Introduction
International students set to do Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the U.S. face unique challenges such as limited access to certain job markets and high competition.One way to develop an edge during the OPT job hunt is to utilize industry knowledge which means developing specialized insight into an industry.This article helps international students to answer how to find OPT jobs in the USA faster by using industry knowledge.
Why Is OPT Important for International Students?
Finding the right OPT jobs is essential for international students since it is the ideal opportunity for them to gain work experience in the U.S.This is also the most common route through which graduates can pave the way to getting secure employment in the country.Overall, to have smooth U.S. immigration after optional practical training finishes, international students need to work hard and demonstrate their value during the OPT.
How Utilizing Industry Knowledge Can Accelerate Job Hunting on OPT?
Below are some of the ways how industry knowledge can help land jobs on OPT for international students:
- Targeted Job Search
To stand out as a quality candidate, students need to differentiate themselves on what they can offer to employers among the various OPT visa job applicants.By developing industry knowledge, students can have a more targeted job search that prioritizes getting replies and calls from the applications sent rather than applying with only quantity in mind.
- Better Interview Preparation
Once the international students do land an interview, here too, they can have an upper hand if they have high industry knowledge.For example, let's take a case where 5 candidates interviewed for an internship position in software engineering at an e-commerce company.If one of the candidates can mention the relevant industry trends shaping this industry and what new technologies are upcoming, they can impress the employer.
- Higher Skill Alignment
Optional Practical Training job opportunities usually look for skills in applicants that can align with the job offer.Though employers may not expect you to be an expert, demonstrating relevant and high-demand skills to the industry can help to stand out.For instance, a technology company might prefer a candidate who has developed more knowledge regarding Generative AI which is set to be an important technology for the future.
- Demonstrating Industry-Specific Projects
Furthermore, if the students have done some projects that are relevant to the industry, this would be a big plus too.A case in point, if a student has created a small application related to blockchain, crypto companies would be much more likely to hire them over other candidates.
How to Build Industry Knowledge for Successful Job Hunting on OPT?
Now that it is clear why industry knowledge is so important to land jobs as an international student, let’s explore some of the ways to build it for a successful OPT job hunt:
- Develop In-Demand Skills
Consider taking online courses and certifications for in-demand skills within the industry you are interested in. Some good platforms for taking courses include Coursera, edX, and Udemy.Additionally, it is also a good idea to participate in various open-source projects that can help you practice building your skills and develop a portfolio in the process.Such projects can be found on platforms such as GitHub and SourceForge.Furthermore, you can also look into the bootcamp offered by Algorizin, where we offer a placement in the tech project to help you gain hands-on experience.
- Research Key Industry Trends
Identify the key areas of growth that are expected in an industry for the future, and study in-depth regarding them.For instance, a person interested in the cloud computing industry may want to look into edge computing and serverless computing which are growing domains within it.By studying various industry publications and reports along with credible websites on the internet, students can find the necessary insights.
- Seek Mentorship from Industry Experts
Try to connect with various industry experts and ask for their mentorship and guidance. Many people are open to helping students in getting into an industry.Furthermore, the mentors can also help to connect you with opportunities through referrals.
- Analyze Job Postings in the Industry
An effective tactic to get an understanding of what skills and knowledge matter right now to the employers is to study the job postings within it.For example, a Machine Learning Engineer may find that prompt engineering is mentioned more nowadays in job posts and thus build knowledge in that domain.
Key Strategies for OPT Job Hunting
Once you start building up industry knowledge, it is also important to have a strategy when applying for OPT jobs. Some effective strategies include:
- Resume and Profile Optimization
More than 95% of Fortune 500 companies use an applicant tracking system or “ATS”. As a result, 75% of resumes are never read by a human since the ATS filters for suitable candidates.To make sure the resume reaches recruiters, it is important to align the resume to the specific industry and make it ATS-friendly.This can be done by using relevant keywords mentioned in the job posting and also prioritizing experiences that align with the job.
- Network with Industry Professionals
85% of jobs are found through networking. Additionally, 70% of jobs are never publicly published.This demonstrates that networking can be a highly effective way to land referrals and job interviews.One way to find relevant events is through your university’s career center. It is also a good idea to visit job fairs where you can meet and network with recruiters from various industries.
- Highlight Industry-Specific Projects
Showcase the relevant projects, coursework, or volunteer work you have done in the past which are relevant to the role you are applying to.Make sure to detail the skills you utilized, the challenges you overcame, and the impact of your work.
- Practice Your Interview Skills
Practicing your interview skills can help building confidence and avoid common mistakes.Utilizing the career services of your university can be beneficial as they can help provide common interview questions and also conduct mock interviews.
Conclusion
The OPT job hunt can be challenging for many students. But, by developing industry knowledge and using the strategies mentioned in this article, students can stand out.Algorizin has helped international students from all over the world land high-paying tech jobs in the U.S. Get in touch with our team to learn how we can help you land job faster on your OPT.
FAQs
How can I find OPT-specific job opportunities?
Explore job search platforms that specialize in OPT and H-1B visa sponsorship positions. Also, visit job fairs that are focused on recent graduates.
Which industries have high demand for international talent and are likely to hire OPT students?
Industries with high demand for international talent in the U.S. include Information Technology, Engineering, and Healthcare. Especially within IT, software development and data analytics have high demand and skill gaps. Check out the H-1B Hub by USCIS which will help you determine which companies are interested in immigrant workers.
How much time does it take to get an OPT job?
The time it takes to secure an OPT job can vary widely based on factors such as industry, job market conditions, and your qualifications. Generally, it can take from a few weeks to several months.
What are the top in-demand skills for OPT students?
The hard skills that are in demand can vary by industry. But, some universally in-demand soft skills include empathy, communication, problem-solving, and time management.
What are some common challenges faced by OPT job seekers?
Common challenges on OPT for international students are complex visa requirements, limited time frames for employment authorization, and limited access to certain industries.
Can I apply for OPT jobs outside of my major field of study?
The OPT jobs need to be directly related to the student’s major field of study and the degree they are pursuing. However, it's often enough that the role is partially related to your studies and you're able to show that you gained required skills throughout your coursework. If you still have questions, our team is here to help: https://www.algorizin.com/immigration.
Are there remote work opportunities while on OPT?
Yes, remote work opportunities are available for those on OPT, as long as the job meets the OPT requirements set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What salary range can I expect for OPT positions in the US?
As per Zip Recruiter, the average OPT salary was $35 /hour, with the lowest being $15.87 and the highest being up to $77.88.
How can I leverage my OPT experience to secure a long-term position in the U.S.?
Focus on building your skills during the OPT period and develop trust among your employer to continue employment as this can help to transition from OPT to H-1B.