s invention and growth in my perspective as they are missing out on global talent that could transform a company. International students are at a disadvantage and are likely to struggle mentally and financially. This is a major contributor as to why so many students prefer to return to their home countries after completing their education in the U.S. over the past few years.
Who is impacted?
The majority that is affected is the international student community. I feel that the H-1B is a great program to retain the right talent in the country, but due to its randomization and competition, it can prove to be more of a challenge. The multinational companies in the U.S. have also taken a hit due to this and are missing out on individuals that can truly make a difference. Interestingly, 44% of all STEM talent comes from international students. Educational institutions might attract less talent worldwide if the opportunities are minimal. In my opinion, everyone involved is affected.
What is being done about it?
From the recent speculations by Elon Musk about H-1B visa and Donald Trump backing it, there seems to be some hope for talented international students. But nothing is real until it is. Apart from this, students can turn to their universities for support and advocate their problems on social media like LinkedIn. It serves as a great platform to help connect students worldwide and offer support and motivation.
What are people saying about the issue?
In conversations with my friends and classmates—and through my own experiences—I’ve come to understand just how overwhelming the job-hunting process is for international students. It often feels like a fight-or-flight situation. It is tedious and there is the constant anxiety of ticking ‘yes’ for the sponsorship section of a job application. Checking “yes” often feels like a gamble, knowing it might lead to immediate rejection.
In conclusion, I’d like to state a verse from the Bhagavad Gita which in English translates to “Keep doing your duty, don’t worry about the results”. I hope this acts as a beacon of hope for all international students. Skilled individuals deserve a competing chance!
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