Preparing International Students for a Competitive Job Market

Abstract

Given the current climate of fierce competition for work, universities are working tirelessly to prepare students for their future professional endeavors. Forms of experiential education, including service-learning and cooperative education, are increasingly used to augment traditional teaching tools and on-campus career services, particularly for domestic students. This chapter describes a mixed methods study that explored professional and vocational challenges faced by international students at Northeastern University. The authors examined experiences of students who have engaged in one of two pathway programs at the university. One pathway program includes service-learning and the other pathway program does not. Data from students and staff illuminate the challenges international students face in obtaining and maintaining paid positions. Study findings are used to offer best practices for professional development staff in preparing international students for future career success.