International Students: The uncertain road to U.S. employment (includes audio story)

To view the accompanying photo essay, click here. To watch the accompanying documentary, click here.

For international students in the U.S., transitioning from college to the workforce comes with unique challenges. While Optional Practical Training (OPT) offers a temporary path to employment, the uncertainty of securing long-term sponsorship leaves many in a difficult position. Employers often hesitate to hire international graduates due to visa complexities, forcing students to weigh their professional aspirations against the risk of returning to their home countries. This podcast series brings to light the real stories of international students navigating these obstacles, highlighting both struggles and success stories.

Episode 1

Vittoria Marinoni, a STEM graduate in Industrial Engineering, shares her firsthand experience with job applications, rejections and the impact of her visa status on employment opportunities. As a Venezuelan student, she faced moments of uncertainty, even considering returning to her home country. Through her story, she sheds light on the harsh realities of the job market for international graduates, as well as the resilience and strategic planning needed to stay and work in the U.S.

Episode 2

Andrea Igliozzi is a 13-time Emmy-winning reporter and former international student who successfully navigated the sponsorship process. With deep expertise on the topic, Andrea shares her journey from being a student to securing a long-term career in the U.S. Her insights offer invaluable guidance on how international graduates can stand out to employers, build strong professional networks, and increase their chances of obtaining sponsorship.

Claudia Aure

​​Claudia Aure was born in Venezuela and is now a senior majoring in Digital and Interactive Media with a certificate in Music Business. After graduation, Claudia hopes to further her career in the music industry, focusing on marketing and developing creative concepts for artists and their projects.

Mariana Brime

Mariana Brime is a junior majoring in Digital Communications and Media at FIU, as well as a member of the Honors College. With a Mexican background, she is fully bilingual and passionate about Hispanic and Latino issues. After college, she hopes to pursue a career in public relations and communications.

Saylid Lopez

Saylid Lopez is a Venezuelan native and a junior majoring in Digital Media and TV Production. Upon completing her studies, she intends to pursue a career in filmmaking, with a particular focus on the entertainment industry. Her work aims to highlight and address significant cultural issues through visual storytelling.

Dave J. Fair

Dave J. Fair, a transfer student from the University of Colorado, is pursuing a dual major in Digital Communication and Media and Information Technology with a focus on cybersecurity at Florida International University. Dave is passionate about the outdoors and committed to raising awareness about preserving our national parks. He enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and creating video content showcasing his adventures. As Vice President of FIU’s National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), he supported aspiring Hispanic media professionals and fostered community engagement.