International Engineering Students: Consulting Careers Explored

International students in engineering who are interested in working in consulting may face some challenges, but it is not impossible. The biggest hurdle is often visa sponsorship, as consulting firms may be hesitant to sponsor visas for international students, especially if there are qualified local candidates. However, some consulting firms do sponsor visas, so it is important to research which firms offer this option. Networking is crucial for international students, as it can help them build connections and increase their chances of finding a firm that is willing to sponsor their visa. Additionally, international students should focus on performing well during their internships, as this can increase their chances of receiving a full-time offer. While it may be challenging, international students in engineering can successfully break into the consulting industry in their target country with the right combination of networking, visa sponsorship, and strong performance.

Visa requirements

The visa requirements for international students in engineering who want to work in consulting vary depending on the country. Here is an overview of the visa requirements for a few countries:

United States

International students in the US on an F-1 visa may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first year, F-1 students can engage in three types of off-campus employment, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT). This allows F-1 students to work off-campus in engineering consulting roles, provided it is related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official.

Additionally, some consulting firms in the US sponsor H1B visas and Tier 2 visas for international students. It is important to research and reach out to specific firms to understand their visa sponsorship policies.

Japan

Japan offers the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa, which is a typical work visa for foreigners. This visa is based on a contract with a Japanese company and is used to invite foreigners with expertise in fields such as science, engineering, or the humanities. It is intended for technicians, white-collar professionals, and clerical professionals.

To transition from a student visa to a work visa in Japan, you may need to apply for a Change of Status of Residence. The process involves two change procedures, depending on your graduation date and hired start date. It is recommended to initiate the process approximately three months before starting work.

Other Countries

Internship performance

Consulting internships are a great way for international engineering students to gain hands-on experience in the industry and explore if a career in consulting aligns with their skills and interests. These internships offer invaluable exposure to a fast-paced, client-focused environment and provide a platform to sharpen problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

To secure a consulting internship, international engineering students should start their search early, ideally in the fall, and utilize their university's career services for guidance. They should also prepare a strong application showcasing their academic excellence, leadership potential, and problem-solving skills. A well-crafted resume, tailored to highlight relevant experiences, is crucial. While a high GPA is advantageous, it is not the sole determining factor. Demonstrating leadership experience, networking within the industry, and pursuing practical, real-world experience in Excel and financial modelling can enhance an applicant's profile.

During the internship, interns are typically tasked with data collection, research, and presenting their findings. They may also assist their managers with ongoing problems and collaborate with teams to solve complex business challenges. Consulting interns should embrace these opportunities to forge connections with managers and team members, develop essential skills, and build a strong network.

To excel in their internship performance, international engineering students should actively seek feedback from their supervisors and teammates. They should also be proactive in identifying areas for improvement and taking on additional responsibilities. Demonstrating a strong work ethic, effective communication, and a willingness to learn will contribute to a positive performance evaluation. Additionally, interns should focus on delivering high-quality work and meeting deadlines, as this can increase their chances of receiving a full-time job offer upon internship completion.

Networking

Identify Your Goals and Audience

Before you start networking, be clear about your goals. Are you seeking industry knowledge, exploring career opportunities, or building professional relationships? Knowing what you want to achieve will help you identify the right people to connect with and tailor your approach accordingly.

Prepare Your Pitch and Materials

Attend Networking Events and Orientations

Keep an eye out for networking events, workshops, and seminars hosted by your university or local organizations. International student orientations are excellent opportunities to meet fellow international students and build a diverse network. Attend career fairs, even if you're not actively job hunting, to gain insights and make valuable connections.

Utilize Social Media and Online Communities

Create a professional online presence, especially on LinkedIn. Connect with professors, classmates, alumni, and potential employers. Join relevant groups, follow industry influencers, and stay updated on job opportunities and trends. Engage in online communities of international students or professionals who can share their experiences and provide support.

Be Open and Respectful

When networking, show genuine interest in the other person's background, work, and challenges. Ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and provide meaningful feedback. Respect their time, culture, and preferences. Follow up with a thank-you note, but avoid sending multiple messages or requests. Remember, networking is about building relationships based on mutual respect and curiosity.

Leverage Your Unique Strengths

As an international student, you bring a wealth of diverse experiences and skills. Highlight your language abilities, cross-cultural competence, adaptability, and global network. Share your stories, achievements, and passions to showcase your personality and character. Don't be afraid to express your opinions and ideas respectfully and constructively.

Prior experience in the US

As an international student in engineering, gaining prior work experience in the US can significantly enhance your employability in the consulting field. US employers are often impressed by candidates who have demonstrated initiative and a strong work ethic during their studies. Accumulating work experience while in college makes you a more competitive job seeker and adds a unique dimension to your profile as an international student.

There are several ways for international students on F-1 visas to gain valuable US work experience. On-campus job opportunities, such as working at the university library or bookstore or serving as a Resident Assistant, are typically available to F-1 students after their first year. These positions showcase leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, which are highly valued by US employers. Even working a few hours per week demonstrates your engagement and dedication.

If you're unable to work off-campus due to economic hardship, consider Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT is a valuable program that allows international students to gain real-world experience in their field through internships or practicums with partnering employers. While not all college majors offer CPT, it can be a great way to enhance your off-campus work experience and avoid processing delays associated with Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Summer internships are another excellent way to gain US work experience as an international student. Aim to make yourself indispensable to your employer, so they may consider extending your internship beyond the summer. If not, be proactive and create a proposal outlining your deliverables for continued employment. Remember, the more work experience you can accumulate during your studies, the better your chances of securing a consulting job in the US after graduation.

Additionally, seek out resources and support from your International Student Services office and career services staff at your university. They can provide guidance on maximizing your chances of working on and off-campus while completing your degree. Keep in mind that consulting firms may sponsor H1-B or Tier 2 visas for international applicants, so gaining prior US work experience can strengthen your application and demonstrate your commitment to working in the US.

Language requirements

Consulting recruitment can be considered international when a candidate from one country applies to a consulting firm located in another country. The language requirements for such positions vary depending on the location of the office and the type of track you are applying for. For example, the Paris office of a consulting firm may require fluency in French for almost all positions. However, language requirements may be waived for certain applications, such as MBA applicants from top schools applying to offices where the local language is recommended but not required.

It is important to note that the role you are applying for may be similar across offices, but there can be key differences in the application process. Consulting firms often hold region-specific events in English or the local language to help applicants learn about their global offices. These events can provide valuable insights into the types of projects, business areas, and leadership within a specific office or region. Therefore, attending such events can help international students understand the language requirements and expectations for specific offices.

Additionally, when applying for a position in an international office, it is advisable to find the recruiter for that specific office. The home country recruiter may have limited knowledge of international offices, so connecting with the local recruiter can provide more detailed information about the language requirements and application process.

While some consulting firms may have specific language requirements, others may offer support with language proficiency exams. In the context of university admissions, agents or consultants can assist international students in preparing for English proficiency exams and provide resources to improve language skills. This suggests that consulting firms may also offer similar support, especially if the role is not based in a country where English is the primary language.

Frequently asked questions