John Jay College of Criminal Justice - Center for Career and Professional Development

 

 

International Students in the Workforce

 

On October 2^nd 2012, the Center for Career and Professional Development at John Jay College hosted an event that focused on the professional development of international students. Four guest speakers were invited to the event. Among the four panelists, two of them were international students who were able to obtain full time positions and internships in the U.S after graduating. The panelist included Ms. Laurie Woog an Immigration Attorney, Ms. Ruth Kamona Director of International Student and Scholar Services at CUNY, Ms. Maureen Brady Coyle Director of International Studies and Programs at John Jay College and Mr. Darshan Gosalia a Business Development Intern at InrexTest.

The panelists gave the students key pieces of information to help them understand the difficulties that international students face in obtaining full time jobs in the U.S after completing their degree. Nonetheless, the panelist also advised the students to be optimistic when trying to secure a job in the U.S. However, some of the most important information they shared were based on their own personal experience. The Director of International Student and Scholar Services at CUNY made reference to her own experience as an international student and advised the audience to take advantage of the opportunities that CUNY offers for international students. She also stated that international students should always show strong initiative when trying to secure full time jobs or internships in the U.S.

Mr. Darshan Gosalia the Business Development Intern advised the students to do the following:

·         Network with individuals who were also international students.

·         During an interview always show interest in the company, do not focus on how the company can help with your Visa status.

·         Apply for internships that will help demonstrate your skills and knowledge.

 

Both the Immigration Attorney and the Director on International Studies and Programs at John Jay advised students on the legal aspects of their Visa status, and how it might affect their intentions of securing full time jobs. They stated that international students should be aware of the type of Visas they hold and the restrictions of those visas before applying for or considering an internship or a full time position. However, they also advised students to be confident regardless of their Visa status.