How is thew job market in the US?

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How difficult is it for an international student to find a job in the US after graduation from there?

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@siddharth_explorer Finding a job in the US as an international student after graduation can be challenging, but not impossible — it really depends on your field, skills, and strategy. The US job market values talent, but international students do face added hurdles, especially due to visa restrictions. After graduation, most students get Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to work in the US for up to 12 months — or 36 months if you’re in a STEM program. During this period, your goal is to find an employer willing to sponsor you for an H-1B visa (a work visa). This process is competitive because of the annual cap and lottery system, so students need to be proactive. Networking, internships during your course, and building skills that are in demand (like data science, software engineering, biotech, or cybersecurity) really help increase your chances. Large tech, finance, healthcare, and research firms are more open to hiring international graduates. So while the path is not easy, with planning, relevant experience, and the right employer, many students do secure jobs and extend their stay successfully.

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Hey @Chandhu03

Thanks so much for breaking down the US job market, that was really helpful! Just to follow up, could you share a bit about how the co-op opportunities? Are companies still actively recruiting for co-ops, and how crucial is that experience for post-graduation roles right now?

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Hey @siddharth_explorer I’m really glad that helped you out! And that’s a great follow-up co-ops and internships are honestly one of the best things you can take advantage of while studying in the US. A lot of universities, especially the ones with strong STEM or business programs, have really good support systems to help students find co-op roles. Even now, companies are actively hiring for these positions, especially in fields like tech, data, biotech, and finance. It might feel competitive sometimes, but with the right resume, some networking, and good timing, landing a co-op is definitely doable and it’s totally worth the effort.

From what I’ve seen (and heard from friends studying there), that hands-on experience is super valuable when you’re looking for a full-time job later. It’s not just about learning on the job it shows employers that you already understand how things work in a professional setting. Plus, many students actually end up converting their co-ops into full-time roles or at least getting solid referrals. So yeah, if you’re heading to the US, I’d say co-ops are not just helpful they’re kind of a game-changer.