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Tips on what an international students should do to get hired.

How to Do Well in College & Get Hired as International Student

If you are nearing the end of your university studies and ready to graduate, you are already ahead of most students who start but get stuck due to tough academics. However, what many international students don’t realize is that the job market for international students with a degree isn’t all that’s required to stand out in this AI-driven and fast-evolving competitive market.

If you are just in the planning phase for your study abroad journey, you have found this at just the right time. Don’t worry if you are late too; we have some tips that the rest of you can also use.

In this blog, we will share some of our personal, practical tips that have worked for almost all students in boosting their employability.

Let’s start with why grades aren’t everything:

You studied extremely hard during your university years, and upon graduation, you have a high GPA. However, the employer isn’t looking for high grades, but rather, those who will have a competitive advantage look for skills that are real-world ready.

Here are some of the examples:

  • Communication: How well do you communicate?
  • Leadership: Your experience in leading teams, student groups, or taking initiatives.
  • Internship or project-based learning: How did you utilize your college time or summer breaks to do something new?
  • Cultural adaptability: How well you understand the culture and how you adjusted?
  • Personal branding: How much did you learned in public?

It may sound small to a few, but these are the fundamental skills you need to add value to your future self and increase your hiring chances by 1000x. 

 

1. Get Real Experience Early (Yes, Even in Freshman Year)

🎯 Internships & Research Experience

Many students wait for the right time (or Senior Year), while only a few are committed to doing their best from the first day of university. Look for any opportunities you can find, from getting an on-campus job to working at your dorm cafeteria or securing a research assistantship with a professor. This will significantly aid in gaining real-world skills. Look for:

  • On-campus jobs in research labs, student offices, media teams, or at least the college cafeteria.
  • Remote internships with startups back home or globally.
  • Micro-internships via platforms like Tata Group or Hubspot Micro.

Real example: Akan, a Computer Science major from Ghana, landed a remote QA internship in their first year just by reaching out on LinkedIn and offering to test an app. That small gig helped them land a summer role at an AI-based SaaS startup later.

 

🤝 Volunteer Work Counts Too

Didn’t get a job/internship? You’re not alone. Don’t settle or give up, as the whole point is to get value from employers, who value you taking initiative. Do Volunteering as it will significantly aid you to:

  • Improve teamwork skills
  • Build a network,
  • And most importantly, build a resume that’s not empty

Look into:

  • Volunteer World
  • School-led community programs
  • Campus clubs organizing charity events

If not all of these, consider consulting with your advisor or joining a club to get tips on organizing a small event, such as a blood donation drive or a Design Thinking workshop. Your college will definitely welcome such an initiative.

 

2. Build in Public for Students

💼 Make LinkedIn your new gram.

Almost 85% of users who post for the first time on LinkedIn feel scared, but trust me, that isn’t something to be scared about. LinkedIn has a very supportive community. Start building your profile before you even board your flight to the U.S. Use it to:

  • Document projects, classwork, or part-time gigs
  • Follow companies and recruiters
  • Engage with posts to boost visibility
  • Write articles or even a few lines about things you read

Tip: Try to post content with a good hook so that it gets maximum visibility:

“Built a student budget app using React & Firebase as part of a team of 4. Learned a ton about API integration & time management 💡”

🌐 Create a Digital Portfolio

Suppose you’re in a creative or tech field. In that case, having a personal portfolio is as essential as having a passport to travel abroad.

Use tools like:

  • Notion
  • GitHub Pages
  • Host your website using Vercel or Netlify
  • Wix or Carrd for simple personal websites

 

3. Join Campus Organizations and Actually Show Up

Did I hear you say, “Aren’t those for free snacks and enjoyment?”

Oh dear, they are there to help students like you make meaningful connections, network, exchange ideas, and create a culture, all of which can contribute to building a career.

Look for clubs related to:

  • Your major (e.g., AI Clubs, Physics Club, Marketing Association)
  • Cultural interests (e.g., Nepali Student Association, African Student Union)
  • Leadership opportunities (Student Government, Residence Hall councils)
  • And one for your hobby (Running Clubs, Painting, MUNs)

Personal Experience: During internships or job interviews, recruiters often ask about leadership experience. Clubs provide those stories.

 

4. Use Career Services (Most Students Skip This)

Out of all the services provided by your university, this is likely one of the most underutilized. Universities often open a dedicated Career Center for their students. Still, many of them are unaware of or overlook its importance.

Take advantage of:

  • Resume reviews tailored for the job market
  • Mock interviews
  • Career fairs (yes, even online ones!)
  • OPT/CPT guidance for international students
  • A business formal outfit is suitable for your interviews, and some universities also offer this option as an alternative.

Pro tip: Schedule a one-on-one session at the beginning of every semester. This will demonstrate your commitment and show your university that you are a genuine student.

 

5. Master Soft Skills Employers Love

You might be technically brilliant, but can you explain your ideas clearly? Can you lead a meeting or adapt quickly when things go wrong? Soft skills for international students (and for everyone, too) are a must-have.

Focus on developing:

  • Communication: Practice through group projects or public speaking clubs (e.g., Toastmasters)
  • Problem-solving: Join hackathons or case competitions
  • Empathy & teamwork: Volunteer, tutor, or mentor others

 

6. Network Like Your Career Depends on It (Because It Does, no cap!)

 

Networking tips for international students:

👋 Start Small

  • Talk to seniors in your major
  • Attend department events and alums meetups
  • Maintain a very healthy relationship with your Professor
  • Email guest speakers and say thanks (and maybe ask a thoughtful follow-up question)

🤳 Use LinkedIn Strategically

  • Send connection requests with a short intro
  • Engage with alums from your school
  • Join LinkedIn groups related to your field

Real story: Pravesh from Nepal connected with a Texas State University alum on LinkedIn, who later referred him for a summer internship at a fintech company.

Example of How to send connection request on LinkedIn:

“Hello {their name}, I am {your name}, a student at Fisk University studying Computer Science. I came across your profile and saw that you are also a Nepali Graduate from Fisk University, and are working in an EdTech Startup. I would love to connect with you and get a few minutes of your time to get tips on how to navigate {mention challenge or your goal: like getting a job, or studying for an interview, etc}.

Chances are you will be ghosted nine out of ten times, but the hustle will be worth it.

 

7. Understand the Job Market (and Visa Basics)

🧠 Know the Hiring Timeline

Every country has its own way of hiring or putting up a vacancy, and you need to do solid research about it. For example:

  • Tech internships typically hire in November/December for the Summer internship the following year
  • Finance roles can require interviews in September for next summer

📄 Understand About OPT/CPT

Visit your International Student Office frequently and become familiar with the rules as soon as possible, as many international students miss out on opportunities due to a lack of understanding of what’s expected of them. Some courses include an internship and research as part of their curriculum, giving you a competitive edge to start hunting for internships and securing a job. On the other hand, some programs have a specific time duration, which allows you 1-3 years after graduation to work in the field in which you graduated.

Conclusion: A degree may get you through the door, but skills are what open it up for you.

Being an international student in the U.S. is already a big win. But to stand out, you’ll need more than coursework and a diploma. Start early. Be curious. Always say yes to opportunities. And remember, your story is your superpower, and with good guidance, you can do this.

Stay tuned with FindMeUniversity, as we are building a product to guide international students like you.

Concluding tips: Keep a journal of your college journey, documenting projects, challenges, and achievements. Your story will shine when you face the interview or even in your resume.