Everything You Need to Know About Studying and Working in the US

Whether you’re looking to study or work overseas, picking the right destination is critical in shaping your experience, and the United States of America (USA or US) consistently ranks as a top choice for students worldwide. In fact, the country has the largest international student population, with nearly 950,000 students pursuing higher education in the USA, and it’s not hard to see why.

Boasting some of the highest-paying jobs worldwide, the USA offers exciting career prospects for graduates. When choosing your host country, the quality of education is paramount, and the USA’s higher education system boasts some of the top-ranking universities in the world.

The US’ leading education system

In American universities, how classes are conducted is deeply rooted in experiential learning, where students are encouraged to learn through active participation in discussions, brainstorming, and debates. This dynamic approach helps you put theory into practice and gain exposure to diverse viewpoints as you engage with your peers.

Moreover, many universities in the USA also make substantial investments in research and facilities that allow students to undertake tangible studies incorporating real-world experimentation and fieldwork. This hands-on learning experience further solidifies your theoretical knowledge and practical capabilities, enabling you to translate them into professional practice quickly and stand out in the global job market. Take a minute to check up on the American universities and courses on offer via the IDP Live app.

Diverse work opportunities in the USA

Besides practical experience gained during your studies, having professional experience is equally vital in the modern skills-driven era, especially if you’re aiming to work overseas in the USA after graduation. This is echoed in a study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), which showed that an internship experience is the most influential factor in determining if a graduate receives a job offer.

Student visa

But before you start searching for jobs, remember that the type of student visa you hold dictates your suitability for employment in the USA. As such, understanding the terms and conditions of your visa is essential to ensure that you keep your student status in good standing while you work. Generally, here are the categories of student visas that you may come across:

1. F-1 student visa

An F-1 student visa is awarded to students looking to enrol in an accredited college or university in the USA or study English at an English language institute. Under this visa, you can pursue an internship limited to 20 work hours per week on-campus or at a location off-campus that is educationally affiliated. This means that your job must be connected to your school's curriculum or research projects.

2. J-1 student visa

Meanwhile, the J-1 student visa is typically issued to students enrolled in a work-study exchange programme accredited by the US State Department's Exchange Visitor Programme.

If you are studying abroad for the first time, understanding how visa applications work can be tricky. But fret not. Our experienced overseas education placement consultants at IDP are just a click away. With our team’s guidance, navigating the process is a breeze.

Securing overseas internships

With visa considerations in hand, the next step is to secure your internship overseas.

1. Leveraging on-campus resources

To get started, you can reach out to your chosen university, as many schools in the USA have career offices dedicated to assisting international students with scoring work opportunities curated for students.

Meanwhile, some schools, such as Baylor University, have dedicated career teams to help you identify your career path, build tailored action plans to achieve your aspirations and connect with potential employers. To secure a work attachment that best aligns with your personality and objectives, speaking to your university’s career advisor is recommended before you apply for internships.

2. Networking events

In addition to utilising university resources, networking events, such as industry conferences and general university events, are another invaluable tool. An example is the specialised career fairs that Harvard University hosts. By attending such events, students get the opportunity to be acquainted with leaders in their industry, opening doors to coveted overseas internships, future employment, mentorship opportunities, or personal recommendations that are invaluable during job searches.

Tips for job search post-graduation

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, around 23% of international students with master’s degrees and 12% of bachelor’s degree holders secure in-state employment after graduation. To increase your chances as a job seeker, you may want to use popular job boards in the USA, such as Workday, Indeed, and Glassdoor, when looking for opportunities.

Another tip is to be strategic about crafting your resume. As a rule of thumb, always customise your cover letter and resume for each application, aligning your skills and experiences with the job description and incorporating relevant keywords. Additionally, be sure to keep your resume concise, within one to two pages—and format it in reverse chronological order to highlight your most recent experiences first.

During the interview, you should also actively demonstrate how your background aligns with the role's requirements. Lastly, always compare the remuneration against industry standards to ensure fair compensation and to guide you in making potential negotiations with your recruiter.

Navigating entry requirements with IELTS

Whether you intend to study or work in the USA, demonstrating English proficiency through a recognised test is often one of the basic criteria to meet, and one such option is the IELTS. IELTS is the most recognised English proficiency test system in the world and is acknowledged by more than 3,400 educational entities in the USA, spanning from boarding schools to various programmes at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, professional, and law levels.

IELTS score requirements

If you’re aiming for one of the top universities in the USA, aiming for a higher score can substantially improve your chances of admission. This is because the average IELTS score is 6.22 to 6.38, but prestigious institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University, and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) often require a score above 6.5.

This means that candidates will have to prepare in earnest across the four tested domains of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Be sure to get the latest minimum IELTS scores for studying in the USA.

How to ace the IELTS online test

As practice makes perfect, one of the best ways to prepare is to start by attempting sample questions. This not only familiarises you with the test format but also with the marking rubrics, which can refine your answering techniques.

To help students prepare, IDP, which co-owns the IELTS test system, offers a wealth of free IELTS preparation materials, from informative articles to instructional videos and practice tests that mirror the actual test experience. You can easily find everything you need in our single consolidated hub to make sure you’re ready before you book your IELTS test online.

Apart from that, immerse yourself in the English language by listening to podcasts, watching YouTube videos, or reading books. This exposure to grammar and the diverse accents of native speakers will sharpen your listening and comprehension skills contribute to your performance, and get you ready for studying or for work in the USA.

Studying overseas is made easy with IDP

Studying in the USA is an exciting opportunity that can be an effective stepping stone for career success. To ensure a seamless journey for aspiring students, IDP offers comprehensive support. Whether you need information on studying overseas in the USA or advice on course selection, accommodations, and more, you can speak to an education advisor today to help you navigate your dream study and work experience.

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