STEM fields

U.S. Economic Outlook and Its Effect on STEM Students

Dilip Oak's Academy

In August 2024, the U.S. annual inflation rate dropped to 2.4%, the lowest since February 2021, when it was a staggering 7%. This marked a significant economic improvement after two difficult years in 2021 and 2022, with rising inflation and elevated unemployment rates. The high inflation during this period resulted in substantial increases in the cost of living, affecting essential expenses like housing, transportation, food, and even university tuition. For students, especially those pursuing degrees in STEM, these financial pressures have added stress to their academic journeys as they grapple with higher costs while completing their education. Despite these improvements, the U.S. unemployment rate in 2024 remains at 4.2%, slightly higher than last year’s 3.8%, indicating that recovery is ongoing.

Recent Fed Rate Cuts and Economic Conditions

The Federal Reserve has responded to the economic challenges by cutting interest rates by 0.5%, signalling a strategic shift to support employment and stimulate economic growth. By lowering interest rates, the Fed aims to make borrowing more affordable for consumers and businesses, which should encourage spending and investment. This move comes after years of prioritizing inflation control, with the Fed now focusing on reducing unemployment and promoting growth. The rate cut reflects the Fed’s confidence in managing inflation, and this shift is expected to create a more favourable environment for job seekers and businesses alike, offering relief to students and recent graduates entering the job market.

Positive Impact of the Growth in Stock Market on Employment

Financial markets have responded positively to the Federal Reserve’s rate cut, with stock prices rising as a result, especially in the tech sector. Lower borrowing costs enable tech companies to take on affordable loans, boosting investment in research, development, and expansion. This is especially beneficial for STEM students, as technology-driven companies are likely to increase hiring to support their growth. The tech sector’s reliance on debt to finance innovations means that rate cuts create opportunities for businesses to expand their operations, providing more job openings for graduates with the right skill sets in STEM fields.

When choosing a university for your MS program in the US, focus on institutions with strong expertise in your field, robust alumni networks, career services, and ensure they align with your financial and career goals​. Read our blog on Guidelines for Choosing the Right University for an MS Program in the US

Increasing Job Prospects for STEM Students

Even amid broader economic uncertainties, job prospects for STEM students remain promising, especially in high-growth industries. The continuing digital transformation across various sectors ensures that professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and software engineering are in high demand. These skills are becoming essential as industries increasingly rely on digital tools and automation to stay competitive. However, greater competition for entry-level positions comes with the growth of job opportunities. STEM students must be proactive by gaining additional certifications, completing internships, and working on hands-on projects to differentiate themselves. Despite the competition, tech-driven sectors like AI and machine learning continue to thrive, providing ample career opportunities for those with the right skills.

Conclusion

In 2024, the U.S. economy is gradually stabilizing, aided by the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cuts that aim to boost economic activity and reduce unemployment. While inflation and rising living costs still pose challenges for students, STEM graduates stand to benefit from expanding job opportunities in the technology sector. High-growth fields like AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity offer promising career paths for students who continue to build their expertise and adapt to the evolving demands of the job market.

As India’s leading study abroad consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of admission counseling services that can guide you through the entire process from Shortlisting Universities to Visa Counseling. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 32,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. We also offer classroom and online coaching for GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, as well as GRE Self Prep. Book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222 to explore our services.

Guidelines for Choosing the Right University for an MS Program in the US

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Job opportunities in the U.S. are restricted, but the economy is expected to recover by 2025. Additionally, the strengthening dollar value is increasing the cost of education. Therefore, choosing the right university for an M.S. program becomes crucial. Here are the key factors to be considered when selecting the best university.

Accredited Universities

Accreditation is the process through which educational institutions and programs in the US receive recognition that they meet established quality standards. There are reputed accrediting bodies in the US, consisting of eminent educationists and private citizens, which evaluate institutions and universities and accredit those which fulfil certain minimum criteria. Accredited universities offer a higher likelihood of visa acceptance and improved job prospects. Additionally, they are well-equipped with research facilities, knowledgeable faculty, and state-of-the-art amenities.

