As an international student from Latin America, I understand firsthand how challenging the job and internship search experience can be in the U.S.. Landing my first internship last summer took over 100 applications, countless networking conversations, coffee chats, and strategic outreach. But I made it.
Now, as a senior graduating in May, I’m in the process of securing my first full-time position post-grad, and I want to share a resource that has been incredibly helpful: GoinGlobal.
What is GoinGlobal?
GoinGlobal is a comprehensive career resource that is free and accessible to all Suffolk students through Handshake. It provides everything you need to identify employment opportunities in the U.S. or abroad, including career guides, global job and internship postings, an employer directory, and an H1B Visa directory.
Key Features That Make a Difference:
- Global job and internship postings that you can filter by city or country
- Multilingual search to find openings posted in local languages
- Local job search resources tailored to specific regions
- Work permit and visa regulations information – crucial for international students
- Interview and cultural advice to help you navigate different professional environments
- Comprehensive database of worldwide employers in more than 190 countries
- H1B Visa Database searchable by location, job title, company, or occupation
How to Access GoinGlobal: Log into Handshake, navigate to the Career Center section on the left-hand side of your screen, click on the Resources box and scroll down until you see GoinGlobal. It’s that simple!
“Landing my first internship last summer took over 100 applications, countless networking conversations, coffee chats, and strategic outreach. But I made it! Now, as a senior graduating in May, I’m in the process of securing my first full-time position post-grad, and it has been challenging”
My Top Recommendation: The U.S. Career Guide
One particularly useful section is the U.S. Career Guide, where you can find top hiring companies for international students, job search engines and networking tips. When you click on “Country Guides”, select the U.S. flag and find insights from identifying employers that align with your goals, to securing a job and staying in the U.S. This guide also provides information on professional associations, corporate and trade groups, and strategies for one-to-one networking – all essential components of a successful U.S. job search.
Don’t forget to check out the “Living There” section, which offers practical information about sustaining yourself financially and adjusting to life in the U.S. once you land that job.
Understanding “Hot” vs. “Cold” Applications
Here’s something that changed my job search strategy: understanding the difference between “hot” and “cold” applications. A “cold” application is a direct, unsolicited submission to a job posting through LinkedIn, Handshake or another application portal. While necessary, these applications have a success rate of only around 2.5% for getting an initial interview. On the other hand, a “hot” application includes a referral or prior connection, leading to a faster, more efficient process with a significantly higher success rate. This is where networking becomes an important asset.
Once you identify job roles or companies you’re interested in, start networking with people who work there. Use LinkedIn to find connections you might have things in common with; Suffolk alumni, people from your same country or region, professionals who share your major, etc. These commonalities give you a natural starting point for conversation. Reach out for coffee chats to learn more about the company, their experience, and open job roles. Even if there aren’t current openings, these conversations keep you on people’s radar and can lead to valuable referrals down the line. Building these relationships is an investment in your career journey.
The U.S. job search as an international student requires persistence, strategy, and the right resources. GoinGlobal offers a wealth of information that can streamline your search and increase your chances of success. Combined with intentional networking, you can transform your approach from sending countless cold applications to building meaningful connections that open doors. Start early, be genuine, and don’t be afraid to reach out. Your dream opportunity is out there, and with the right tools and approach, you can find it.
Good luck with your search!
