5 Character Traits International Students Need for Jobs in America

Jobs for International Students
Do you want a job in America? Is it even possible? Of course it is. International students ask me all the time how they can stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs. As I have helped with a local organization that assists international students with social life, I see this question come up frequently. But before you worry about how to get a job, you also need to think about how to keep a job.

For international students, you already have proven your ability by your simple effort to come to the USA. Studying abroad is not easy. It requires a lot of dedication, school work, and likely working twice as hard as your American school mates, because of the new culture, language and customs.

While this article is not about the legal steps and procedures to obtaining a job, it’s important to know that all international students who have graduated and accredited higher education program, ( starting with community college associates degree certificates, to bachelors, to masters through ph.D. studies) have the opportunity to apply and work on OPT. This gives those who are here on F-1 visas a way to take their academic studies, and grow their skills through actual work experience. It is for only a defined time period, typically 1 year to 3 years after completing a degree. In addition, there may be other circumstances to work, such as OPT, and others.


Why Should International Students Work in the USA? 
International students have so much to gain from developing real-world work experience. In fact, work experience can be valued more in America than education experience. Many standard resumes formats put work experience at the top, ahead of degrees and school information. This is because many American employers trust the skills, ethic, character and abilities that come from hard work in a variety of related work fields much more than academic accomplishments alone.

Benefits of Working in the USA
As an international student, your work in the U.S. can give you much needed experiences that will enhance your degree. For example, you may have simply worked hard to memorize concepts for a test at school. But a job will test your ability to apply those technical skills in a real-world environment. Also, your skills that you developed in the lab or in the classroom on campus, can now be utilized more effectively in an environment that has demands for profit goals, reporting, work team deadlines and customer satisfaction. Finally, you will have the opportunity to grow your people skills more. This includes the ability to deal with customers, handle a wider range of co-worker personality types and ages, and possibly the ability to lead a team.

Why Character Counts
I’ve found that many of the work experiences mentioned above may be a little frightening to the average international student. “What? You want me to lead other people?” “What if I don’t understand the language, or jokes?” “What if they think I’m not experienced or confident enough?”

This is where character is important. Character is like morals. They are values that guide your everyday commitment to how you act and perform. Character is often more valuable to an employer, than how high your GPA is, or what rank your school is.

How International Students Can Stand Out from Other Applicants
Character can set you apart from others. The U.S., in many locations, has frequent challenges with keeping qualified, competent and hard working staff to stay with a company or employer. American citizens have the freedom to choose many jobs. And, on top of that, they are encouraged to find the job that “makes them happy and fulfilled”. However, this individualistic thinking, when taken too far, can often lead to employees who are not dependable. Many (not all) American young workers have gotten trapped into a cycle of too much job hopping, where they move from job–to-job looking for what satisfies them, but never end up developing necessary work skills and character of commitment, endurance, and consistency. The first reprimand from their boss, or conflict with a teammate, or deadline pressure, can make them want to quit and look for another job that is their “dream job.”

Top 5 Character Traits for International Students Seeking Work
International Students can be different from the scenario mentioned above. You will many times, during your time in college, face temptations to quit, give-up, hop around degrees too much. Yet, for you, and your visa requirements, will have hopefully developed character that shows endurance and ability to put in long work, to see a project happen. Here are some of the top character traits employers are looking for:


Humble Attitude
Many local workers, because of their freedom and ability to move from job to job, may not have a strong ability to listen, be inquisitive and gentle when the job gets tough. But for you, the international student worker, you can grow and demonstrate an attitude of humility. Do you obey orders given to you without argument and contest? Do you listen and engage with other work colleagues without competing to show who knows more or does more? Rather than complaining that the boss favors someone else, just simply do your work well, and worry about issues of fairness and competitive spirit later. 

Endurance
Your willingness to follow through on tasks, despite how difficult it is, or boring the job may be, will likely become one of the greatest character traits you can develop in your time in the U.S. Because of your strict visa limitations during school, your choices were limited. Travel is expensive. Making big degrees or school changes is hard and rare. This can play in your favor. 
But endurance must be grown. As one wisdom proverb says, you should “fan into flame” a gift given to you. For  these character traits, grow them so they benefit your employer and others around you. 


Showing Up On Time
This is a simple one. Many workers consistently show up late. Some have poor communication habits of calling or texting their boss for every little excuse of why they won’t be in work today. You can be different. Make it a goal to show up a couple of minutes early, and don’t be in a rush to head out of work when you are finished for the day. If you are consistent, on-time, and make your world day a priority, you will stand out, and bring refreshment to your supervisor or superior. 


Confidence in Your Abilities
This can be a challenge for many international students who are from cultures that prompt ideas of false humility. Many cultures, especially from East Asia, are trained to “not stick out”. And be quiet. And not “show off.” Yet, there is a difference between pride and confidence. Employers are not looking for proud attitudes. As a famous saying from the Bible goes, pride is thinking too highly of yourself. But confidence is the willingness to utilize the gifts you have, and not hiding that willingness. 

Employers are looking for employees who are confident in their ability. If you have developed a skill from your studies at school, talk about and demonstrate how you are excited to use that skill. Seek opportunities to do more of it. Ask for more work when available. Ask for more challenges. Be up for the challenge. 

Ability to Lead
Finally, this can be a scary one for many. But your willingness to lead others can be one of the greatest character traits that will set you apart later on the job. Often, this character trait develops over time, as you become more experienced, diligent and confident. Yet, it is a character trait that you, as an international student, can start to develop while you are in school. Have you participated in any clubs, organizations or professional society memberships? Are there opportunities to lead and organize? How about class group projects?

People skills, especially leadership, requires you to grow in your EQ (emotional quotient) not just IQ. Can you handle a diverse set of personality styles? Can you mediate conflict and challenges? These abilities often happen through experience. Read leadership books, and apply what you learn. When you grow in this character's ability to lead, you may go far in your future career goals.

Learn more about Career Mentoring for International Students and character development.


Growing Your Character Over Time
Growing these character traits often happens over a long time, and through many experiences. You can also learn about how to develop them through books and courses. Read leadership books, and apply what you learn. When you grow in this character's ability to lead, you may go far in your future career goals. Use your work experience for future careers. One of my favorite books is the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Also, A Work of Heart, by Reggie McNeal for leadership shaping. Although both are written by leaders who are known for their Christian faith, the principles can apply to anyone. Reggie McNeal


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About Author
Mike Cutler lives in Reno Nevada with his family and teaches Entrepreneurship at the University of Nevada, Reno. Mike has worked in over 15 businesses, and started several small businesses, utilizing his experience in digital marketing. He enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, camping and travel. His family enjoys welcoming international students from around the world to experience life in Reno and volunteers with organizations and church ministries that help students and immigrants in his local area.

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