I Graduated from College as an International Student, so What’s Next?

It’s day 19 since my graduation. I’ve sent out 78 job applications so far, and still haven’t landed an interview. My feeling of relief after passing finals now has turned into a full-fledged panic attack of failure in getting hired and thoughts that I have to return to my home country. I am fully qualified and I am a hard worker, but it’s always been hard to stay in the U.S. after graduation as an international student.
When I first came to the United States from Indonesia three years ago, I packed my bags and left home with a one-way ticket to San Francisco, California. I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Journalism from Academy of Art University. I finished the four-year degree in less than three years with a 3.92 GPA. During my study, I made sure to become an honor student, join extracurricular activities, and complete multiple internships.

Just like many international students, I find hurdles to U.S. employment upon graduation despite my qualifications. Applying for an Optional Practical Training (OPT), an extension of F-1 student visa that allows international students to work in their field of study for one year, is not a quick process that guarantees anyone a chance to work in the U.S.
Finding a job is never easy, but it’s even harder for international students.
Most job application forms often require me to answer a question if I will need a visa sponsorship now or in the future. I feel this is a filter that put me at the bottom of the applicant list. Many employers are often reluctant to deal with visa and immigration issues, especially following the Trump administration’s executive order last spring encouraging employers to “hire American.” Based on a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, less than one-fourth of employers plan to hire international students in 2018.

I honestly don’t know what the future holds and I still don’t have a success story of getting a job in the U.S., but I want to share my journey and lessons that I’ve learned along the way. I am sure that there are a lot of international students that want to stay in the U.S. and facing the same problem. My hope is someone will see my dedication and talent and will give me an opportunity to attain the American dream.
Fingers crossed!
