Prospects for US graduates

America has long been called the "land of opportunity", which is why hundreds of foreign students and young professionals come here every year from around the world in search of new career paths.

 Indeed, the United States is an economic and political center, which is why it is so easy for young foreigners to get confused in the huge number of vacancies and professional opportunities that America offers. However, do not worry, many foreign students after studying find an excellent job in the United States and consider this country a second home. If it worked out for them, then why can't it work out for you?

 Our article will help you learn more about what foreign graduates of local universities can expect in the United States, and how to look for a job in America.

 US Graduation Jobs

 Despite the fact that America is the strongest economic power in the world, the local labor market today is not as vast as before. In particular, the number of working Americans has declined significantly over the past year. Nevertheless, young graduates do not need to worry - in the near future, an increase in the number of vacancies for young professionals is projected.

 Career opportunities and vacancies in specific areas are different in every state of America. Therefore, the student should learn all the details of further employment before graduation in order to develop a strategy in advance. For example, in Washington, for every unemployed person in the region, including Maryland and Virginia, there is one free vacancy, while the unemployment rate in Las Vegas is 14.3%.

 In America, the industry of economics, finance, media, and banking is especially developed. At the same time, 35% of employers in the field of finance are going to submit new vacancies in the near future. Thus, today in the USA there are better job prospects for young specialists in the field of lending and financial analytics, accounting and auditing. In the coming years, an increase in the number of vacancies in the media industry is also expected.

 Can I stay in the USA?

 Students who wish to stay in the United States after graduation have two options: participation in the OPT program or obtaining a work visa. After the student visa expires, every student in America receives some time to leave the country, renew an old visa or get a new one. For F-1 visa holders this period is 60 days, and for students with M-1 and J-1 visas - 30 days.

 OPT

 Students of American universities with F-1 visas are entitled to temporary work in their field of specialization for a year. Under this program, you can work for a year for each completed level of training. For example, you can work one year after receiving a bachelor's degree and another one after receiving a master's degree.

 To get started, you will need to fill out the OPT I-20 form at your school’s office, and if your candidacy is approved, you will be included in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS). After that, you will be able to receive new immigration documents and you will be able to apply for OPT to the American Immigration Department.

 Work Visa

 There are several types of work visas in the USA. As a foreign graduate, you will most likely receive a Temporary Working Visa (H-1B). On this visa, you can stay in America for 3 years, and its validity can be extended to 6 years.

 A young specialist cannot apply for a work visa himself; the employer who hired him must do this for him. Also, to obtain a visa of this type, you must have at least a bachelor's degree.

 If you want to stay in America forever, you will need a Green Card. With the support of your employer, you can apply for a Green Card while you work in the USA. The process of applying for and receiving a Green Card can be quite complicated, so you should know in advance about all its features on the website of the US Department of Homeland Security.

 How to find a job in the USA?

 In order to get a US work visa, you need to find an employer willing to hire you. Jobs are offered in two markets: “open” and “hidden”.

 Jobs "hidden" market are not offered publicly. Candidates for these vacancies are usually sought “by acquaintance” - through universities or at job fairs. It’s not easy to find such vacancies, so you should always stay up to date with the latest developments in the professional field.

 It is also important to follow the news and newsletters of specific companies and organizations in which you would like to work. This type of work position is usually given to initiative graduates, so it is important to keep in touch with people and organizations that will help you move in the right direction.

 Open market jobs are offered publicly and can be found on such popular resources as IdeaList, USA Jobs, and the American Job Center. To search for vacancies of this type, you can also use periodicals and specific local information resources.

 How can a university help?

 US higher education institutions always help their foreign graduates to find work and circumvent the American bureaucratic system. Unfortunately, young foreigners are usually more difficult to find work in America than local graduates. But do not despair - many foreign young specialists manage to find here excellent work with high earnings.

 In every American university that accepts foreigners, there is a special department that deals with their affairs. Employees of such an office help graduates to navigate the realities of American business culture and choose the right direction for finding a job. For example, on the Cornell University website you can download a brochure with information about finding and getting a job, interviewing, and features of American business etiquette.

 The American education system is focused on preparing students for employment, and at each faculty various career events are held annually. At such events, students can establish contacts and communications in the professional field, thereby preparing for their future careers.

 Do not be afraid to be direct and confident in communication, because American business etiquette welcomes initiative and ambitious individuals. Also, to establish the necessary contacts, do not hesitate to take business cards and write down contact information. Remember that all employers in the US appreciate the stubborn and dedicated young professionals.