Career support
OISS, Career Services present innovative model to assist international students
5:03 p.m., March 26, 2015--Students and scholars from more than 96 countries choose to pursue their education at the University of Delaware. Armed with academic credentials and a desire to succeed, international students -- just like their U.S. counterparts -- look to complement their knowledge with professional skills.
Yet, navigating the legal and cultural landscape of American internships and jobs can be challenging for non-U.S. citizens. To support the career-preparation needs of UD’s growing international community, a successful partnership was born.
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In fall 2013, UD’s Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) and the Career Services Center (CSC) launched the Career Foundation Series, six workshops that addressed topics such as resume building, job search strategies, communication and networking skills, as well as immigration advice for international students seeking jobs and internships in the United States.
The series culminated in a networking reception, where students were given the opportunity to put their newly learned skills to use by meeting prospective employers and engaging in discussion about their ability to work in the U.S.
"The partnership between OISS and the CSC is singularly focused on enhancing the UD international student experience in support of fulfilling their career aspirations,” said Matthew Brink, CSC director. “This is particularly important, given the current dynamics in the global job market."
Since its inception, the OISS-CSC partnership has expanded to include staff training for University departments, online resources like job search portals for international students, and specialized training and outreach to future employers, where OISS staff speaks to the advantages of hiring international students, as well as paths to employment and alternatives to sponsored visas such as H-1B.
“These programs help address the many cultural and immigration challenges that international students face in positioning themselves to be competitive in the U.S. job market,” said Ravi Ammigan, director of OISS.
On Thursday, March 26, the partners presented, “Tips for Landing a Job in the U.S.,” a workshop aimed at providing international students with resources and tips to help them create an effective job search strategy, while learning how to market their unique skills effectively.
As the number of international students studying across the U.S. continues to increase, universities and employers have begun to look to UD’s service-oriented collaboration.
On April 1, Frances O’Brien, assistant director of OISS, will present with Sheri Young, dean of the Johnson and Wales Experiential Education and Career Services center, on behalf of NAFSA, highlighting the UD model of partnership to members of the international education community in an international webinar sponsored by NAFSA, the Association of International Educators.
“Being asked to present this webinar was an honor. Having the ability to take what we have developed and share it with our colleagues nationwide will ensure not only greater student service, but also encourage productive conversations between universities and employers nationwide about the benefits of hiring international students,” said O’Brien.
Interested members of the University community are invited to register online.
OISS programs and partnerships have increased dramatically over the past two years, with over 100 programs now offered to members of the UD community.
OISS actively seeks University partners to create the best possible model for International Student success. University offices that wish to partner with OISS or to sponsor the successful weekly International Coffee Hour, are encouraged to contact the office at oiss@udel.edu.
Enhanced programming is one of the reasons why UD was recently selected by NAFSA as one of five recipients for the 2015 Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization.
About the Office for International Students and Scholars
OISS provides immigration advising and support services to UD’s international community consisting of about 4,000 students, scholars, and their families.
In addition to cross-cultural programs, OISS offers information sessions on employment and immigration training for students and scholars, and training for UD departments.
Stay current with OISS programs and services online, via Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the OISS weekly e-newsletter.
About the Career Services Center
The Career Services Center (CSC) provides comprehensive career services to all matriculated undergraduate and graduate students and alumni of the University of Delaware.
CSC functions as a vital component in the total educational experience of students, primarily in the development and implementation of career and educational plans.
CSC also fosters partnerships with employers, alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, and the greater community to increase their participation in providing
opportunities for the career development of students.
Learn more about the Career Services Center online and stay updated on the latest opportunities on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Article by Nikki Laws