• USA

How to Get a Job in USA as an Indian Student?

493 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:May 28,2024 01:22 PM IST

An estimated 1.5 million Indian students study abroad for better opportunities and career growth.
F-1 visa allows students to work on campus while studying at US universities.
CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT Extension may allow students to work off-campus if the course requires it.

How to Get a Job in USA as an Indian Student.webp

From the Taj Mahal to Times Square, Indian students bring a unique blend of talent and work ethic to the workforce. US companies know this, which is why they prefer hiring Indian students. It works in our favour, though, as Indian students get the opportunity to gain experience, get high wages, and grow in their careers. However, finding jobs in the USA for Indian students can be daunting as the competition is facing its all-time high, and the recession is only fueling the fire. Now, students may wonder if getting a job in the US is even possible, and if so, how. Well, the answer is simple: research the US job market and select universities that are proven to help students reach their goals via placements and internships.

USA Job Market

The USA is a beacon of vibrant culture, world-class universities, and a booming job market. According to statistics presented by 'The Economic Times,' an estimated 1.5 million Indian students are studying abroad, and the number has increased eightfold since 2012. Most of these students are estimated to have chosen the US because it offers a perfect platform to launch one's career and grab exciting job opportunities. The US may offer a compelling landscape brimming with potential, but you must first learn what you need to land a job.

Below are the requirements an Indian student must fulfil to get a job in the USA:

Be a Skilled Professional	You must become a skilled professional in highlighting areas like technology, healthcare, engineering, and finance.
Bridge the Skills Gap	You must be able to bridge any skill gaps seamlessly and integrate them into the US workforce.
Get an Appropriate Visa	Finding jobs in the USA without a proper visa is difficult, so you must carefully select from the various visa options for Indian students.

Job Opportunities in USA for Indian Students

The US education system is all about grooming students into their best selves and equipping them with the skills required to work efficiently in the real world. That's also why so many international students fly to the US to study there; getting the opportunity to work is cheery on top. Other than that, US universities offer placements and internship opportunities that allow students to get familiar with professionals, make connections, and lay a strong foundation for their long careers.

International students can also use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) for job hunting. However, job opportunities in the USA for Indian students generally include on-campus jobs only.

On-Campus Jobs in USA for Indian Students

Students with F-1 visas in the USA can work part-time, up to 20 hours per week, and full-time during vacations. Almost every US university provides on-campus jobs, and here are some of the jobs opportunities that may be available at your university also:

Department	Job Profile	Job Description
Academic Support	Tutoring and Teaching Assistant Research Assistant	This job requires you to share your academic knowledge and assist fellow students. Here, you can tutor introductory courses in your field of study or become a teaching assistant and support professors with lectures and assignments As a research assistant, you can do your research and work simultaneously. Work closely with the professors on ongoing projects and contribute to cutting-edge discoveries in your field.
Administrative and Technical Support	Library Assistant Departmental Assistant IT Support	You may need to assist staff by organizing library resources and providing research assistance. This profile provides valuable administrative experience by helping professors and departments with tasks like record-keeping, data entry, and communication. This profile is suitable for students with skills in technology and troubleshooting technical issues faced by students/ faculty. IT support provides vital support for the university's digital infrastructure.
Campus Services	Residence Life Dining Halls and Cafeterias Campus Events and Activities	Create a welcoming environment for students living on campus, organize events, and provide guidance and support. Work in on-campus eateries and gain experience in food service and customer interaction. Assist with organizing events, conferences, and cultural activities, fostering a vibrant campus community.

Off-Campus Jobs in USA for Indian Students

According to the US government, F-1 visa students may not work off-campus during their first academic year. But, After the completion of the first academic year, students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)

Below are some of the off-campus jobs that fall under these categories:

Type	Job Profile	Job Description
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)	Research Assistant Software Development Intern Field Assistant	Assist professors with ongoing research projects. Work on software development projects for a company. Participate in fieldwork or data collection projects for a company.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)	Technical Support Specialist Content Writer Lab Technician	Provide technical support to customers for companies. Create content for companies in your field. Assist with lab experiments in a research facility related to your field.
STEM OPT Extension	Software Engineer Data Scientist Network Engineer	Develop software applications for companies in the tech industry. Analyze large databases and build models to extract insights for companies. Design, implement, and maintain computer networks for companies.

All these and many other jobs are available in the USA for Indian students, but it all comes down to how well you search for and apply for a job. Most of the time, students shoot blindly for any job opening, which is inefficient. To get a good job, you need to narrow down your search and start from there.

How to Find a Job in the USA?

The USA is a brain-gaining country, i.e., it enjoys a greater migration of skilled individuals, which makes it challenging for Indian students to find a job in the USA. However, it is not impossible; you just need to put in some effort, starting with finding at the right place.

