Should international students negotiate salary? How the ineffective negotiation skills persists as they become new employees in a different culture?
Author: Rahul Choudaha, PhD
I’m the co-founder and CEO of DrEducation, LLC, a US-based research and consulting firm specializing in global higher education. I analyze trends impacting global student mobility and its implications for institutional growth and innovation strategies. As an adjunct, I have taught courses on international higher education at New York University and Baruch College. My lens to global higher education is shaped by the intersection of my cross-disciplinary education background. I hold a doctorate in Higher Education from the University of Denver and a bachelor’s in engineering and a master’s in business from India. Follow me on Twitter.com/DrEducationBlog
International students: Think career planning as a part of education abroad decision
International students should carefully plan their career goals as they are thinking of studying abroad options. This includes considering various experiential opportunities available on-campus and off-campus. They should also assess their skills and identify areas of strengths and improvements.
Research on Career Concerns of Chinese Business Students in the US
Research from Professor Xin Liu of University of San Diego indicates “a considerable consensus that social relationship has a significant impact on the job search of the participants who plan to return home. On the other hand, the participants who plan to stay in the U.S. are more concerned with cultural barriers. The results further indicate that career certainty and personal growth are also major concerns of the participants.”
Panel discussion on Diversity and Global Issues in the Workplace
Dr. Rahul Choudaha, Principal Coach of interEDGE.org joined an expert panel on”Diversity and Global Issues in the Workplace” at Stony Brook University. He highlighted the challenges faced by international students in transitioning from education to employment. The cross-cultural gaps regarding communication and confidence impede the potential of global talent.
Three ways Indian students maximize the career potential in the US higher education
Indian students in the US are value-seekers who try to minimise their cost of education, and maximise the potential for job and career advancement opportunities. Here are three broad factors that influence their decision-making processes and priorities.
STEM OPT Extension: Pros and cons for international students
International students searching for experiential training, job and internship opportunities in the US face several hardships. The recent uncertainty on OPT-Optional Practical Training STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) extension can jeopardize the career plans of many international students.
The mission and approach of interEDGE
The mission of interEDGE is to help international students and professional achieve their educational and career ambitions. Only one out of three international students was successful in receiving an H1-B work visa. At the same time, two out of three students who did not succeed in getting a job in the US have to adapt and find alternative career paths. interEDGE training and coaching services help international students to improve their chances of success in the US and beyond by leveraging a model of 3C’s–confidence, communication, and connections.
Cross-cultural barriers for career success of international students
Research suggests that international students struggle to adapt to cultural norms and expectations in the United States job market. In terms of career development practices, group coaching for international students could be effective in reflecting and building on mutual experiences.
interEDGE Co-founder: Dr. Rahul Choudaha
Dr. Rahul Choudaha, Principal Coach, Co-founder, and CEO, brings over a decade of experience as an international educator. He researches, speaks, writes, and consults on international student trends. He was also the principal investigator of the NAFSA’s national research report on improving international student experiences.
interEDGE Co-founder: Di Hu
Di Hu, Principal Coach, Co-founder, and President, brings over a decade of experience as an intercultural trainer. She is a trained coach from the Coach Training Institute. She combines her cross-cultural training skills and coaching techniques to help international students and professionals achieve career success.
Disrupting your career pathways
International students seeking jobs in the US may find inspiration in four principles of disrupting career offered by Whitney Johnson, author of Disrupt Yourself: Putting the Power of Disruptive Innovation to Work.
International students face career challenges
Number of international students coming to the US has been increasing while the number of H1-B work visas has remained stagnant. For international students, the challenge of finding career pathways from OPT (Optional Practical Training) to work visa are increasing and competition is intensifying.
