Area universities encourage international students to stay and work after graduation

October 29, 2024 (Volume 48, Number 5)
Article by Liz Montoya

students seated in Loosemore Auditorium listening to presentations

man in suit jacket and open collar shirt speaks to an audience while standing in front of projector

students eating at round table in DeVos Center

More than 100 international students from eight West Michigan colleges and universities attended a career conference October 18 to discuss job opportunities and career readiness.

The West Michigan International Student Career Conference was co-hosted by the Padnos International Center and Global Detroit, a regional economic development organization focused on keeping international talent in Michigan. Students from 30-plus countries came from Aquinas, Calvin and Hope colleges, Grand Rapids and Muskegon community colleges, Grand Valley State, Ferris State and Western Michigan universities.

Luke Wyckoff, CEO of Wyckoff Industries/Social Media Energy, was the opening plenary speaker. Wyckoff kicked off the day with passion for international experiences and value for global talent and impact. He told the students that they have a competitive advantage because of their global perspectives, tenacity, resilience and adaptability.

Libby Jawish, director of International Student & Scholar Services at the Padnos International Center, said that international students often demonstrate an admirable loyalty to employers and that many students would welcome the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in Michigan after graduating.

Panel sessions featured international student alumni representatives. Rachel Becklin and Cindy Brown from GVSU’s Career Center gave an overview of the local market and offered tips on a successful elevator pitch.

Students networked and practiced pitches over lunch before reconvening for a panel session from local employers TaRita Johnson, senior vice president of Talent & Diversity for The Right Place; Amina Vila-Kevro, from Hungerford Nichols; Neil Carlson, founder of DataWise Consulting; and Kristen Dufty, GVSU’s Human Resources immigration manager, who provided insights about the kind of curiosity and problem-solving skills employers are seeking.

Lee Ryder, immigration attorney for Miller Johnson, discussed her previous experience working with international students at Western Michigan University and provided advice about the legal requirements to stay and work in the United States.

A student from Muskegon Community College said he had never been around this many international students, adding he was excited to have made new friends and connections that would support him as he begins to search for jobs.

— Liz Montoya is the assistant director for the Padnos International Center.