The Concerns and Needs of an International Career in the U.S.

Having an international career means being away from family, experiencing cultural differences, and not being able to transfer professional certifications. Given the fact that there are only 85,000 H-1B working visas issued annually in the U.S. and limited sponsorships from firms, job search is a major concern for international students who seek a career in the U.S (“USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2021 H-1B Cap”). Career services and resources designed for international students on college campuses are necessary for having a successful international career. 

Staying in a foreign country after graduation is not an easy decision to make. Based on a survey targeted at undergraduate students, 34 percent of the participants think that it is difficult to leave family and friends, and 15 percent of the respondents are concerned about their ability to speak the foreign language (Punteney 490). This data shows that family and distance from home are primary factors that influence the decision to stay in the U.S. Additionally, business English proficiency seems to be another major issue for international students. While other international students decide to find jobs back in their home country, they face unique challenges to transition back after years of adapting to American culture. 

Cultural adjustment and language barrier are two major concerns for international students to succeed in the U.S. job market. According to the survey conducted by the International Student Services Committee of the National Career Development Association, 39.4 percent of career services professionals point out the concerns of cultural adjustment and another 35.4 percent for language proficiency (Crockett et.al 1055). This statistics indicates that international students face challenges to get more involved with the local community; the cultural difference in the job market holds back international students from other peers. For instance, while relevant skills and academic achievement are primary requirements for job research in some home countries, personality and extracurricular activities seem more valuable in the U.S. With limited knowledge on the cultural difference in work culture, many international students may put more emphasis on academic achievement rather than engage in campus activities and leadership roles. This cultural difference may affect international students’ career preparation and presentation of job applications and interviews, which may not match with the firm’s expectations in the U.S. Therefore, it is important that campus career services reach out to international students earlier in academic careers so that they can plan ahead. 

With the support of career services, international students can learn more about American work culture, interview styles, strategies to communicate, current job market trends, and how to better interact with the professionals in the U.S. Additionally, career services should educate international students on the work authorization process in the U.S. as it is often misunderstood. To conclude, career resources and guidance on careers in the U.S. are critical for international students. 

Works Cited

Crockett, Stephanie A, and Danica G Hays. “Understanding and Responding to the Career Counseling Needs of International College Students on U.S. Campuses.” Journal of college counseling 14.1 (2011): 65–79. Web.

Punteney, Katherine. “International Careers: U.S. Undergraduates’ Motivations and Concerns.” Journal of international students 6.2 (2016): 478–500. Web.

“USCIS Reaches Fiscal Year 2021 H-1B Cap.” U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services. https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-reaches-fiscal-year-2021-h-1b-cap. Accessed 21 October 2021.