Choose Universities That Offer Merit-Based Admissions

Choosing universities with merit-based admissions is beneficial as it rewards academic excellence, often offers financial support through scholarships or waivers, and provides access to high-quality programs. This can give you a competitive edge in the job market and place you in a motivating environment with driven peers, enhancing your education and career prospects.

If you’re interested in admission counselling for studying in the USA, you can reach out to Dilip Oak Academy call us at 020-67444222

Select STEM Courses

Choosing a STEM course offers a 3-year OPT (Optional Practical Training) advantage, which allows students to work on a student visa in the U.S. This period helps you gain practical skills and improve job prospects. Meanwhile, the students can apply for an H-1B visa (work permit), offered through a lottery system every year, since the number of applicants exceeds the allotted quota. The STEM students get an opportunity to participate in the lottery for three years, which increases their chance of getting an H-1B visa.

Select a Two-Year Course Rather Than a One-Year Course

Choose a two-year M.S. program or at least three semesters. This allows students to do paid internships in the summer break after two semesters. These internships offer hands-on experience, build your network, enhance your resume, and can lead to full-time job offers from the same company, boosting your career prospects.

Budget Considerations in University Selection

When selecting a university, avoid stretching your budget to prevent financial strain. Opt for affordable options like state universities, which generally have lower tuition fees than private institutions. Being mindful of future financial obligations, such as loan repayment, is crucial to managing costs and reducing financial stress.

Class Size or the Intake Policy of the University

Consider class size and intake policy when choosing a university. A class size of 30-60 students is ideal, as it allows for more personalized attention, better interaction, and improved networking opportunities. Large classes with 200+ students can hinder engagement with instructors and limit access to resources, making it harder to secure internships and placements. Choosing a university with a manageable class size can enhance your learning experience and boost your career prospects.

Choose Research-Based Universities

When choosing universities for your M.S. program, opt for those with a strong research focus. These institutions often offer research assistantships, providing hands-on experience and skill development. They also tend to have strong industry connections, making securing internships and job placements easier.

Location of the University

The location of a university is important for placement opportunities, as institutions in major cities or business hubs offer better access to internships and job prospects due to nearby industries. However, if the university is highly prestigious, its location matters less because top companies will visit regardless, seeking talent from these renowned institutions.

University Ranking

University ranking is important but not crucial. While reputed universities often rank in the top 1 to 100, rankings vary for academic and research institutions. Determine whether you prefer a career-oriented path or research. Sometimes, even a lower-ranked university with smaller classes might offer better placement prospects and access to resources due to less competition than a higher-ranked university with larger classes.

By carefully weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and career ambitions, ensuring you choose a university that best supports your journey toward success.

As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of services, including GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS coaching, as well as GRE Self Prep. Furthermore, our admission counseling services can guide you through the entire process from Shortlisting Universities to Visa Counseling. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 32,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. To enroll in our comprehensive overseas education consultancy services, book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222.

Opportunities for a Master’s Degree in America

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Pursuing Master's Degree in America: Free seminar

Are you dreaming of pursuing a master’s degree in the United States? The journey from aspiration to achievement begins with the right guidance and information. Whether you’re aiming to study in the land of opportunity or just curious about what it takes, our upcoming FREE seminar will cover everything you need to know about pursuing a master’s degree in America.

Job Opportunities

The USA offers countless job opportunities across various industries. From tech and finance to healthcare and engineering, there’s a booming market for skilled professionals. Our seminar will explore current economic trends and highlight the hottest job sectors. Knowing where the opportunities lie can give you a head start in your career planning.

Work Permit and Green Card Formalities

One of the critical aspects of studying and working in the U.S. is understanding the visa and immigration process. Our seminar will provide a detailed overview of the work permit (OPT and CPT) and Green Card. Understanding these formalities is crucial, and we’ll make it as straightforward as possible.

Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to get a head start on your dream. Register Now for the FREE seminar.

