Being a graduate in the USA can create multiple career opportunities that you might not get otherwise. There are diverse career fields you can explore as a student after graduating in the USA. The Optional Practical Training facility helps students to get practical experience in their chosen career field.
Careers you can pursue after graduation in the US
In the US, there are constantly emerging fields where you can build a career. Some of the popular ones are:
STEM
If you choose to major in STEM in the US, you will have an added career advantage than in any other field. It is because the US government recently announced a 24-month extension in the Optional Practical Training of STEM students. It means F1 students who majored in any STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) will now be eligible for up to three years of Optional Practical Training in the US. It is a massive competitive edge over students in another field who are only eligible for a maximum of one year of optional training.
Eligibility for the OPT extension:
- You should have earned a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree from a school accredited by the US Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency. Your institution must be certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) while submitting your STEM OPT extension application.
- You should have been granted an OPT and currently be in the valid period of post-completion of OPT.
- If you have obtained a non-stem degree, and you are an F1 student currently in a 12-month post-completion OPT period, you can use any STEM degree acquired previously from any other institution in the US. You should have received both degrees from SEVP-certified institutions. and the previous bachelor’s degree must appear on the current DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List
- You must be working under an employer who meets all the STEM OPT employer responsibilities.
Career opportunities after STEM
1. Healthcare
Healthcare is one of the most booming industries in the US, and regardless of the economic condition, the healthcare industry will never see a decline. Providing high-quality healthcare to the public is one of the top priorities of the US government, and so the number of jobs in the healthcare industry is always on the rise. In the report “Future of the U.S Healthcare Industry: labour market projections by 2028,” it was projected that by 2028, there will be a nationwide shortage of 100,000 healthcare workers.
Even during the pandemic, the US healthcare market faced several challenges due to a shortage in the supply of healthcare workers. So if you are a STEM graduate aspiring to create a career in the healthcare industry, you will always be in high demand. There is a lot of scope for career opportunities in the medical field, be it research work or fieldwork, and the average salary of healthcare professionals in the US was $80,820 in May 2023, higher than the median annual wage of all other occupations of $48,060.
2. Engineering
There has been a rapid surge in technology in the US, and the demand for engineers across all fields has risen significantly, especially computer science engineers, data analysts and AI experts. The United States is almost every time the first country to come up with a new technology, be it prompt engineering or cloud computing.
In 2016, engineers had a median annual wage of $91,010 which was twice the median salary of all workers. This field is estimated to have faster-than-average employment growth from 2022 to 2032, with nearly 188,000 openings every year. If you are an AI expert or data analyst in 2024, you can expect exponential career growth in the future.
3. Finance
Finance career paths like investment banking, financial analysis, tax associate, etc. can also be very rewarding in the US. The median annual wage for financial roles in the US in May 2023 ranged from$99, 010 to $106,090. Financial roles are highly in demand in the US, and there is a scope for steep career growth every few years.
You can research the different high-demand roles in finance like credit analyst, budget analyst, personal financial advisor, insurance claims adjuster, etc. and the skill and eligibility requirements in these roles. You can even explore other highly trending fintech roles like blockchain management, crypto, etc. Gain all related certifications, develop your skills in relevant areas and network with industry professionals to enhance your chances of landing a high-package finance job after graduation.
Career opportunities for non-STEM students
1. Marketing and public relations
These are the two fastest-growing fields in the US. New trends are emerging in both marketing and PR almost every other year. There are so many brands and celebrities mushrooming out in the US, and the competition to be visible is only getting tougher by the year. Almost every other brand and every celebrity is willing to pay huge dollars to create a strong image in front of the public and stand out. There are so many options you can explore in the marketing field, be it performance marketing, social media marketing or SEO.
If you can network well and land internships during your graduation years, the contacts you will make during these years can help you build a successful career in the Public Relations field. More than certifications and on-paper knowledge, what counts in this field is your experience. So, try to include as many prior work/internship experiences as possible in your resume to land a job in these fields as soon as you can after graduation. Even an entry-level PR or marketing associate can make around $34,000 per year in the US.
2. Business analyst
If you are an MBA graduate or any other business-related course, there is also a demand for people who can make the most effective, data-driven decisions for businesses. As more and more businesses are emerging in the US, significant job roles like management, analysis, etc. are in demand for skilled graduates. So, by earning a business-related degree, you can venture out to exciting opportunities in the business landscape of the United States.
If you are planning to study in the US, now is your chance to research the best career path forward. Remember, it is all about tracking your best foot forward and never giving up.
| Statutory notice: The rules are subject to change. Furthermore, there are terms and conditions in the OPT like pre-completion and post-completion where work hours are capped. So, make sure to refer to any new OPT updates regularly. |
FAQs
1. What is the procedure to apply for a STEM OPT extension?
To apply for a STEM OPT extension, you need to file:
- Form I-765 with the application fee.
- You should fill the form with the company’s name listed in E-verify.
- You need to fill up your employer’s E-verify company identification number or your client company’s identification number verified by E-verify.
- Form I-20, certificate of eligibility, non-immigration student status with an endorsement of your DSO within the last 60 days.
- A photocopy of your STEM degree.
2. What happens if my OTP period expires while my application is still pending?
If you file your STEM OTP application on time and while the extension application is still pending, your OPT period expires, and the employment authorization will automatically be extended by 180 days.
3. If I enroll for a masters in a STEM subject, will I still be eligible for an OPT extension?
You will also be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension if you enroll in any new academic program and obtain another qualifying STEM degree at a higher level of education (master’s or a PhD) in the future.
There are countless fields and opportunities to build a career in the US. The extension of Optional Practical Training for STEM students will only further boost these opportunities.