Career readiness. Workforce preparation. Real-world impact.
These have long been hallmarks of a DePaul education. Our academic programs are intentionally designed to equip students with the skills, confidence, and adaptability needed to thrive in today’s evolving workforce.
DePaul has sharpened its focus on this critical priority: supporting international students as they prepare to launch their careers in the U.S. and beyond. International students bring extraordinary talents—multilingualism, global perspectives, cross-cultural competence, and international networks—yet they may also face unique challenges navigating U.S. workplace norms and expectations.
Understanding the Challenge
Did you know that many international students enter the job market with limited U.S. work experience? While domestic students often hold jobs throughout high school and college, in the US, international students are typically restricted to on-campus employment or field-specific internships due to visa regulations. These constraints can lower students’ confidence, limit professional networks, and make an already competitive job market feel even more intimidating.
Recognizing this reality, DePaul has committed to creating intentional, accessible pathways for international students to build career-ready skills—early and often.
How DePaul Is Supporting Career Readiness
Through close collaboration among Global Student Success, the Career Center, and the Kellstadt Career Management Center (KCMC), DePaul offers a variety of programs designed to meet the career needs of international students.
Career Readiness resources are offered to new students when they arrive to help them create a plan that meets their academic needs. We collaborate with our career partners each quarter to introduce students to the norms of the US job search. Students learn how resumes and cover letters function in the U.S. context, connect with DePaul resources, and hear directly from peers who have successfully secured on-campus employment. These real-life stories provide both guidance and reassurance: success is possible.
To address the challenge of limited social capital, Global Student Success creates intentional networking opportunities where students can practice skills in a supportive environment. Global Coffee Hour helps students build confidence in “small talk,” form authentic connections, and better understand the local context. Facilitated small-group conversations cover topics such as Exploring Chicago, Getting a Job, and Empowering Yourself and Others—bridge students’ career aspirations with their lived experiences.
Across campus, offices continue to collaborate on integrated support—from immigration guidance on work authorization, to career workshops, and low-risk employer and alumni engagement opportunities. This fall, DePaul will launch its newest initiative: a career readiness program for undergraduate international students. This joint effort between Global Engagement and the Career Center will help students bridge the gap between the classroom and the world of work
How You Can Support International Students’ Career Readiness
Faculty and staff play a powerful role in helping international students succeed. Here are a few simple, high-impact ways to help:
Students who haven’t worked in the U.S. may not fully understand what networking looks like. Share concrete examples of how to approach professionals, request informational interviews, and follow up meaningfully.
Help students see how involvement in student organizations, on-campus jobs, and community volunteering builds transferable skills—communication, collaboration, leadership—that employers value.
International students benefit most when they begin working with career resources early. A longer runway allows time to build confidence, strengthen application materials, grow social capital, and research industries and employers.
Nearly 20% of all student employees are international students and over 1000 DePaul students are currently employed in internships and post-graduation work. DePaul international students are succeeding in the job market!
Supporting international students’ career readiness is a shared responsibility and an investment in DePaul’s global impact. You can help by encouraging international students to engage with career resources early, participate in networking opportunities, and explore the many programs designed to support their success. Together, we can ensure DePaul’s international students graduate not only with a degree, but with the skills, confidence, and connections to thrive wherever their careers take them.