International Studies & Programs

OISS Feature: Finding Career Success as an International Student

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Published: Thursday, 19 Sep 2019 Author: Melissa Linden

We all hope to find a job by the time we graduate, but this can be a difficult goal to achieve. You might not know the right resources to see what is available, or even where to look. For international students, there are added hurdles such as how to find a company that sponsors visas or accepts OPT and CPT. This can be stressful, but MSU provides many resources to help make the process easier. Even when you have a job, you may wonder how to grow and advance in your new career – keep reading for more advice, career resources at MSU and tips from an international student at MSU who has gone through all of this already! 

Resource #1: Handshake

Handshake is a database of different job opportunities including full time, part time and internship positions. You can create a profile with your MSU email and upload your resume, register for events and search for positions that interest you. While all of the features on the website are useful, the many filters included for job searches is particularly helpful. 

Screen shot showing the filter settings of Handshake
Screenshot from Handshake's advanced job search options.

Not only can you filter by location, but there are many other ways to customize your search. First, you can choose the type of position you’re interested in, whether it’s full-time, part-time, an internship or on-campus employment. You can also refine the search by only looking into a certain industry or job function. The most useful tool for international students and scholars may be the “Work Authorization” filter. This allows you to see positions where the company sponsors visas or is accustomed to accepting OPT or CPT authorization. This can save a lot of time in your search. 

Resource #2: Career Services Network

The Career Services Network on campus will be a never-ending resource for you! Not only can you visit their website to find information such as resources specifically for international students, they also have offices set up around campus (they offer specialized career advising in every college) where you can drop in or schedule an appointment for advising. The career advisors can help you find what job paths are available for you and may know of internship and job opportunities. 

Career Services Network also puts on events catered towards international students. They put on an International Student Career Fair where students can talk to employers from both the US and international markets. Those from the US will either accept OPT and CPT, or may be open to sponsoring your work visa. 

Career Services Network does more than career fairs -- a few other great events they host include Connecting to Companies in China, Finding Global Opportunities and Unpacking Your International Experiences. If you want to hear from international students who have successfully found work, you won’t want to miss events like the "Working Internationals Panel” event from last spring. To stay in the loop on all of the events and resources they provide make sure you regularly check their events page and Facebook.

Resource #3: Each other! (advice from a fellow international student) 

I reached out to Sahil Aswani, an international student who participated in last year’s Working Internationals panel, to see what advice he had to offer.

Sahil is a senior accounting major in the Broad College of Business who has a range of work experience under his belt. Not only is he currently a Resident Assistant on campus, but he is also a Peer Career Coach at the Russell
Man posing next to sign that says Deloitte University The Leadership Center
Sahil at the Deloitte Leadership Center.
Palmer Career Management Center and a Campus Crew Ambassador for Deloitte. Over the summer he worked as an Advisory Intern in Deloitte’s Detroit office, where he plans to return as an Incoming Consultant after he graduates this spring. 
 
Sahil told me that as an international student, it is important for him to step out of his comfort zone and go above and beyond in school and work. This is why his favorite quote is “get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Sahil says that leaving your comfort zone is the only way that you will grow and reach new heights in any position. If you want to succeed and move up in your company, you’ll have to take on tasks in which you might not have as much experience; but this is how you learn. Sahil’s advice is “be introspective and focus on your priorities and the steps that will help you make progress towards your goal.”
"It is important to embrace your cultural differences and the uniqueness of your story." -Sahil Aswani

This is how you recognize your value and increase your marketability which is important when pitching your ideas to your future teams. Being from a different country adds value, as you can offer a perspective that others can’t. 

Ultimately, he stressed that utilizing career services can help you gain additional exposure while you work and attend school. These services help you practice for other positions and develop your career strategy and skills. During spring break in 2018, Aswani went on a corporate tour with the Lear Career Management Center (now the Russell Palmer Career Management Center) to witness the American work culture through the lens of specific firms, like Deloitte.

MSU is full of opportunities and resources to help you build your post-graduate plan. Take advantage of these to become as prepared as possible when looking for employment opportunities and starting your career!

Meet the Author: 
Melissa Linden headshot

Melissa Linden is the Communications and Outreach intern for the Office for International Students and Scholars. Shes is a senior graduating in December 2019 with a degree in intercultural communication and public relations. When Melissa isn't busy with work or school you will probably find her relaxing with her dog, Griz.