It takes a lot of confidence to leave one’s home country and come to the U.S. to study. And the strength exhibited to overcome challenges faced during that journey and graduate from college is what international students should lean into as they begin their job search. This was some of the advice shared by international alumni who returned to St. Joseph’s University, New York (SJNY) this week to take part in a panel entitled “Beyond Borders: Life and Careers After Graduation.”
The idea for the panel came from Kristen Murphy, SJNY’s new associate director of career development. Held in the Tuohy Hall Student Lounge on Feb. 25, panelists included Sashoy Milton ’20, Abhishek Pokharel ’23 and Ben Reeves ’23, who came to SJNY’s Brooklyn Campus from Jamaica, Nepal and New Zealand, respectively.
“I wanted the chance for current international students to connect with international alumni as alumni can provide valuable insights into post-graduation transitions, career paths, and working in America,” said Murphy. “They also can offer advice on academics, adjusting to life abroad, and navigating cultural differences.”
According to Murphy, connecting with alumni fosters a sense of belonging and builds a strong support system for students during and after their studies.
The alumni each discussed their experience with cultural differences and answered questions about the job hunting process, including aspects specific to international students who want to remain in the US for work.
International Alumni Advice
Milton said that students should embrace their story as an international student and seek out those in similar situations for support.
Milton graduated from SJNY with a degree in biology with minors in chemistry and political science, and then attended Duke University. She resides in North Carolina and is currently an associate health scientist at Stantec, an environmental consulting firm.
According to Milton, involvement in summer research as an SJNY undergrad helped pave her pathway to success. She is also a proponent of internships and participation in on-campus clubs and organizations that can help build soft skills needed in the workforce.
“It helps you become a good colleague, not just a subject expert,” Milton said.
Pokharel, a self-described introvert, stressed networking.
While not one to feel comfortable with small talk at a party, Pokharel told the audience that he found it much easier to make connections when attending conferences in his field (software and data). Today, he works as a data specialist with the NYC Administration for Children’s Services.
“Every connection is important,” he said. “At some point they can refer you or reach out to you.”
For Reeves, a human resources (HR) manager for New York City luxury hotel Lotte New York Palace, working in SJNY’s Office of Admissions during his time on campus provided hands-on experience with real-world business tasks. A member of the men’s basketball team, Reeves graduated with a degree in business administration along with a certification in human resources.
During the panel, Reeves shared some of his insider information, so to speak, from working in HR. For example, he told students that resume review processes vary by company and even differently by departments within a single organization.
Hearing from recent graduates is helpful for current students, say SJNY staff.
“It’s important to offer our international students a chance to connect with SJNY alumni who’ve been through similar ups and downs. Hearing stories from those who have faced—and sometimes still face—those challenges can motivate students to overcome obstacles and reach their goals,” said Sylvie Brown, associate director of alumni engagement. “Plus, these connections often open up mentorships, job leads and some solid advice.”
She continued, “By highlighting impressive alumni like Ben, Sasha, and Abhishek, we’re showing students firsthand how turning challenges into opportunities is totally possible and how networking can pave the way to success.”
While it can be intimidating applying for jobs and not seeing immediate success, Reeves urged the students to stay the course, believe in themselves and remember the inner strength that first brought them to SJNY’s Brooklyn Campus.
“Hold your head high as an international student. There is a reason why you came here….reflect back on that excitement and your drive to come here,” Reeves concluded.
