Tips for International Students looking for jobs in States

"You must always equip yourself through training and sharpening your skill all the time." - Tunku Abdul Rahman 

I am an International Student studying in States. I will be graduating in May 2013 with 150 credits. Before landing a job in States, I have went through different kinds of interview, career fair, and networking. I would like to take this opportunity to share how I succeed my American Dream, and I really hope this may impact some other international students' life too!

1. Networking 
Whenever there are companies' information session, you should always attend with questions prepared. Ask one question during the Q&A and talk to the recruiter after the event. Make sure the recruiter remembers your name. Feel free to bring your resume.

Whenever there are career fairs, you should bring a few copies of resumes and research the interested companies before you talk to them.

Whenever there are networking events (like alumni event, ice-cream social), you should dress smart and bring your business cards*.

For students who do not know where to get their business cards, Vistaprint will be a good place for you to get it. www.vistaprint.com/

2. GPA
The higher your GPA, the higher the chance you will be selected for the first-round interview.

3. Involve Club Organizations
I am part of Ascend Rutgers - Newark. "Ascend is a non-profit professional organization that enables its members, corporate partners, and the community to realize the leadership potential of Pan-Asians in global corporations." Being part of Ascend, you will always have a lot of opportunities to learn, network, and equip yourself. The more you get involved in a student organization. The more stories you can tell during the interview. There are many student organizations in states. Join the organization that fit your personality.

Ascend Website: http://www.ascendleadership.org/

4. Add-in Value 
Except participating in student organization, students should always participate in some other activities in order to make their resume standout. For example, students should always participate in Case Competition and joining student conferences. These will be an add-in value on to your resume.

Feel free to email me if you have any question: jfong042@gmail.com.

Overview of 2012

"Dream big & have huge ambition, but never forget life is lived in small moments and sustained by simple acts of love." - Cory Booker 

In March '12, I attended my first and best conference in the world - 15th World Business Dialogue. I met a lot of young, ambitious, impressive future leaders in the world. The conference has broadened my mind where I learned a lot from it. Right after the conference, there were a lot of good and amazing news kept coming! I got an internship offer with E&Y in NJ. Before the internship started, I traveled around Europe. I had a good time and was impressed of the architectures and history of Italy and Germany. Caught up some high-school friends in London and ended up my trip in Romania with my girlfriend. Right after the "play" time, it was the "work" time. I gained a lot from the two-month internship and was invited to the International Interns Conference '12 in Orlando, FL. Not only that, I had the opportunity to attend the Ascend Convention '12 in Chicago and represent the firm for career fair. I helped out and met a few higher level colleagues. They were nice and told me a lot of their career paths. Full-Time offer was an awesome gift at the end of the internship. In September, I received a Scholarship from CSCMP - NJ. A warm bday celebration with Joan in Singapore for the Fourth Anniversary at the end of October. In November, I had the opportunity to attend the Business Today International conference hosted by Princeton University in NY and had a great time with WBDers for re-union. A happy thanksgiving was celebrated with family in Orlando, FL  again after the conference. In December, my girlfriend finally visited to NY after dating her in the last four years. We had a happy Christmas and thank you for wrapping up this great 2012.

Words cannot express my feelings.  

15th World Business Dialogue in Cologne, Germany

Pic w/ E&Y President - Jim Turley

Scholarship Award in September :)














Business Today in New York w/ the WBD folks!

Celebrating my father's birthday and thanksgiving in Miami, Florida!

Thanks you for coming over to New York and celebrated our 4th Christmas!!




Thanks you everyone that show up in my life! My 2012 journey would not have been possible without the support of my family, my friends, and my beloved ones!

I am looking forward to the next challenges in 2013: #Family #Relationship #CPA #GPA  . I am also exciting to work in the city soon!!! Happy New Year and wish you all a great year to go!