The USA attracts international students from across the world and is among the world’s most popular study destinations. With its top-ranked universities offering internationally recognised degrees, high-quality teaching, and exposure to global job markets, the USA ensures excellent student outcomes.
Here are some key insights into the advantages of the USA.
Moving to a new country is a big change in many ways: geographically, culturally, and psychologically. So, if you're concerned about employment opportunities in the USA, it’s likely that you'll have concerns about various other aspects of life as well. No worries. Our experts have sorted it out for you in the table below. Click on the topics you’re interested in and get the much-needed information you’re looking for.
| Student life in the USA | Best universities in the USA |
| Student visa in the USA | Employment opportunities in the USA |
| Cost of living in the USA | Best courses in USA |
The USA has a strong economy with abundant job opportunities in fields such as technology, engineering, finance, and healthcare. Studying in the USA is an excellent choice for international students due to the high return on investment, supported by global employability and competitive salaries.
Job market in the USA
The overall job market in the USA is promising, with recent unemployment rates around 4% to 4.3%. Strong growth is expected in sectors including artificial intelligence, fintech, software development, healthcare, and renewable energy.
As a result, the demand for roles including Data Scientist, Financial Manager, Computer Programmer, Information Security Analyst, IT Manager, Nurse Practitioner, and Physical Therapist is expected to boom.
During your studies, you are allowed to take up part-time employment opportunities and gain work experience. Once you complete your course, you can take advantage of the Optional Practical Training programme and stay in the USA for 12 to 24 months.
Salaries in the USA are higher than the global average, including entry-level ones. With a focus on work-life balance, competitive salaries, and other attractive employee benefits, the USA provides an excellent platform to launch your career and secure your future.
Take a look at more details about trending fields in the USA’s job market.
| Sector | Trending fields | Average annual salary (USD) | Additional benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Mental Health Counsellors | 64,000 - 130,000 | Health insurance, paid leave, retirement plans |
| Technology (IT & Professional Services | Data Scientists, AI/ML Engineers, Cybersecurity Analysts, Software Developers | 100,000 - 150,000 | Flexible hours, remote work, health benefits |
| Finance | Financial Analysts, Actuaries, Compliance Officers | 80,000 - 120,000 | Bonuses, health insurance, retirement benefits |
| Renewable Energy | Wind Turbine Technicians, Solar Installers | 50,000 - 65,000 | Job security, benefits vary by employer |
| Transportation & Warehousing | Logistic Managers, Supply Chain Analysts | 60,000 - 80,000 | Health benefits, paid leave, retirement plans |
| Education | Teachers, Educational Counsellors | 50,000 - 70,000 | Pension plans, paid vacations, health insurance |
How to find jobs in the USA
Universities in the USA offer several on-campus jobs that you can take up during your studies. In addition, you can also apply for internships and off-campus jobs. However, since your eligibility to work is determined by the type of student visa you hold, you must ensure that your employment is within the visa guidelines. After you complete the course, you can apply for OPT and seek employment.
While applying for jobs, the main sources to find suitable vacancies are the university’s job boards and recruitment websites. You might also come across vacancies through networking and events.
After you identify job vacancies, prepare a good resume and cover letter. Complete the job application form and submit it as specified by the employer.
Take a look at some popular job portals:
| Job portal | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Indeed | The largest job search engine with millions of listings from across the web. | https://www.indeed.com |
| LinkedIn Jobs | A professional networking site widely used for middle and senior roles. | https://www.linkedin.com/jobs |
| Glassdoor | Provides job listings, company reviews and salary information. Excellent for employer research. | https://www.glassdoor.com |
| Monster | Provides broad industry coverage and career advice resources. | https://www.monster.com |
| Dice | Focused on technology and IT jobs, with many listings for developers and technology professionals. | https://www.dice.com |
| ZipRecruiter | Provides access to jobs in a wide range of industries. Many features, such as AI-powered matching technology, interview scheduling assistance, and resume review. | https://www.ziprecruiter.com/co/United-States/Jobs |
| USAJobs | Official USA government job portal; allows you to apply for federal jobs. | https://www.uajobs.gov |
Employability tips for students in the USA
The job application process involves preparing a resume in a format preferred by employers in the USA, highlighting your experience and achievements. After applying, prepare thoroughly for the interview so that you can present yourself as an ideal candidate for the position. Here are a few tips to increase your employability:
Focus on developing employability skills
During your time at the university, focus on developing employability skills that are valued in the job market. This includes both technical skills relevant to your field and soft skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and collaboration.
