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Popular Job Sectors in the USA

Technology and healthcare sectors had the most significant job opportunities and the highest salaries. Overseas students must be aware of the employment possibilities in their chosen academic subject. The most popular career sectors in the USA in 2022 are tech and IT, life sciences, marketing/creative, healthcare, e-commerce, retail, and business services. According to the data, the most sought-after professions in the USA are law, business management, computer science, and medicine. The average wages also indicate the same at different universities.

Information Technology

With the advent of digitization and cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, the IT sector contributed significantly to the economic recovery and impacted other sectors of the economy. For students majoring in computer science, placements have been profitable. As technology has become a more significant part of the economy, the field of information technology employment has advanced significantly. Technology is widely used in critical industries like health, retail, education, and professional services. Data analysis, analytical thinking, and research are crucial for employment in the information technology industry. Between 2019 and 2029, engagement in the IT and computer sectors is anticipated to increase by 11%.

Healthcare

The healthcare industry has advanced significantly due to new technologies and increased demand for goods and services by an older and rising population. Due to the availability of new medical treatments and technologies, the healthcare industry is one of the sectors with the quickest growth rates. A growing and aging population also contributes to the expansion of the health sector. Due to this, the United States has recovered from the 2008 financial crisis. Nearly 3 million jobs were added to the industry between 2006 and 2016.

Real Estate

The real estate development sector is also expanding. Infrastructure is required at an exponentially increasing rate as the population increases. Additionally, real estate developers need more land as new firms start up. The real estate development industry involves more than just purchasing and selling real estate property. According to the Census Bureau, the amount spent on building in 2019 was $1.365 trillion. Business skills, like planning, sales, and verbal and nonverbal communication, are necessary for real estate.

Retail

The retail sector accounts for 6% of the nation's GDP. According to World Atlas, the retail industry employs 10% of all Americans, making it the largest employer in the country. Brick-and-mortar companies and online retailers like Amazon and eBay are among the major players in this market.

Education

Education is one of the most popular career sectors in the USA due to its function in promoting the skill development of the nation's future workforce. Since it creates the future force, education is crucial to the American economy. The educational sector requires workers with critical skills, including teamwork, communication, organization, research, and creativity.

Finding a job in the USA for international student

Before starting your job search, you must know your visa requirements and constraints. Take the time to understand your alternatives and how they affect your career. All the information you require is available on our page about student visas.

  • Start early

All job searchers should follow this advice, but overseas students should pay particular attention. The sooner you begin, the better, as it will take you longer to locate employment with an organization that will sponsor individuals who require work visas.

  • Research the Situation

You'll need to know the laws and rules that apply to your circumstances. Make sure you know the various options, application deadlines, and potential fees for the visas you require. You will feel more assured while applying for employment the more comfortable you are with these things.

  • Use the resources at your school.

Your school undoubtedly provides career services, and they probably have a lot of experience assisting overseas students once they graduate and move to the US. Utilize that knowledge and schedule a meeting with a career coach to discuss your unique circumstances and objectives. Additionally, it would be best to go to career fairs where you could network with recruiters. Likewise, follow up with them to see if interviews are possible.

  • Network

Strong connections are used to find about 70% of jobs. Use the alum networks at your institution to connect with people who have experienced what you are. Get to know your professors and even the parents of your American friends.

  • Keep a positive attitude and persistence.

It might be difficult and depressing to look for work. You can think that despite your best efforts, nothing is happening. Right now, it's crucial to persevere. Employers will want to invest in you if you have a positive attitude and confidence in your abilities, which will show in everything you do.

