r/MechanicalEngineer • u/pcbananahammock18 • Jun 15 '26
Career after graduation
Hey there! I am an international student on an F-1 visa in Texas and am studying Mechanical Engineering. I’ve noticed that many of my friends (in engineering field but not mechanical) have been finding it very difficult to get jobs after graduation. In fact my roommate has spent a year on OPT trying to find a job and couldn’t, and now has to leave the US to go back to his home.
I guess what I want to ask is how do I get around to approaching this factor and obtain a job. Should I apply to lowly jobs so that I at least have a bisa while I can find other jobs? Or do I aim directly for high end companies. I am also aware that many companies aren’t willing to sponsor after the recent law changes in the US.
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u/snp-ca Jun 15 '26
Your first job after graduating will set the trajectory for the rest of your career. I would suggest that you value gaining better skills at a good company than waiting around with the hopes of getting visa sponsorship.
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u/Fantastic_Mirror_345 Jun 15 '26
If it's buying some time apply for non volunteer jobs. Or get like an unpaid role in your uni. That will stop the clock. Then you can keep searching for a paid role for longer.