Gain practical experience
You can gain practical experience by taking up part-time jobs, which can be on-campus or off-campus. Internships and volunteering opportunities are also a good choice for real-world exposure.
Participate in extracurricular activities
Most universities have dynamic campuses with numerous extracurricular activities. Participate actively in various extracurricular activities, as these can enhance your cultural exposure and also maximise your personal growth.
Build an extensive professional network
You can engage with the institution’s alumni and gain knowledge about various career options. Apart from this, you can participate in events and workshops and also use online networking sites to expand your professional network.
Utilise university resources
Ensure that you utilise the university’s resources, such as career services, clubs, and societies. You can get support for resume writing, career planning, networking, and interview preparation.
Create a strong portfolio
Your portfolio should be well-written to give employers a good understanding of your potential. Highlight all relevant experiences, academic strengths, and your achievements.
Work regulations for international students
International students can work while studying, subject to visa regulations. If you hold an F-1 visa, you’re allowed to work on campus for up to 20 hours a week. During holidays or breaks, you can work full-time. To take up off-campus jobs, you must have authorisations from your Designated School Officials.
The authorisations include Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). If you hold an M-1 visa, you can take up practical training only after completing your course.
Ensure that you take up employment only with proper authorisation. Otherwise, it is considered a violation of immigration rules, and you may be asked to leave the country.
Popular part-time jobs for international students
Taking up part-time employment during your studies in the USA can offer you many benefits. You can gain work experience and also build valuable professional skills. Apart from this, part-time jobs are also a great source of financial support during your student life.
The USA has a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of part-time jobs in various sectors such as retail, hospitality, and education. Take a look at popular sectors for part-time jobs.
- Retail and customer service: You can find jobs as customer service representatives or retail associates in the retail sector. There’s a high demand for part-time workers in these sectors due to peak hours.
- Hospitality and food service: There are numerous jobs available in restaurants and hotels to manage peak hours. You can look for employment as waiters, bartenders, and baristas.
- Healthcare and medical: Due to the growing need for mental health and telehealth support, there’s a high demand for part-time workers in health-related fields. Jobs available in this field include medical administrative assistants and home health aides.
- Education and training: Part-time jobs in this field often provide flexible work hours. You can find jobs such as tutoring, academic support, and teaching assistance.
- Administrative and clerical: Most offices need part-time employees to handle tasks that involve administrative support. Common jobs in this field include receptionists and administrative assistants.
Final thoughts
The USA is a popular study destination for international students due to its academic excellence and strong international career prospects. With a prosperous economy and rapidly growing sectors such as healthcare, technology, renewable energy, and education, the USA is an ideal choice for career growth, competitive salaries, and global exposure. You can seek part-time jobs and internships during your studies and gain practical experience that will enhance your employability.
If you're seriously considering the USA for your higher studies, we have a good number of partner universities in the USA where you can apply.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the job opportunities in the USA?
The USA has a strong economy with abundant job opportunities in sectors such as Information Technology, Healthcare, Finance, Engineering, Marketing, and Sales. Emerging fields like Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics also offer excellent career prospects.
Which skill is most in demand in the USA?
The ongoing focus on digital transformation is increasing the demand for skilled professionals in fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Other top skills that are in demand include cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data science.
How do I get job opportunities in the USA?
You can check university resources and various job portals to learn about job openings for your skills and qualifications. Prepare a strong resume and cover letter, and apply to the companies. Utilise the university’s career support services for drafting your resume and cover letter, and also for support on interview preparation.