5 Tips on Job Searching as an International Student
During Preview Day, a prospective international student asked me about the job search, which was the catalyst behind this post. As a Canadian, most of my professors and friends consider me as “barely foreign” — this is true until it comes to the job search. In the eyes of law, everyone who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States of America faces similar challenges in the job search. As an international student, your job search is a unique and difficult challenge.
To help international students navigate that challenge, I asked professors and other international students for their tips and strategies:
“Start as early as you can and get as many contacts at Newhouse while you can! Be prepared to be told no a lot but apply to a ton of places. The bigger name companies usually have the means to sponsor you, if they want you, so apply there. If you’re able to convince an employer to let you get school credit for what you’re doing, all the better.”
Julian McKenzie G‘17, Canada
Television, Radio and Film
“If you want to stay in the US (which is very difficult) go to a multinational agency with multinational clients. They better understand the benefits of a culturally diverse workforce and are more likely to be willing to jump through all the governmental hoops to keep you here. If you want to return to your home country, but would like experience in the US first, choose an agency that you want to work for in your home country and try to get experience/training on that account in the US. There is tremendous benefit to having locals trained at the headquarters. Either way, understand it will be difficult, but is possible.”
Edward Russell
Associate Professor, Advertising
“Start early. Networking is really important and don’t be discouraged when you get refused. Make sure you know what you want, what your long term plan is and work towards that.”
Yue Shi G’17, China
Public Relations
“Frame your visa situation as an advantage for employers. If they hire you and you are doing a great job after a year, they will want to sponsor you to stay. If not, you will just leave. It is a no risk proposition.”
Brian Sheehan
Professor, Advertising
“The chance that you’ll get responses is very low and when you do, it might just be a rejection letter. From my experience, when I get the email starting, “Thank you for applying…” I know that it will be another rejection letter. So stay strong. Apply for something within your field since the work you do has to be within the scope of your studies to receive a work visa. There’s no magic or definite answer on how to land a job. I believe it’s half luck and half determination. So keep applying!”
Tanya Monthakarntivong G’17, Thailand
Magazine, Newspaper and Online Journalism
