Career Placement Concerns of International Graduate Students: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This qualitative study investigates the career placement concerns of international graduate students returning to their home countries, heading to other countries, or remaining in the United States after their education. Using a phenomenological framework, structured interviews were conducted with 24 participants (i.e., 18 international students, 1 naturalized status student, 3 faculty members, and 2 career counselors). Assertions that emerged suggested that the students possess diverse career plans influenced by numerous unique factors. Major, gender, and geography were not salient factors affecting the students' career placement needs. Students used contacts in their academic fields far more than they used campus career services, due to negative perceptions of or limited services that the center could provide. Based on these findings, more outreach to the international student community and collaboration between the career counseling and placement center and other campus departments are recommended.

Career development influences of international students who pursue permanent immigration to Canada

“…This is not surprising, as recent research indicated that international students' primary concerns are job search and placement (Shen & Herr, 2004;Spencer-Rodgers, 2000). The international students in this study paired the prospect of working in Canada with the appeal of the comparatively high standard of living here, which included relative stability and safety.…”

“…In the third phase, new career planning issues may emerge when students approach the end of their educational programs. For example, when international students intend to return home, they may seek assistance with career services such as job searching and learning ways to transfer their educational experiences to their home countries (Shen & Herr, 2004;Spencer-Rodgers, 2000). In Canada, international students can expand their career plans by applying for a postgraduation work permit to enhance their qualifications for permanent immigration under the Canadian Experience Class (CIC, 2008).…”

International students' experiences of integrating into the workforce

“…Again, career services personnel could educate students in their 1st and 2nd years of study about the importance of networking, volunteerism, job search skills, and opportunities for pregraduation work experience or internships. Previous research shows that relevant work experience, in the form of internships or teaching assistantships while in school, enhances students' foundation of experience for pursuing employment after graduation (Shen & Herr, 2004).…”

Key Relationships for International Student University-to-Work Transitions

“…In Canada, approximately 30% of international student graduates change their immigration status to gain additional employment experience (Centre for Educational Research and Innovation, 2011). As students consider their options for employment, career counseling might be helpful in reviewing personal, cultural, and systemic influences on their decision (Arthur, 2007;Shen & Herr, 2004).…”