The process of applying for jobs can be an anxiety-inducing experience. Revising resumes, submitting dozens of applications, preparing for interviews, encountering rejections, and waiting eagerly for return calls can be discouraging.
For international students, the ordeal can be significantly more challenging. Career Services at Illinois State University aims to ease the burden by partnering with the Office of International Engagement (OIE) to host the International Student Career Series (ISCS). The six-session series offered each semester provides programming catered specifically to the needs of international students.
Dr. Roopa Rawjee serves as OIE executive director and dedicates herself to facilitating the success of international students, both within campus boundaries and beyond. She said OIE is committed to a “deep and regular collaboration” with Career Services.
“Their resources make the job-hunting experience safe and positive,” Rawjee said. “For a student who is adapting to an education system, lifestyle, and employment culture that are likely very different from those in their home country, it is very easy to get overwhelmed or even scammed. From New Student Orientation to thematic workshops, and beyond, the OIE ensures that our students know about Career Services and all that they offer to support student success.”
Career Services also offers GoinGlobal, an online database where students can find jobs and internships abroad. Located within Hire-A-Redbird, GoinGlobal also provides a worldwide employment directory, career guides for students seeking international employment, and access to H-1B visa opportunities.
Henrique Villela, M.S. ’23, and Sarah Appiah, M.S.W. ’22, M.S. ’23, are Illinois State alumni who, as international students, benefitted from Career Service’s assistance. Villela is now the assistant director of public relations and communications for Illinois State’s Center for Civic Engagement. Appiah is employed as a social worker in Bloomington-Normal.
“The need for a special kind of visa and work authorization can take months to be processed, and it is a big hurdle for international students to get through when applying for a job in the U.S.,” Villela said. “Career Services helps teach international students how to market their skills and stand out in the job application process.”
Villela and Appiah say having a vision of where one can find employment is helpful, and speaking with someone who has been through the process makes the experience feel less lonely.
“During my graduate assistantship at Career Services, I learned the importance of ‘connection’ beyond the classroom,” Appiah said. “I had the opportunity to meet employers, alumni and other connections within the organization.”
As Career Services associate director for student relations, Quanisha Kumi-Darfour said she’s proud of the help her office provides.
“As our mission indicates, we’ve been able to empower and support Redbirds to achieve their professional goals by providing resources, experiences, and industry connections,” Kumi-Darfour said. “We must be in tune with our students and also with the industries they endeavor to enter. The mission we have put forth drives everything we do to help Redbirds achieve their career and academic goals.”
Programs such as the International Student Career Series aim to provide networking opportunities and insights for students preparing for the future. The career series includes an Immigration Clinic session with attorney and immigration expert Thomas Arkell. He discusses H-1B visas and other information for international students seeking employment in the U.S.
“I think the program that most stuck with me at first was the panel they had with international students who landed a job in the U.S. afterwards,” Villela said. “And they were just talking about their experience and how they got their jobs. I thought that was interesting, and it resonated with my goals that I had envisioned for myself and eventually achieved.”
In moments of uncertainty, it can be reassuring to hear from someone who has faced similar challenges and found success.
“Our offerings, especially in collaboration with OIE, employers, and alumni help our Redbirds to build their confidence as they make important life and career decisions. It is meaningful to students and also for us in Career Services, knowing that someone they are connected with has had similar experiences and understands the value of being willing and ready to support them along their journey,” Kumi-Darfour said.
Villela and Appiah continue to apply the advice they gained from Career Services to their current careers.
“Reach out to Career Services because staff will assist in restructuring your resume and cover letter,” Appiah said. “Also, attend programs, events, and career fairs to connect with employers and alumni and join social groups. Start connecting now. Don’t wait until you are done with your program.”
