by Nanci Flores
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.-With spring commencement around the corner, many Arkansas graduates hope to land their dream first job.
For internationals students, immigration status can create an uncertain future.
International students graduating must have a job offer if they want to legally stay in the United States, but few companies will accept applications from non-U.S. Citizens.
“I’m like not going to give up just because it’s hard right now like it’s been hard all the time,” UA Senior Macarena Arce said.
In 2014, she came to Arkansas from Lima, Peru.
She started her college career as a member of the ASG freshman leadership forum and became treasurer of the student body.
“I’m a Senior of Significance which is like the top 71 seniors and then this semester I got elected as a Razorback Classic, and I’m really excited about my awards but it just sucks that I’m one of the top 10 women at the university and I still don’t have a job,” Arce said.
Arce said she remembered attending a career fair her freshman year and seeing 50 companies offer sponsorships for international students.
However, things changed by senior year when only one company accepted her job application.
She said, “I know everyone goes through like what am I going to do after college like I’m going to be a real adult, but we are also dealing with like ‘am I going to get deported.’’
International students with an F1 visa can stay in the united states for up to 60 days after graduation.
During the grace period, students can either find a job or go back to their native country.
International Students and Scholars Advisor James Flammer said international student “can go into what is called OPT which is optional practical training. The government essentially says okay you can stay for a year and practice what you’ve learned in school.”
He encourages international students to start planning early if they want to find a job.
“If they want to stay in the united states to be very mindful of that and try to network into a position where you meet the right people and you can have those connections that can help you possibly get there if not let’s look at other options,” Flammer said.
After an eight month job search, Arce received an offer she hopes will bring the professional experience needed for a successful career.
“We have our whole lives ahead of us, this is our first job obviously this is important but it’s not the thing we’re going to do for the rest of our lives,” Arce said
For resume review and job search help, students can visit the Office of International Students and Scholars.