Things to know for the students working in the USA

  • Do extensive research on the employer by visiting their website or contacting their offices to request additional information.
  • Conduct online searches to check if you can uncover any articles or other information on the company.
  • Your chances of getting hired are improved if you do more research on the organization
  • Recognize your traits, including your strengths and limitations. You can use these traits in an interview if you can construct a list of them.
  • If feasible, send the firm your resume via postal mail unless otherwise requested. This demonstrates that you have worked harder and enables you to portray yourself in a more polished and original manner.
  • When you submit your resume for a job, always contact the company. Call to confirm that they have received your resume after a week or two.
  • You should always practice as much as you can before an interview. You can practice mock questions on several trustworthy websites.
  • Always request a detailed job description and a prospectus or company profile if they need to be provided.
  • Always dress professionally for the interview by donning a business suit, maintaining an orderly appearance, and confidently answering questions.

Step by Step process to apply

Most international students studying in the USA have F1 and non-immigrant student visas. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has complicated rules and regulations that F1 students must follow to work in the country (USCIS). In general, keeping to the conditions and limitations of your F1 visa is a requirement for every employee. You may work in several categories throughout your F1 student visa stay in the United States. The most readily available employment is on campus.

An F1 student must adhere to the following guidelines for on-campus work:

  • It would help if you kept your F1 status active.
  • While classes are in session, you can work up to 20 hours a week.
  • If you plan to enroll in classes next semester, you can work full-time on campus during breaks and vacation time.
  • The employer cannot replace an American citizen (have their work taken away).

Optional Training in Practice (OPT)

International students in the US with a valid F1 immigration status are allowed to work off campus throughout and after completing their degree in the form of optional practical training (OPT). The OPT program follows the rules set forth by the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). All OPT employment requires prior authorization from USCIS and the office for international students at your school.

  • According to general OPT requirements, employment must be directly connected to the student's major.
  • Students must continue to hold a valid F1 visa.
  • A student must apply for OPT before finishing all requirements for a degree.
  • OPT is unavailable to students who have completed 12 months or more of full-time curricular practical training (CPT).
  • OPT is allowed for a maximum of 12 full-time months. While still enrolled in school, part-time OPT uses up half as much full-time OPT as part-time work does (for instance, if you work part-time for six months, you can work full-time for up to 9 months).

OPT before completing a degree:

  • Students must be enrolled full-time in school.
  • While in school, students may only work 20 hours per week.
  • During the summer and other breaks, students may work full-time (as long as they student will return to school after the break)
  • The student may work full-time after completing all coursework if a thesis or dissertation is still required and the student is making regular progress toward the degree.

OPT after completing a degree:

  • Following graduation, OPT employment must be full-time (40 hours per week).
  • All OPT must be completed within 14 months after completion of your degree
  • USCIS must receive applications for post-completion OPT before the completion of the degree

Curriculum Practical Training (CPT)

When practical training is a crucial component of the defined curriculum or academic program, CPT is a choice for F1 students looking for off-campus work. Alternative work/study, cooperative education, or any other sort of mandatory internship or practicum that is provided by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school are all examples of CPT employment. For the job experience to qualify, it must be necessary for your degree, or academic credit must be granted. And sure, working as a CPT is payable. It is essential to have prior approval from your school's office for international students and USCIS notification.

  • You must have held a valid F1 visa for one year and be enrolled full-time in school to qualify for CPT employment (except for graduate students where the program requires immediate CPT)
  • The CPT employment must be an integral part of your degree program or a requirement for a course for which you receive academic credit.
  • You must have received a job offer that qualifies before you submit your CPT authorization request.
  • The job you're offered must be related to your study area or significant.

Working hours for international student

For academic semesters and breaks, international students are only permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours a week (Sunday through Saturday). When students can add more hours, we look at the semester's official finish date. Students who breach this condition will have their student job privileges removed. Students' hours are constantly monitored. Timely submission of hours is required for the current paycheck period.

Minimum wages for international student

The federal minimum wage or basic salary in the United States is 7.25 US dollars per hour. However, the basic salary in the United States varies from state to state. As of January 1, 2022, it is reported that the District of Columbia has the highest minimum wage in the US, at 15.2 US dollars per hour. The same can be seen being repeated and followed by California, which now has 15 US dollars per hour minimum wage at the state level.

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