You can find various on-campus job offers by using these four basic tactics:

Seek guidance from seniors	Seniors usually know about the campus and the job opportunities offered by the university, which makes it the best way to use their wisdom and land an on-campus job.
Career Center	Every university has a career centre that you can visit for guidance and job openings.
Networks	Joining clubs and student organizations can help you make networks and obtain information or a job opportunity to work on campus.
Ask different offices	You can go around the campus and ask different departments if there's any job available for you. If they don't have any openings at the moment, you can provide them with your contact information in case an opportunity arises in the near future.

Tips to Write a Compelling CV & Cover Letter

Below are the top tips and strategies you can follow to write the best CV or cover letter for yourself.

Item	Tips to craft a compelling CV and Cover Letter
Update your CV	Ensure your CV includes all the important information a recruiter may require to decide and hire you. Here are some of the common items that you must have in your CV: Name and contact information Educational background Achievements Leadership experience Technical skills Project experience Internship experience Work experience
Cover Letter	Adding a cover letter lets you personalize your application and advocate for yourself. It allows you to convey how you are the perfect fit for the job.
Keep it concise	Adding long paragraphs may make the hiring manager discard your application, even if you meet all the requirements. So try to keep everything concise and add important information only.
Tailor every application	Customize every application, CV, and cover letter according to the job you are applying for to increase your chances of getting selected. Try emphasizing the skills and experience that click with the job profile the most.
Keep it professional	Informal writing in cover letters and CVs may sound unprofessional, so avoid using slang and stick to professional language.
Highlight achievement	Highlighting achievements gives you leverage, especially if you have an achievement in managing a project with a positive result.
Include keywords	A company receives thousands of applications a day, and most of the time, the recruiter doesn't have the time to hand-pick the candidates, so they use a machine that filters out the most suitable candidate. The recruiter feeds the keywords of the skills they are looking for, and the machine uses them to shortlist the candidates for the interview. So, make sure you include the keywords relevant to the job description.

Learn some job interview tips, and you will be all set and ready to apply for jobs in the USA.

Conclusion

As an Indian student, you must choose the right university and know how to advocate for yourself to experience a seamless process of finding and applying for jobs in the USA. It may not be easy at first, but you can level up your skills under the guidance of the study abroad consultants. Canam Consultants provides excellent advice on the program and university that best meet your academic goals and aspirations. With a positive mindset and the help of the experts, studying or working in the US is a dream within reach.

FAQ

Are there any skills most in demand for Indian students in the US job market?

You can focus on developing technology, healthcare, engineering, and finance skills. It would help if you also strived to bridge any skill gap you may have to align yourself with the US industry's needs.

How can a student find a job in the US as an Indian student?

Try focusing on job search, utilize university resources like career centers, tap into the network through clubs and organizations, and inquire directly with departments on campus.

How can Canam Consultants help Indian students to find jobs in the US?

Canam can advise you on selecting the program and university that best aligns with your academic and career goals.

Is it possible for Indian students to land a job in the US?

The competition is tough, but you can get a job in the USA by choosing universities with strong career centers and internship programs for students in the market.

What are some examples of off-campus jobs for Indian students with CPT or OPT?

Several programs open doors to jobs like research assistant, software development intern, field assistant, technical support specialist, etc.

What are some of the on-campus job opportunities available for Indian students?

US universities offer various on-campus jobs such as tutor, research assistant, library assistant, department assistant, etc.

What are some tips for writing a strong CV and cover letter?

Here are some tips you can use to improve your CV and cover letter:

Keep the CV updated
Personalize the cover letter for each job
Highlight achievement
Use keywords

What kind of visa can an Indian student use to work in the US while studying?

F-1 visa allows students to work on campus in the US along with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT Extension for off-campus opportunities.

What role does the university play in finding a job in the US?

The university can make a big difference, and you must choose a university with strong career support and internship programs that connect students with potential employers.

When can Indian students on F-1 work off-campus?

Off-campus work is generally not allowed during the first academic year. After that, you may be eligible for CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT Extension programs, depending on the course.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

Southern Cross University - Sydney Campus

New South Wales, Australia • 20 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 32500-33000 / year

Shorelight Group - University of Illinois Springfield

Illinois, USA • 6 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 0-0 / year

Shorelight Group - University of South Carolina

South Carolina, USA • 318 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 32000-41500 / year

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus

Western Australia, Australia • 8 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 25500-26000 / year

Navitas Group - Curtin College

Western Australia, Australia • 85 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 15500-39500 / year

Navitas Group - Griffith College - Gold Coast Campus

Queensland, Australia • 172 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 31000-38000 / year

INTO Group - UWA College

Western Australia, Australia • 927 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 32000-48000 / year

EDUCO - California State University - Channel Islands (CSUCI)

California, USA • 55 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 18000-19000 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Canadian Universities & Colleges Admissions Fair & Workshop

Study in Canada

18th Sep to 28th Sept, 24 • 11:00AM to 05:00PM

In-Person & Virtual Event

Scholarship Day for USA

Study in USA • Application Days

Hyderabad-Kukatpally • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

Live Webinar with Q&A on Pathways to In-Demand Careers in Healthcare

Study in Canada • Webinar

06:00PM

Virtual Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

Why Study MBA From Canada?

