In this edition of our Career Coach Newsletter we spotlight Aryan, a dynamic lead product manager at Yelp. Originally from Mumbai, India, Aryan has demonstrated a the ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments, making his way to significant roles at Google and Microsoft before his current position at Yelp. Embarking on his journey as an international student, Aryan navigated through cultural transitions and the challenges of building a career in a new country with remarkable strategic foresight. His experiences, ranging from overcoming visa hurdles to leveraging educational resources and internships, illuminate a path of perseverance and proactive career planning. ARYAN'S TOP FIVE TIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 1. Leverage Internships for Experience: "Do as many internships as you can start early. Try different fields and then see what kind of feels the best and then you can pursue that" - Aryan emphasizes the importance of internships to gain real-world experience and understand what you enjoy doing. 2. Utilize University Resources: "I took the other approach of let me just ask for help where I can, whether that meant going to the career development center at Brown and just talking to folks there" - Aryan suggests that students should not hesitate to seek help from university career services for guidance and networking opportunities. 3. Understand Visa Constraints: "It is disheartening when you hear from a recruiter that we can't give you this interview because we don't sponsor visas" - Aryan advises international students to be aware of visa restrictions and consider targeting larger companies that are more likely to offer sponsorship. 4. Ask for Help and Network Effectively: "You should get a referral instead of applying on the website" - Networking and securing referrals are crucial, as Aryan points out, especially in industries where many things are unspoken and the traditional application process might not be as effective. 5. Be Prepared for Cultural Adjustments: "The first year is sort of like a whirlwind with a bunch of things changing all at the same time" - Aryan shares that adapting to a new cultural environment is challenging but enriching, advising students to be open and adaptable to these changes. Get weekly updates in your email: https://thecareercoach.beehiiv.com/subscribe