Careers for International MBAs

VANDERBILT MBA CAREERS FOR

INTERNATIONAL MBAs Companies with recent hiring Consulting

Deloitte

Ernst & Young

Corporate Finance

Cardinal Health

Vanderbilt University

Financial Service

Bank of America

JP Morgan

Goldman Sachs

Thompson Research Group

Health Care Industry

Cardinal Health

Vanderbilt Medical Center

Human Resources

Citi Microsoft

International MBAs at Owen Approximately 20% of recent Owen MBA classes are non-U.S. citizens. While some of these students are sponsored by their employer, the majority of these students are here on an F-1 visa seeking full-time employment after graduation. International students have definite challenges to overcome in their internship and job search: some companies are unwilling to sponsor international candidates.

While timelines for recruiting vary based on job functions/industries of interest, remember to start preparing early (now) and to use the Career Management Center staff/resources!

Marketing

FedEx

Johnson & Johnson

Operations

Amazon Apple Technology Industry

Apple HP Dell Microsoft Companies where multiple international students accepted offers—class of 2011-2015

What international candidates add global mindset • flexibility • international work experience

How can I prepare before Owen?

• Clarify career interests: CareerLeader assessment, networking in fields of interest, CMC Coach

desire to improve • perseverance • a different perspective

• Talk with existing contacts and Owen 2Ys who work in your job function/industry of interest

ability to learn quickly • a Vanderbilt education • insights into

• Develop a list of 50+ employers of interest

the business and culture of other countries • diversity

• Build a strong résumé and LinkedIn.com profile • Consider back-up options such as working in higher education or government or working outside the United States Read more?

• Vanderbilt.edu/isss • USCIS.gov

Master of Business Administration

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• MyVisajobs.com • Owen Employment Report

Power Ties: The International Student’s Guide to Finding a Job in the US—

by Dan Beaudry (Vanderbilt alum)

7/20/15 11:02 AM

VANDERBILT MBA CAREERS FOR

INTERNATIONAL MBAs FAQs How will my United States job search differ from domestic students?

There are three main differences that international students here on an F-1 or J-1 visa will encounter: 1. Networking is one of the most important parts of landing a job in the United States. In short this is developing professional connections/advocates that help

provide advice and insight whether you are exploring career options or preparing for an interview (not asking for a job). They can help refer you to other contacts and they may be able to recommend you for an interview.

2. Finding H-1B sponsorship. If you aren’t seeking to stay in the United States

beyond 12 months after graduation (using OPT) then this isn’t an issue. But if you want to stay in the U.S. long-term, then you’ll need to find an employer that is willing to apply with you for an H-1B visa. Thirty-five to 50 percent of employers typically advertise that they don’t usually take candidates needing sponsorship. This makes for a more timeintensive internship and job search and it makes networking all the more valuable.

3. Keeping a broad focus. Especially if you are considering working in a client-focused

service industry, like consulting or investment banking, employers are looking for a cultural fit—candidates who have worked in the United States or who have experience working with clients in the U.S.. Given the challenge of finding visa sponsorship, our recommendation is that students apply broadly across more than one job function and submit applications in multiple industries. It is important to pursue back-up options and target companies.

Should I consider attending the fall National Career Fairs?

As a first-year MBA, it is suggested you strongly consider attending one of the national career fairs. This is especially important if you have identified job functions or industries on which to focus your search. Several international students have received interviews and offers through these events. Firms will be interested in meeting you and beginning the recruiting at one of these career fairs in September and October. This is a good way to explore options very early in the recruiting process and to develop contacts at firms that don’t recruit on campus.

Terms to know • CPT: Curricular Practical Training is a temporary employment authorization allowing students on an F-1 visa to apply their classroom knowledge from Vanderbilt to an internship while they are in school (after they have been in the U.S. for 9 months) or during the summer between the first and second year of the program.

• MGT 902: This “Issues in Internships” class provides the curricular component for CPT. The course is taught by a CMC coach and helps prepare international students for working in the U.S.. Components of this course take place through all mods of an MBA’s first year.

• OPT: Optional Practical Training authorizes employment for international students on an F-1 visa both while they are enrolled and for up to 12 months after graduation.

• H-1B: This work visa allows international students to work for a sponsoring employer for up to six years after they graduate, if they are selected from the yearly H-1B lottery.

Owen Graduate School of Management | 401 21st Avenue South Nashville, TN 37203-2422 | 615.322.6469 ©2015 Vanderbilt and the Vanderbilt logo are registered trademarks and service marks of Vanderbilt University. REV. 07/15 Vanderbilt University is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Visit owen.vanderbilt.edu for Vanderbilt University’s complete EEO and affirmative action statement.

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