[Intl-stu] current job market

[International Students]

Over the past few months we have had numerous conversations with
international students that are concerned about the current job market
and economic conditions here in the U.S.  These students are concerned
about going out on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and not being able
to find a job.  These concerns are justified due to the new unemployment
rules for OPT.  

 

One option we have presented students is to pursue a second degree
related to their academic field which will allow them to become more
marketable when they do go out on OPT.  Also, once the student completes
the 2nd degree the job market/economy may have improved significantly.
No one can really determine when the job market and economy is going to
improve, but this may be a viable option for some international
students.    

 

As an example:  Students majoring in the MS in Management program may
pursue a 2nd degree in Marketing or Technology Management (which is
eligible for the OPT 17-month extension) and may only have 7 to 8
courses required for the 2nd degree.  Requirements for any academic
program are determined by the academic department.

 

Any student interested in pursuing a second degree will need to contact
the ISSO regarding immigration concerns and their academic department
regarding program requirements.  

 

 

 

John Mark Jones, Director

International Student Services

Texas A&M University- Commerce

PO Box 3011

Commerce, TX 75429

Phone: (903) 886-5097

Fax: (903) 468-3200

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://mailman.tamuc.edu/pipermail/intl-stu/attachments/20090513/83e189ec/attachment.htm