Funding Your Education

Financing your education is often one of the most daunting aspects of studying abroad. However, plenty of scholarships, grants, and assistantships are available to international students. Our seminar will provide insights into various funding options and offer tips on managing your finances while studying. Understanding your funding options can ease your financial burden and allow you to focus on your studies.

Prerequisite Examinations

Most U.S. universities require international students to take standardized tests as part of their application process. These may include the GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS. We will break down the importance of these exams, what scores you should aim for, and how to prepare effectively.

Application Timeline

Timing is everything when it comes to applying for a master’s degree in America. Our seminar will provide a detailed application timeline, starting from selecting universities to submitting your application and beyond. We will discuss the importance of building a strong application profile, including letters of recommendation, personal statements, and resumes.

Why Attend Our Seminar?

This seminar is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed in your pursuit of a master’s degree in the United States. You will be able to interact with experts, ask questions, and gain insights that are not readily available online.

Register now for our FREE seminar and take the first step towards a brighter future. Seats are limited, so make sure to secure your spot today!

Date: 16th June, 2024
Time:
11:00 am (English & Marathi)
6:30 pm (English)
Venue: Siddhi Banquet Hall
D.P. Road, Near Mhatre Bridge, Erandwane, Pune 411004
Fields: The seminar is open to students from all engineering fields, computer science and related fields, architecture, and finance.

We look forward to helping you turn your dreams into reality. See you there!

As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of admission counseling services that can guide you through the entire process from Shortlisting Universities to Visa Counseling. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 32,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. We also offer classroom and online coaching for GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, as well as GRE Self Prep. To explore our services, book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222.

Live Webinar: Master’s Degree in UK for Computer Science & Related Fields

Dilip Oak's Academy

Are you planning to pursue a Master’s degree in the UK?

Do you require guidance regarding the application requirements, career opportunities and work visa in the UK?

Attend our FREE LIVE WEBINAR on Sunday, 3rd July 2022 and get in-depth guidance on:

  1. Admission criteria
  2. Application process
  3. Visa formalities
  4. Job prospects after the degree

Register here

The webinar is open to students from Computer Science and related fields.

Dilip Oak’s Academy is the pioneering institute in India for higher education abroad and since 1996, the academy has sent more than 30,000 students to various American universities. This year, the academy has also launched admission counselling services for master’s courses in the UK, primarily for Computer Science and related fields.

For more details, reach us at 020-67444222 or email us at support@dilipoakacademy.com

Top 5 Reasons to Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in the USA

Dilip Oak's Academy

The last few years have seen an increasing number of Indian students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in America. This trend has been strengthened by the increasing economic power of families who now want their children to benefit from the high-quality education that is available in America. For this reason, many professionals and those in business or top corporate positions are now sending their children to join American bachelor’s programs.

This trend has been further boosted by the fact that even parents who are not financially very strong can still afford an American education because their children can get tuition waivers and scholarships if they have exceptional academic credentials and high scores in the SAT, ACT or AP exams.

But what else makes getting a bachelor’s degree in America a good choice?

Tough Competition in India

Getting admission to top-ranked Indian institutions like the IITs, BITS, and NITs is now even more difficult than it used to be. Around 10 lakh students appear for the entrance examinations for these institutions but, only 11,300 secure admissions to the IITs, 19,000 to the NITs and 380 to BITS. This amounts to a total of 30,000 students, which comes to hardly 3% of the total number of applicants. As a result, other intelligent and above-average students who often miss getting admission by very narrow margins have to take admission into local colleges which do not provide the same level of facilities as the elite institutions. Nevertheless, it is still possible for such students to get admission to even some of the best US universities which offer high educational standards and world-class facilities.

American Education can be Affordable

As mentioned above, students who get high SAT scores (more than 1400 out of 1600) and have good academic records in standards 9, 10, 11 and 12 (if available), can get tuition waivers and scholarships from good American universities. In addition, campus jobs as tour guides, library assistants, food court and front desk staff and other such positions pay enough to take care of living expenses. This makes education in America can be affordable.

Academic Flexibility

In India, you are required to select your desired branch of study (e.g. Mechanical, Electrical or, Computer Science) right at the beginning of your bachelor’s degree and then, you cannot change your field of study.  However, in the US, you are allowed to take general courses and study different subjects of your choice in the first one or two years. Then, in the second or third year, you can select your specialization from a broad range of programs. The initial exposure you gain in the first two years of your course allows you to make an informed decision regarding which specializations to take up. You can also take a dual degree, e.g. as an engineering student, you can also take economics as your minor and graduate with both the degrees, an advantage that you do not have in India.

Updated Courses and the State-of-the-art Labs

With curricula updated according to the latest trends in education and industry, US universities offer students excellent exposure. The courses focus on practical skills and in-depth application, and research labs are well-equipped. This means that graduates from American universities are always among the best-trained in the market which increases their chances of securing good jobs anywhere in the world.

To help you get started with your preparation, we offer SAT Coaching  and also Admission Counseling through which we provide guidance on selection of universities, application essays and visa counselling.

Our next SAT batch starts 8th January 2022. Enroll Now and get started with your prep!

Top 10 Trending MS Specializations in the USA

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Are you planning to pursue a Master’s Degree in the USA? Are you confused between the many specializations available? Do you need guidance on which specialization would best suit your interest and align with the most flourishing fields in the USA?

Then this blog is for you. Read on to get a quick insight into the top 10 trending specializations across the most popular fields in the USA and improve your chances of landing the best job upon completing your Masters.

Top Ten Trending MS Specialisations in the USA

Computer Science

1) Artificial Intelligence

2) Machine Learning

3) Robotics

Mechanical Engineering

4) Mechatronics

5) Robotics

Electrical Engineering

6) Artificial Intelligence

7) Embedded Systems

8) Machine Learning

9) Robotics

10) VLSI

For detailed guidance on choosing the right major and the right university, enroll for our Admission Counselling services today! We provide thorough guidance on drafting of SOPs, selection of universities, application essays, and visa counselling. 

 To help you get started with your preparation, we also offer GRE Coaching, TOEFL Coaching, and IELTS Coaching.

Advantages of Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Germany

Dilip Oak's Academy

Here are top five reasons to pursue a Masters in Germany:

1. No tuition fees: The greatest advantage of pursuing your Masters in Germany is that international students do not have to pay tuition fees since higher education in Germany is mostly funded by the state government. However, some universities charge a nominal semester fee and a small number private universities charge a tuition fee which is nevertheless very low compared to those charged by other countries.  

2. Industry-based specializations: Germany offers degree programs in very specialized fields such as Mechatronics, Commercial Vehicle Technology and, Advanced Signal Processing that are designed in keeping with industry trends. This increases your chances of getting high-paid jobs across diverse sectors. 

3. Quality education and internationally recognized degrees: German universities are known for their world-class education in terms of the advanced infrastructure, updated curricula and quality scientific research that they offer. A majority of these universities have affiliations with industry which helps students get internships and job opportunities after completing their courses in Germany as well as other countries in the European Union.  

4. Low living costs: Compared to other European countries, living costs in Germany are very low. Students also get concessions for housing and public transport.

5. Job opportunities: Germany offers a large number of jobs in technical fields and in Information Technology. After completing their Master’s degree, students can extend their visa for up to 18 months to find a job. They can also take up paid internships while studying. Indian students can also take up the on- and off-campus jobs for 150 full days or 240 half days. As mentioned above, students can also get good jobs in the European Union.

To help you get started with your preparation, we offer GRE Coaching, TOEFL Coaching, IELTS Coaching, and also Admission Counseling through which we provide guidance on the selection of universities, application essays, and visa counseling. 

Specializations available in various Engineering streams for MS in the US

Dilip Oak's Academy

It’s time to gear up and start completing your applications if you are planning to pursue masters in the USA starting fall 2021. But before that, it is imperative to understand the various specializations your field of study offers and chose the right one. Every year, we come across a lot of students who are confused about specializations under various streams of engineering.

Here are a few things you should consider before choosing a specialization:

  • Your area of interest and long-term goal
  • Your technical background, skill set, work experience
  • Career prospects of your chosen area

Considering the above factors, here is a list of some of the most popular and recommended stream-wise specializations you can choose from to pursue MS:

Computer Science

  • Algorithms
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cloud computing
  • Comp arch
  • Comp security
  • Databases Data mining
  • Embedded systems
  • Graphics
  • Human Computer Interaction
  • Image processing
  •  signal processing
  • Machine Learning
  • Natural Language Processing
  • Networking
  • Operating System
  • Parallel & distributed systems
  • Programming
  • Robotics
  • Software Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

  • Automobile
  • CAD/CAM
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Combustion
  • Control
  • Design
  • Dynamics
  • Energy
  • FEM
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Heat Transfer
  • Hybrid Vehicle
  • Manufacturing
  • Material
  • Mechatronics
  • Noise and Vibration
  • Robotics
  • Solid Mech
  • Thermal Fluids
  • Thermodynamics

Electrical Engineering

  • Artificial intelligence
  • Automation
  • Communication
  • Communication systems
  • Computer Architecture
  • Control Systems
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Design
  • Electric Power
  • Embedded Systems
  • Energy Systems
  • Image processing
  • Machine Learning
  • Networking
  • Power Electronics
  • Power systems
    Robotics
  • Telecom
  • VLSI
  • Wireless communication

Industrial Engineering

  • Health care system
  • Human factor and ergonomics
  • Logistics
  • Manufacturing systems
  • Operations Research
  • Production
  • Quality and Reliability
  • Supply chain management
  • Systems
  • Transportation

Civil Engineering

  • Construction engineering
  • Fire protection engineering
  • Geo-technical engineering
  • Hazardous materials management
  • Hydraulics
  • Structural engineering
  • Surveying science and engineering
  • Transportation and highway engineering
  • Water resource engineering

 

 

 

MS in Canada: Admission and student visa requirements (part 2)

Dilip Oak's Academy

17th aug-blog banner

In the last blog dated 10/08/2020, we discussed the benefits of pursuing masters in Canada and saw how fast the country is becoming one of the most sought after destinations for higher education. In this blog, we will focus on the admission and visa requirements for MS in Canada and breeze through the top Ten Canadian Universities for STEM courses.

Admission requirements 

Academic credentials

Majority Canadian universities require you to have completed 16 years of education (12+4), i.e. – a four- year Bachelor’s degree before going for MS. This is applicable to all the technical background students like Engineering, Pharmacy, and Architecture etc. For non-technical fields like Arts and Management, a student is required to complete 17 years of education. (12+3+2)

Canadian universities have a very high cutoff percentage. Hence, you need to have a minimum of 65% to 70% in your degree course and an equivalent CGPA of a minimum of 7.0 to 7.5. Top universities especially give a lot of emphasis on the performance of the last two years of your degree course. (3rd & 4th year)

If you are planning to pursue MS in Business Management, Finance, and Business Analytics; you are required to have relevant work experience of minimum 1 to 3 years.

Qualifying examinations

TOEFL/IELTS: English Language Proficiency Test scores are a mandatory requirement of Canadian universities. A minimum of 6.5 to 7 band score in IELTS or 90+ score in TOEFL is required to get into the best Canadian universities. At Dilip Oaks Academy, we offer online TOEFL and online IELTS coaching along with rigorous practice sessions and mock tests.

GRE: Though a majority of universities in Canada do not require GRE scores, some of the top universities do ask for it. We recommend you to give the GRE and keep your scores ready if you aim to get into one of the top universities. Our Online GRE Coaching will enable you to prepare for the GRE in a hassle-free manner.

Crucial student visa requirements:

Once you receive admit from a Canadian university, you need to apply for a study permit that requires you to fulfil four crucial criteria:

1)      Admit should be from a recognized university

2)      Proof of funds to support yourself. At present this is equal to the tuition fee for one year and CA$10,000 as living expenses.

3)      Proof of no criminal record

4)      Fitness certificate from the doctor as recommended by the Canadian High Commission

Lastly, a quick glance at the Top 10 Canadian Universities:

  • University of Toronto
  • University of British Columbia
  • McGill University
  • McMaster University
  • University of Montreal
  • University of Alberta
  • University of Ottawa
  • University of Calgary
  • University of Waterloo
  • Western University

Kick-start your prep for MS in Canada NOW!

Enrol for our admission counselling services and start planning your Canadian endeavour the right way!

Why 2019 is a Good Time to Pursue MS in the USA – Part 1

Dilip Oak's Academy

Blog-Why-US-2019

For years, Indian students have been flocking to universities in the United States of America to pursue higher education – mainly MS degrees. However, due to uncertainties in the recent immigration policies, there is some reservation in the minds of MS candidates about whether the USA is still the best option. In this post, we are covering a few points about why 2019 is actually an opportune time to apply to American universities.

1] Trump’s New H1B Policy

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require technical expertise. In late January, US president Donald Trump announced changes in the H1B visa lottery system, which will favour students with advanced degrees in STEM fields from US universities. The new approach may result in an increase of up to 16% H-1B beneficiaries with a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. university.

Statistical Advantage of the New Lottery System


H1B-New-System 

2] Beyond H1B – A Path to Citizenship

In January itself, Trump expressed his views on merit-based immigration in a tweet. He indicated that reforms would be introduced to ensure ‘simplicity and certainty’ to the stay of H1B-holders in the USA and also incorporate a path to citizenship. Realizing the need for legal immigration of skilled workers, he has said “we want to encourage talented and highly skilled people to pursue career options in the U.S.“

11-01-19-Trump-01

Further, a new law has been proposed in the US Congress to abolish country-wise quota for Green Cards. If passed, it could benefit thousands of Indian professionals waiting for a long time to secure Green Card. The proposal has been co-sponsored by 13 Senators and received great support.

To conclude, our advice to students is that do not give up on your dream of pursuing an MS in the US because of unverified rumors. The quality of education provided in American universities, the research facilities and the internships and work experience you will be able to secure are unparalleled. Seize the opportunity and make the most of it!

Great News (12 + 24 = 36 Months) STEM OPT Rule Survives!

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Optional Practical Training (OPT)

12 Months: Granted to students on F1 (student) visa status completing undergraduate (BS/BA) or graduate (MS/MBA) degrees

24 Months Extension: Students with degrees from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) fields

Therefore, students completing a degree from the STEM field get an OPT period of total 36 months (Regular 12 months + 24 months extension), permitting them to work in the US without H1B visa.

STEM-OPTOPT is a temporary employment authorization that is directly related to a student’s area of study. Students pursuing their education in the US on student (F1) visa are eligible to work in the US under the F1-OPT visa program, which gives them an opportunity to apply the education obtained in an academic degree to a practical work experience.

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the Washington Alliance of Technology Workers (WashTech) that challenged the STEM OPT regulations that allow F1 visa holders who have degrees in STEM fields to extend their one-year Optional Practical Training (OPT) period for an additional 24 months.

The dismissal ends this lawsuit, and the current rules governing 12-month OPT and the 24-month extension for students from STEM fields remain in place.

California State University Conducts Interactive Session for Students at Oak’s Academy

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A four-member team representing four campuses of California State University visited Dilip Oak’s Academy, at Bhandarkar Road, on Tuesday, 11th April 2017. The visiting delegation comprised:

Dr. Ray Wallace
Executive Director (International Programs and Senior International Officer)
California State University, East Bay

Dr. Paul Hofmann
Associate VP (International Programs and Global Engagement)
California State University, Sacramento

Dr. Jennifer Helzer
Director – International Education
California State University, Stanislaus

Dr. Seema Sehrawat
Associate Professor and International Officer
California State University, Chico

The university officials addressed the students on a variety of topics that were important and relevant to the latter. They also took their questions and generally dwelt on the challenges they were likely to face as graduate students in the US. They spoke with students on resource management, coping with academic pressures, on-campus employment opportunities, and safety-related issues. 

CSU-Visit-Oaks-AcademyDr. Ray Wallace dwelt on three topics: employment opportunities in the US after MS, the dynamic of the H1B immigration regulations, and what he called the “Trump effect.”

Dr. Wallace expressed the view that employment opportunities in the US after MS, particularly in the IT sector were “spectacular”.  He revealed that companies were hiring university graduates “aggressively” and that job opportunities in the US at present were “strong”. Dr. Wallace predicted that economic growth during the next couple of years “will stay positive”.

Dwelling on the dynamic of the H1B immigration regulations, Dr. Wallace was of the opinion that the Trump Administration did not have problems with overseas students coming to US universities, and added that it had issues with contracting and consulting companies like Wipro, Tata Consultancy Services, etc., which he pointed out had historically netted a large percentage of H1B visas from the quota allocated to Indians.

Seeking to allay the fears of students in general, Dr. Wallace assured them that change comes slowly with regard to regulations in the US and that change will be positive for university graduates. These changes will only present university graduates with more job opportunities, higher salaries, and less resistance in the immigration context.

Referring to what he called the “Trump effect”, Dr. Wallace shrugged off rhetoric of the US President during his election campaign and stated that he was a different man when he interacted with IT majors in the US. Dr. Wallace quipped, “Trump doesn’t speak like that to Bill Gates or people from other major IT companies like Apple,” and added that as a businessman himself, Trump understood and seemed to be sympathetic to the pleas of heads of IT companies for flexibility in immigration-related regulations as they needed to hire people from abroad. Therefore, Dr. Wallace said that change will only be positive for higher education, especially for students with master’s and PhD degrees in the STEM category.

Dr. Paul Hoffman pointed out that there was a wide range of on-campus jobs up for grabs for graduate students who chose to take up a job during their second or third semester. These included academic and non-academic job opportunities, he added. Dr. Hoffman said taking up an academic job on campus could lead to internship opportunities which receive academic credit for off-campus work experience.

On graduation, Dr. Hoffman revealed, one could transition to a period of practical training for 12 months. He stressed that STEM-major students could avail of an additional 24 months of off-campus employment, which would mean 36 months of practical exposure and experience for them. Dr. Hoffman stressed that students could thus make the most of the inherent privileges that would accrue to them by virtue of their H1B visas. He also disclosed that, often, such students are sponsored by their companies for an H1B visa, later, which allows them to continue working in the USA after this initial three-year period.

Dr. Seema Sehrawat spoke on the American education system. She pointed out that in the US students got a lot of practical knowledge. She said whenever she spoke with students of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and even MBA, all of them talked about how they greatly valued the practical basis of the education system in the US. Dr. Sehrawat did sound a note of caution on how this could pose a challenge initially to Indian students who are more accustomed to theory-oriented studies in India.

She pointed out that American professors were generally very dedicated and always there for their students. Referring to the current political climate, Dr. Sehrawat advised students not to go by heresay or exaggerated media reportage. She urged them to focus on their future and think of what the American system had to offer to them. Speaking of California, she emphasised that California was “quite safe” and added that it was a “melting pot” that welcomed diversity.

Addressing-StudentsAgainst the backdrop of attacks on Indians in the US, the experts pointed out that Indians staying in the US should be well aware of their surroundings and make the correct decision regarding matters such as whether or not stay out late at night. Untoward incidents occur usually late at night after partying. Therefore, it is advisable not to put oneself in such vulnerable positions.

University campuses and its surroundings, they stressed, are safe and every campus has a highly organised and professional police department. Every university is particular about student safety and makes it its top priority, they pointed out. The American people, they specially emphasized, are very supportive of cultural diversity. Sensational media reports usually refer to stray incidents in some trouble spots of the US such as the “Midwest” and some of the southern parts of the country.

Stressing security and safety, Dr. Sehrawat, speaking from her personal experience as an expatriate Indian, opined that American people in general were kind hearted and welcoming, and that one could easily make friends with them.

The visiting delegation of California State University officials spent a couple of hours interacting with students at Dilip Oak’s Academy. They gave students their calling cards and encouraged them to meet them when they joined their colleges.