Are you considering to study an MBA in Canada but feeling unsure about your decision? There's no need to worry! According to data by IRCC, o...

Updated on • Jul 26,2024 05:14 PM IST • Study in Canada

CELPIP Writing Section: Email Writing Task 1

CELPIP is one of the highly known English language proficiency test in Canada. If you want to live in Canada permanently, you must take this test. It ...

Updated on • Jul 26,2024 03:30 PM IST • CELPIP

Why Study MBA in Ireland?

IntroductionIf you plan to pursue an MBA while being easy on your wallet, look no further than Ireland! This country has some government-fun...

Updated on • Jul 26,2024 01:06 PM IST • Study in Ireland

Student Life in Germany

Germany is known for its affordable education and top-class universities in Europe, but what is it like to become a student at a German univ...

Updated on • Jul 25,2024 05:28 PM IST • Study in Germany

Improve IELTS Listening Skills

Are you anxious about the IELTS test you are about to appear for? Do the accents and language currently appear foreign to you? You can always learn a ...

Updated on • Jul 25,2024 05:22 PM IST • IELTS

Why Study MBA in UK

In today’s world, where new businesses are emerging daily, youngsters worldwide also want to enter the start-up world. They want in-depth ...

Updated on • Jul 25,2024 03:08 PM IST • study in the UK

Complete Undergraduate Admissions Guide to Study in Germany

Ever dreamt of studying in a land steeped in history and innovation? Germany, a powerhouse of education and engineering, beckons you with it...

Updated on • Jul 23,2024 01:59 PM IST • Study in Germany

10 Part-time Jobs in UK for International Students

The UK (United Kingdom) offers plenty of opportunities to International students for part-time employment, internships, and post-study employment, ass...

Updated on • Jul 23,2024 01:47 PM IST • study in the UK

Part-time Jobs in Canada for International Students

Canada has been a popular study-abroad destination for Indian students, particularly in the past decade of 2013 – 2023. This is likely to be further...

Updated on • Jul 20,2024 12:52 PM IST • Study in Canada

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics and Questions

One has to develop ideas on different topics and learn to answer various questions before taking up the IELTS speaking module. The IELTS speaking test...

Updated on • Jul 16,2024 05:46 PM IST • IELTS

F-1 visa for international students: Eligibility, Application, Requirements and Process

Congratulations! Did you get accepted at your preferred university in USA? You are closer to advanced research facilities, a diverse culture, and care...

Updated on • Jul 16,2024 04:37 PM IST • USA

Top 10 Benefits of Studying in Australia for Indian Students

Lately. Australia has emerged as one of the most popular study abroad destinations among Indian students. According to the QS Best Student Cities 2024...

Updated on • Jul 15,2024 05:41 PM IST • Australia

How Can Overseas Study Experience Help You In Your Career?

Making decisions like studying overseas can be very overwhelming. As a student, your mind must be surrounded by lots of questions such as - what are t...

Updated on • Jul 15,2024 03:31 PM IST • Study Abroad

Study Medicine in Germany

Are you an international student planning to study medicine in Germany? We want to tell you are going in the right direction, as Germany hosts world-c...

Updated on • Jul 13,2024 05:59 PM IST • Study in Germany

Grading System in USA

Studying in the USA is an investment for the future as the country provides high-quality education to students. Many international students dream of s...

Updated on • Jul 12,2024 05:59 PM IST • USA

Benefits of 1+1 Programs in Canada

Canada welcomes international students to explore its high-quality education system, diverse culture, and excellent career opportunities. It offers un...

Updated on • Jul 12,2024 04:06 PM IST • Study in Canada

Facts to Know Before Studying in Australia

When you decide to pursue your studies in Australia, there are so many things that you should know before actually moving to the country. Kn...

Updated on • Jul 12,2024 03:38 PM IST • Australia

Australian Student Visa Interview Questions and Answers

Starting a study abroad journey can be overwhelming and this decision needs courage. If you are someone who decided to study abroad, so proud of you! ...

Updated on • Jul 11,2024 03:26 PM IST • Australia

TOEFL Accepted Universities in USA

Navigating the requirements for admission into universities in the USA reveals a wide spectrum of TOEFL score expectations. The TOEFL exam, with its f...

Updated on • Jul 08,2024 05:49 PM IST • TOEFL

Why take Study Abroad Counselling?

Many Indian students dream of studying abroad. However, choosing the right institute and course can be a real challenge. After all, your fut...

Updated on • Jul 08,2024 05:30 PM IST • Study Abroad

How to Get a Job in USA as an Indian Student?

Table of Contents

USA Job Market

Job Opportunities in USA for Indian Students

On-Campus Jobs in USA for Indian Students

Off-Campus Jobs in USA for Indian Students

How to Find a Job in the USA?

Tips to Write a Compelling CV & Cover Letter

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams