Finding a job can be a tough process, especially for international students who face unique hurdles. From dealing with complex visa sponsorship requirements to overcoming language barriers and adapting to a new cultural environment, the journey is often challenging. Teng Yung Lin, now a Program Manager at Zoom, exemplifies the resilience and determination needed to succeed in such a competitive landscape. Lin faced significant challenges, including sending out thousands of applications with little success and making the difficult transition from being an engineer to a product manager. Having secured his position two years ago, Lin shares his journey and insights, shedding light on the struggles and strategies that helped him overcome the odds.

What were the biggest challenges you faced as an international student while searching for internship opportunities in the US?

1. Language Barriers

Teng Yung Lin: One of the biggest challenges I faced was the language barrier. Communicating effectively in interviews was daunting, and crafting a professional resume in English was equally tough. It wasn’t just about translating words; it was about conveying my skills and experiences in a way that resonated with employers. This is very different from everyday conversations. It required understanding cultural and professional expectations, which took time and effort to master.

2. Interview Experience

Teng Yung Lin: Lack of practice and familiarity with the local interview style put me at a disadvantage. I realized early in my job search that I needed more practical experience and feedback. The interview process often involves behavioral questions and scenarios that I wasn’t used to. I needed to understand how to answer these questions and present myself confidently and professionally, which required a lot of preparation and practice.

3. Visa Sponsorship

Teng Yung Lin: Another frustrating part of my job hunt was the lack of clear information about visa sponsorship in job descriptions. This often led to wasted efforts applying for positions that were not viable for international candidates. Many job listings were vague about their visa policies, making it hard to identify which companies were open to sponsoring international students. This added an extra layer of uncertainty and complexity to my job search.

How did you overcome the obstacles and barriers you encountered during your internship search?

1. Improving Interview Skills

Teng Yung Lin: To overcome my interview challenges, I sought out online communities where I could practice with others in similar situations. I found significant value in video recording my practice interviews and participating in webinars to gain constructive feedback and improve my performance. Engaging with these communities helped me refine my responses, improve my body language, and build the confidence needed to succeed in actual interviews.

2. Enhancing Resume Quality: 

Teng Yung Lin: For my resume, I used career centers but found that general consultants often didn’t address my specific needs as an international student. I took matters into my own hands by learning to filter job listings through keywords, ensuring my applications were relevant and targeted. This involved researching industry-specific terminology and understanding the key skills and qualifications that employers were looking for. By customizing my resume for each application, I increased my chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.

3. Creating a Self-Developed Solution

Teng Yung Lin: Frustrated by the time-consuming process of manually filtering job postings, I decided to develop my own solution—Jobbly. This tool streamlined my job search by incorporating advanced filtering options and AI-driven recommendations, saving me time and enhancing my application success rate. Jobbly allowed me to quickly identify positions that matched my skills and visa requirements, making the job search process more efficient and less stressful.

What specific strategies or resources did you find most helpful in your pursuit of internship opportunities as an international student?

1. Career Centers

Teng Yung Lin: Although career centers provided some support, I found their general advice insufficient for my specific needs. I supplemented this by seeking more specialized resources, such as industry-specific career services and professional organizations that catered to international students.”

2. Exponent

Teng Yung Lin: I found tremendous value in resources like Exponent, which offered interview questions, demos, and classes tailored to tech industry roles. This platform helped me prepare more effectively and gain confidence in my interview skills. The structured approach and expert guidance provided by Exponent were instrumental in my success.”

3. Platforms like Jobbly

Teng Yung Lin: Platforms like Jobbly greatly helped make applying easier and faster. By using the app to target the right keywords, I was able to ensure my resume was seen by HR professionals more often. Jobbly’s advanced filtering options and AI-driven recommendations streamlined my job search process, saving me time and enhancing my application success rate. It allowed me to focus more on preparing for interviews and less on the tedious task of finding suitable job postings.

Advice for Other International Students

1. Seek Mentor Support

Teng Yung Lin: I emphasize the importance of finding mentors who can offer both guidance and mental support. Mentors can provide valuable insights, encouragement, and practical advice tailored to individual circumstances. They can help you navigate the job search process, improve your professional skills, and offer emotional support during challenging times. Building relationships with mentors can significantly enhance your career development.

2. Customize Your Resume

Teng Yung Lin: I advise international students to customize their resumes meticulously. Being time-efficient and ensuring the resume highlights relevant keywords can significantly enhance the chances of securing an interview. Tailoring your resume to match the job description and highlighting your unique qualifications can make a strong impression on employers. Additionally, using tools like Jobbly can help streamline this process and improve your application success rate.

In conclusion, Lin’s journey from an international student facing multiple barriers to a successful Program Manager at Zoom is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic planning, and the effective use of resources. His story offers a beacon of hope and practical advice for other international students navigating the challenging job market. By leveraging available resources, seeking mentorship, and customizing their approach, international students can overcome obstacles and achieve their career goals.