Update for Yale SOM International Students

This is a tough year to be an international student searching for a job in the US. You are not in this alone – lean on the CDO, take advantage of the global programming offered, work with a coach, and ask any questions you have.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a magic wand or a crystal ball. I am committed to sharing information in as direct and timely a manner as possible, even when it’s not information I’m happy to share. You deserve clarity, and that is my goal.

We are seeing companies pull back on hiring students without permanent US work authorization for both internships and full time positions. So far, few companies are providing the clarity we are asking for. Updated information is in employer notes in CMS as soon as we receive it/ check companies you’re interested in. The following have indicated that they are no longer hiring international students:

Most companies hire for the long-term. Even knowing that many graduates change jobs within the first 2-5 years, employers hire people they want to invest in and have grow with their company. Historically, they’ve appreciated STEM OPT for the three chances to put you through the H1B lottery, not looking at it as three years for you to work for them.

That said, this year a few companies have indicated that they are no longer sponsoring H1B visas yet are open to hiring students with CPT/ OPT: IGS Consulting and Nomura. While that may be an opportunity for you and for them, those positions are sure to be fiercely competitive. Other companies that may be open to similar arrangements are global employers that may have international transfer options post-OPT. We’ve already heard from 2025 graduates that were hired thinking they’d be put into the H1B lottery in March – some have been informed that they will not be put into the lottery given the new H1B fee.

We continue to remind employers of the value your global experiences and perspectives bring. Visa sponsorship decisions are usually made in the c-suite and by the most senior corporate counsel. Most employers are risk-averse when hiring, and uncertainty adds risk. None of this means you don’t have a lot to offer and contribute to them – or that the alumni and recruiters don’t see that. However, in many cases, there is little they can do once decisions are made. Unfortunately, many companies are not yet saying anything — and they may never say anything. While they aren’t changing their policies, they may be changing their practices (meaning hiring far fewer internationals or none at all). I understand how frustrating that is, which is why we keep pressing for clarity and transparency. With that, you can focus your energy on real possibilities and plan accordingly.

At the same time, a parallel/ prioritized search outside the U.S. is crucial this year. The earlier you begin that process, the better. The CDO is coordinating alumni networking conversations and coffee chats across geographies for you to learn from and connect with alumni working outside the US. We do these every year, and we’re planning more of them and starting them earlier. I encourage you to participate. Also, there have already been numerous virtual employer events for global roles – keep checking CMS for more.

Another opportunity for you to explore if you’re a second year MBA is to do a US internship during the school year. You’ll need to be enrolled in Navigating Through Workplace Culture to be able to do so – This second year elective requires an internship (up to 20 hours/ week), so students get school-year CPT (necessary to work in the US). Unfortunately, this is not available to first year MBAs or any one-year degree students.

Still have questions? Please stop by one of the International Student Open Hours (CDO Lobby) this Wednesday (10/22 9:30-10:30a or 1:45-2:45p) and attend Global Search Resources 10/27.

For visa related questions and updates, visit OISS.