USA: Employment Scenario and Prospects for Fresh Indian Graduates
With 20 plus years of experience in the domain of overseas education, Collegepond has cultivated a strong network of alums, predominantly across the US. As we actively track the US Labour Market, campus protests and ever tightening visa regulations and backlogs nothing concerns us more than addressing employment related challenges faced by our fresh graduates.
Consequently, Collegepond is committed to supporting the career progression of our graduates well beyond the completion of their studies, through strategic initiatives such as the Collegepond Alumni Network.
If you are planning to study in the US read on to know about the challenges and opportunities faced by recent graduates, as well as the puzzling trends we have observed in the U.S. job and education market, particularly during this economic downturn. With these insights, you can make informed decisions, plan for your overseas education, and chart a course for your future career with greater confidence.
Jobs and Internships Are Hard to Come By
Fresh graduates, even those from the prestigious Ivy League universities, have voiced their frustration over the diminishing availability of internships, a critical component of graduate studies that provides them with invaluable hands-on experience.
Let us understand the reasons behind the dwindling availability of internships
- Global Economic Slowdow
The labour market at the global level is weak due to universal dip in business investment, organizational growth and hiring,
- Local First Hiring Policies
With impending Presidential elections in the US, organizations big and small have been advised by the government to lower unemployment rate by giving preference to local talent.
- On Campus Protest Participation
International students participating in protest rallies are not only facing disciplinary action but also being denied visa extension –thus impacting their career prospects and future in the US considerably.
- Preference for AI skills
Fresh STEM graduates without exposure to AI skills are finding it challenging to find employment or even paid internships
- Sponsorship Challenges
The evolving political situation in the United States has generated a sense of caution among employers and immigration consultants regarding the H-1B visa lottery system. As a result, there has been a shift towards prioritizing local talent over foreign workers, posing a significant challenge for international students seeking employment opportunities in the United States.
- Massive Layoffs Due to Pandemic Induced Over hiring
The pandemic-fueled growth experienced by tech giants, such as Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Google, along with numerous smaller companies in the United States, resulted in an exponential demand for their products and services. In response, these organizations rapidly expanded their workforce to meet the growing market demands. However, as the pandemic eased and the global economy was hit by recession and inflation, the tech industry faced a significant slowdown, leading to a wave of layoffs as these companies restructured their operations and recalibrated their needs to align with the changing economic landscape and shifting market dynamics.It is essential to remember that these job cuts were a direct consequence of the post-pandemic recruitment spree that took place in 2021 and 2022. In anticipation of continued growth, tech organizations increased their hiring efforts, only to find that the predicted expansion did not materialize. As a result, these companies were forced to downsize their workforce, leading to widespread layoffs within the industry.
- Covid Era Graduates Fell Short of Aligning with Industry Demands
The Covid-19 pandemic posed a formidable challenge for students pursuing their studies during the unprecedented crisis, with many graduating into a job market rife with uncertainty. The sudden shift to remote learning disrupted traditional educational structures and pedagogies, adversely impacting students’ preparation and performance. Studying during the pandemic phase not only drained students emotionally but also deprived them of the opportunity to gain in person academic training and guidance essential to excel in studies as well as interviews
Labour Market is in Balance Mode Currently
- Sector Specific Employment Growth
Though there is unemployment due to decrease in hiring–it is industry specific as sectors like healthcare, construction and hospitality have been adding jobs aggressively.
- AI is Increasing Demand and Employability
With the daily innovations and evolutions in AI there is a greater demand for professionals with the following skills: prompt engineer, AI ethicist, biotech AI engineer and human-machines teaming manager
Growth Predicted for STEM Professionals
- STEM Job Market Is Likely to Grow at a Faster Pace
While AI enhances efficiency and productivity across various tasks, it does not directly lead to the replacement of human labor. Instead, AI is reshaping job requirements, resulting in a rising demand for professionals skilled in AI.
Companies across diverse industries are integrating AI into their operations, leading to a heightened reliance on Indian STEM talent. These professionals are essential for developing and maintaining AI systems, thereby driving the science and technology workforce in the US forward.
Furthermore, there is an ongoing demand for specialized skills in niche areas such as data science, AI, climate science, and sustainable energy. As industries continue to evolve and adapt to technological advancements, the need for skilled professionals in these areas will only increase.
Astounding Rise in Enrolment as Well as Visa Application
Rise in Foreign Institutions’ Interaction with Indian Students: Universities and colleges in the US are actively engaging with Indian students through workshops and fairs to provide information about the study abroad application process and job opportunities in the US
Record Enrollment in a Given Year: There has been a significant 35% increase in enrollment in the academic year 2023-2024, with nearly 268,923 Indian students choosing to pursue higher education in the US within just one year. These insights, as revealed by the Indian Student Mobility Report, are surprising considering the challenges posed by limited job opportunities and visa sponsorships for Indian professionals.
Demand for US Visas at an All-Time High: The demand for US student visas is reaching unprecedented levels, with US Counsel General Mike Hankey anticipating an even higher demand this year compared to the 160,000 visas issued in the previous year.
Factors Driving Students to the US Amidst Uncertain Times
- Wide Variety of Courses and Flexible Learning Choices
With over 2,000 higher education institutions in the US, Indian students have a plethora of options. While STEM fields such as computer science, data science, cybersecurity, data analysis, business analysis, and IT management have traditionally been popular among Indian students, there is now a growing demand for subjects such as humanities, business, finance, and social sciences. The US education system prioritizes applied learning over rote memorization, allowing students to pursue a variety of academic programs and specializations that align with their interests and goals.
- Variety of Scholarships and Fellowships
In addition to a wide range of study options, students can access numerous scholarships and fellowships that help make research and studies more affordable.
- Entrepreneurship Programs
With the current low unemployment rate, obtaining a degree from US can significantly boost career prospects for students pursuing traditional career paths. Moreover, some universities offer entrepreneurship programs that can lead to global business opportunities. Many Indian students have leveraged these programs to launch successful businesses.
- Active University-Industry Collaboration
Most of the leading US universities have strong industry connections and dedicated placement cells. Consequently, it is common to have industry professionals as faculty members, providing students with valuable practical exposure. Companies regularly visit campuses to recruit top talent, and networking with these professionals offers students valuable insights and job opportunities for future collaboration.
- Game Changing STEM-Optional Practical Training Combination
With a high demand for specialized skills, STEM graduates can work for three years after graduation through the US government’s Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This allows STEM students to find job opportunities where they can leverage their OPT visa
- Industry Focused Education
A distinguishing factor of US education is its research and innovation-focused curriculum, which aligns closely with the employable skills demanded by the job market.
Despite the challenges faced by fresh Indian graduates, America continues to be the top study destination for lakhs of Indian students, primarily due to the diversified and specialized learning paths, as well as the abundant career and growth opportunities it offers.
At Collegepond, our commitment to students extends beyond simply providing study abroad consultation. We are dedicated to providing you with an objective view of the evolving scenario of higher education and employment opportunities in the United States. We understand that making decisions about your academic and professional future can be complex, which is why we are here to support you every step of the way. For further clarity on academic, research, and work opportunities available to study abroad aspirants, please feel free to contact us at info@collegepond.com. We are here to assist you in achieving your academic and career goals.
