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

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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.

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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

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