After You Graduate From College

6. Understand Work Authorization For International Students

Now that you have graduated college, getting a job in the US is not as straightforward as you might think.

The US work visa system is very convoluted, which is why you need to familiarize yourself with it.

Here is the process, at an extremely low level:

• • Form I-20: Once you have been accepted, you fill out form I-20 to get the F-1 visa, after you present I-20 to the embassy or consulate.
  • F-1 Visa: The F-1 visa is what allows you to study in a relevant accredited institution. The F-1 is a non-immigrant visa, meaning it doesn’t count towards permanent residency.
  • OPT: After you graduate, you should, in most cases, be eligible for a 12 month period of Optional Practical Training 
  • EAD: While on OPT, you will be on an F-1 visa. At this time, you need to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which is what makes you eligible to work after an MBA in the USA. It is issued by USCIS.
  • Other Visas: After your OPT period ends, you may be eligible for other types of immigrant and nonimmigrant US visas, such as the H1-B visa for highly skilled workers, which is typically what people aim for after an MBA in the USA.

7. Research Your Companies

This goes without saying: lots of organizations, enterprises, and companies will openly advertise that they are hiring for specific managers, such as those with experience in HR, or supply chain, or something similar.

If you see a number of companies all looking for a particular skill set, then you know which part of your course to direct your energies onto.

That way, you can pick up a few extra classes in your final year, or help out in a related department during your internships, which will make getting a job after an MBA in the USA that much easier.

8. Target Your Job Search Properly

By far, the most important thing to keep in mind during your job search is that not all companies sponsor their employees. 

Now, for a short term gig, this is not an issue by any means, but if you are looking at long term employment after completing an MBA in the USA, then you need a company to sponsor you, because it makes getting an H1-B much easier.

The good news is that a lot of companies do sponsor work visas for high caliber international candidates, and the fact that you would have completed an MBA in the USA — home grounds for them, would make you a better fit for the company.

Read more about popular after-MBA jobs as explained by the Martin Tuchmann School of Management.

9. Stay Up To Date On Industry Developments

This is a crucial step for any international MBA student looking to build a career in the US, where relevant knowledge is given top priority — no one wants their manager to have five year old information.

You can stay up to date by reading industry-specific, or generally commended books, attending networking events, joining groups on social media, following publications like Forbes and the Wall Street Journal, etc.

10. Consider Temporary Positions

Sometimes, you might not get a job no matter how hard you try.

Do not give up, because something always comes through.

Considering a short term, fixed term, or temporary position may work to your advantage.

Such a move would have many benefits.

For starters, you begin to get that valuable, coveted work experience under your belt.

Secondly, such positions often have short notice periods, so if you do get a better offer you can take it.

Three, short term or temporary positions often materialize into permanent hires.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for jobs in the US before completing my MBA program?

Yes, you can apply for jobs in the US before completing your MBA program. However, employers may be more willing to hire candidates who have completed their degree or have relevant work experience. Additionally, international students may need to secure work authorization through the OPT or CPT programs.

2. Can I work part-time while studying for my MBA in the US?

Yes, international students can work part-time on campus while studying for their MBA in the US, as long as they maintain their F-1 student visa status. However, off-campus employment may require approval from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

3. How long does it take to obtain work authorization after completing an MBA in the US as an international student?

It depends on the type of work authorization, but typically it takes around 3-4 months to obtain OPT or CPT.

4. Is it necessary to have a job offer before applying for OPT or CPT?

No, it is not necessary to have a job offer before applying for OPT or CPT. However, you must have a job offer before your OPT or CPT starts.

5. Can I work off-campus during my MBA program in the US?

International students in the US with an F-1 visa are generally not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year. However, they may be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) during subsequent years of study. It is important to consult with your university’s international student office to understand the specific requirements and limitations of these programs.