Finding a job after finishing college is hardGoing to school in the United States was amazing and I would not change it for the world. I graduated from a college in Missouri several years ago and I was able to find a job and stay in the United States. Looking back I wish I had been told how complicated and (let's be honest) almost impossible it was going to be to be able to stay here after graduation.
Here I will write a few things that I wish I knew even before coming to school in America, and shed some light in what you should be doing before you graduate from college in order to be able to get a job. The obvious Get good grades, shoot for at least a 3.0 GPA. Also get an internship, or two as soon as you can. Those two things are very powerful to show potential employers that you are worth it. Now that that is out of the way... Please do realize that even if you do the things above it might not be enough. I knew lots of international students that despite trying were unable to get a job after graduation. Here are a few things you can do to help yourself: Network. Do not underestimate this at all. Make yourself known in your community/town/city. The truth is you never know when opportunity can strike and the more people you know, the more chances you have. In college I got an internship because I went to a networking event. Do not look down on this! Volunteer. It feels good, you get to meet new people, and you make an impact. What more can you ask for? Volunteering can set you apart and - and this is important - it can be a great icebreaker, or conversation starter. Imagine if your interviewer volunteers in the same organization? Or is interested in the same thing you are? Now you have something in common. Live life. Having a well-rounded life is important. People like people that they can connect with. If you can only talk about one topic (but you only have an undergraduate degree), you are in trouble. I remember going to an interview, and the interviewee had a keychain with the Barcelona FC. logo in it...guess what? We talked about the Barcelona season and Champions League chances for most of the interview, and I got a job offer. Connecting, having passions, thoughts and opinions make you interesting and someone I (or anyone) will want to work with. So go outside, travel, read, talk to people, discover your likes and dislikes! Understand the process. The H1B, the OPT, etc. They are critical to your success. Talk to your international student office - and try to have a good relationship with them. Ask questions, stay organized and focused. Play your cards right. It is easier to get a job if you are studying a STEM degree vs. a general business or social science degree. It is a supply/demand issue. Regardless of the undergraduate degree you are getting, try to form an expertise. If you can provide value, it will be easier to get a job and the employer might feel they have fewer things to teach you. Look at your options. It is much easier to get the H1B visa (the work visa) if you have a graduate degree than if you only have an undergraduate degree. If you find yourself in a job and are applying for H1B and do not get it the first time, I suggest you work to get a graduate degree of some sort.
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AltaHQHemos estudiado en USA, y vivido experiencias que queremos compartir. Archives
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