EP 9: Immigration, careers & networking for International Students in the U.S.

➡️ Check MPOWER loan eligibility in under 30 seconds: https://mpw-me.com/3FrgXkM ➡️ Apply for MPOWER Scholarships (no loan application needed): https://mpw-me.com/scholarship ➡️ Learn more about MPOWER Loan: https://mpw-me.com/3FBtEJG _________________________________ 🎧 In this powerful episode of The MPOWER Show, host Yudi sits down with Claire Almand, Associate Director of Marketing at MPOWER Financing, and Eric Vandevoorde, Senior Director of Professional Education at Purdue University’s College of Engineering. Together, they unpack the realities, challenges, and opportunities international students face in the United States - from immigration uncertainty to job searching, networking, and building a meaningful career. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: 👉 Immigration Reality Check – Understanding the truth behind F-1 to H-1B transitions, avoiding viral misinformation, and navigating uncertainty with context and clarity. 👉 MPOWER’s Support System – How MPOWER helps international students not just with funding, but with visa support, value-added services, and career help. 👉 Is the American Dream Still Alive? – Claire’s honest perspective on what it takes today to succeed as an international student. 👉 Before You Arrive (2–3 Months Prep) – Networking on LinkedIn, planning your academic roadmap, sorting out housing, and arriving early for orientation. 👉 Why Orientation Week Matters – Building community outside your home country circle and using this week to reduce stress and expand your network. 👉 Career Fairs: The Untapped Power Move – Why showing up in person dramatically improves your chances—even when companies say they don’t hire internationals. 👉 Startups vs. Big Companies – Why students shouldn’t ignore startups, and how hiring managers create roles for the right talent. 👉 The Elevator Pitch & Human-First Networking – How to make genuine connections without transactional outreach. 👉 Mastering LinkedIn Outreach – How to avoid the “cold referral ask” mistake and request meaningful informational interviews instead. 👉 Handling Rejection & Combatting Isolation – Building resilience, seeking community, and keeping a growth mindset. 👉 Faculty Relationships – Viewing professors as mentors and advocates, not just instructors. 👉 Investing in Yourself – The ROI of conferences, hackathons, and professional events, and how to afford them smartly. 👉 Job Hunting Insights – What hiring managers (like Claire) actually look for and why cultural fit matters just as much as skills. Whether you’re preparing to come to the U.S. or already navigating school, careers, and immigration, this episode offers grounded, honest, expert-driven advice you won’t hear on social media. 👩‍🎓 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more high-impact conversations for international students! #MPOWERFinancing #feelingMPOWERed #TheMPOWERShow #InternationalStudents #StudyInUSA #PurdueUniversity #CareerTips #ImmigrationJourney #H1BVisa #F1Visa #NetworkingTips #CareerFairs #StudyAbroadAdvice #StudentSuccess #JobSearchTips #AmericanDream #HigherEducationUSA #StudentLoansUSA #ProfessionalGrowth #InternationalStudentLife