Essential Skills International Students Will Need to Enter the U.S. Workforce

Whether you’re looking for part-time work while studying abroad or seeking employment in the U.S. after graduation, job hunting in the United States can be a challenge for international students. Why?

Hiring procedures and workplace cultures vary widely in different geographic regions. This can lead to misunderstandings between you and your potential employer. Additionally, employers may hold unfair biases, worry that you may return home after a few months, or wonder whether you can communicate effectively.

With plenty of preparation and planning, you can add working abroad to your professional experience. Below, we will discuss hard and soft skills that you can cultivate in advance of your travels and continue to grow throughout your sojourn in the U.S.

Focus on Your Communication Skills

English is the primary language, and the majority of U.S. residents are not multilingual. In order to attend class and get around, you will likely have to rely on your own English skills.

Communication is also one of the biggest hurdles you may have to overcome in entering the U.S. workforce. Some of the challenge comes from the misconception that foreign-born workers may not speak English fluently. You can overcome this bias by demonstrating clear and confident communication in English.

What if your language skills require improvement? Attend language classes or use apps like Duolingo to work on your language skills each day. Look for opportunities to use your conversational skills, whether in person or online.

Don’t neglect reading in your target language. Author Mihai Mănescu put it this way: “See reading as a gateway to fearless adventures and life lessons.” It is also a great way to build vocabulary.

Digital Literacy

Digital literacy is as important if not more important than your English language skills. Long before you embark on your journey, you will need to use internet resources. For example, you must research student visa and work visa requirements. Likely, you will also need to submit your college acceptance and visa applications online.

If you want to begin working concurrently with your schooling, you should also start your job search long before your arrival. In the U.S., job searches often take months or more. Use job search websites and your university’s resources to look for and apply for openings. Set up an English-language LinkedIn profile. Include your school affiliation, and set your profile to “open to work” to attract recruiters.

In many parts of the world, static CVs are common job application documents, but U.S. resumes are a bit different. You can use your CV and plug the information into an online resume builder to easily create a U.S.-style resume.

Digital literacy can help in another way. There are many remote jobs, both based in the U.S. and in other countries. They range from tutoring children to computer coding. Consider looking for a remote job you can take with you, especially if you’re having difficulty in your job search.

Finally, digital literacy goes hand-in-hand with your communication skills. You will be able to quickly and easily look up information or translate your thoughts when needed.

Be Adaptable

Adaptability and flexibility are vital qualities. Not only will you experience a learning curve that is inherent with starting a new job. You will be adapting to a new and unfamiliar culture. Workplace practices may differ greatly from those you are comfortable with.

Be open to new experiences. Cultivate curiosity regarding the customs of those around you. Try new ways of doing things. The day-to-day experiences you are exposed to will help you see things from different angles. It will also go a long way to developing yet another skill: cultural competency.

Patience and empathy are also needed to foster adaptability. Keep in mind that cultural stigmas may flavor your interactions with some people you meet. Be patient with them and forgiving to a reasonable degree. If negative interactions occur, remain calm and seek appropriate help to prevent the situation from escalating.

Leverage Multilingual Skills

If you speak one or more languages in addition to English, you have in your possession highly marketable skills. Look for translation or interpreter jobs in your language.

Translation work is often done remotely online. Interpreters are often needed by hospitals, law firms, government offices, and other service providers, especially when there is a strong language presence in the community. The caveat with interpreting is that it is often an on-call/as-needed position. You may have long periods with no work, or you may be called upon to work at inconvenient times.

Key Takeaways

Studying and working as a student in the United States can be an enriching life experience. It may unlock doors to other career opportunities, but it takes a lot of preparation, adaptability, and empathy. It also comes with its own unique challenges. When you cultivate good communication skills, digital literacy, and adaptability, these qualities will help you to succeed.

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