Life as an international student can be costly. Most international students pick up a side hustle to boost their income. Some students also prefer to live in university accommodations with roommates where they can split rent and bills.
A side hustle can also be an excellent way to keep yourself busy, especially if your coursework is light. It will also allow you to interact with the locals more and learn their language and culture.
However, finding employment opportunities as an international student can be challenging. This can be tougher if you don’t speak or understand the native language. Below are some handy tips on finding employment opportunities as an international student.
Apply for Jobs
What skills do you have that you can monetize? Can you copywrite, code, or have other soft skills in demand? There are plenty of websites where you can find job opportunities. International students’ employment opportunities that allow you to work remotely are also great as you will manage your time better.
As mentioned earlier, work on your CV and cover letter. You will face competition in the job market as a foreigner. Ensure that you work on your soft skills, giving you a better chance in the job market. The other secret is to be persistent in your job application process. Websites such as Interstride can help you locate job opportunities for international students.
Talk to Your Friends
Making friends will help you get connections and referrals in the local job market. Most college students pick up casual jobs such as serving tables, gas station attendants, or babysitting. These jobs do not require much skill and the employer may offer training for free to help you learn any new tools that are relevant to the job.
Joining local communities will help you get referrals from your friends. Make sure you have your CV and cover letter ready if you get a chance to interview. Your friends may refer you, which will cut out other steps involved in the recruitment process.
Consider Internships
Internships are a great way of getting your way into the job market. Some of the internship opportunities can be unpaid and will not be appealing if you are struggling with your finances. However, taking the chance and trying to work your way around it is always great.
Internships are a great way to network and explore other international students’ employment opportunities. This will expose you to the job market and make your CV look great for future job applications.
Wrapping Up
If you have a skill such as writing or video editing, you can monetize it in a way. The life of an international student is fun, and you can blog about your experiences. You can also create a YouTube channel where you can share videos about your experience.
Overall, finding a job as an international student can be challenging. However, it would be best if you were persistent and networked to find job opportunities within your area. Also, ensure that your CV and other documents are in order.
