International Student Employment Outcomes

We know the importance of gaining valuable work experience in a new culture during your time here. UM-Dearborn international students land great jobs in the United States, both during and after their programs of study through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) placements. But don’t just take our word for it, check out the data and hear from our students.

Atique Mulla

Program of Study: Industrial and Systems Engineering MSE

Graduation Year: 2021

CPT and OPT Position: Manufacturing Engineer - Pilot Prototype, Rivian Automotive LLC

"CPT and OPT are vital parts of an International student's academic journey. Taking part enabled me to implement the knowledge I gained from my Industrial and Systems Engineering Master's curriculum, which was carefully crafted per the latest Industrial trends. The University resources and guidance to pursue this excellent opportunity really boosted my confidence and allowed me to excel in real life technical challenges."

Kashish Jain

Program of Study: Cybersecurity and Information Assurance MS

Graduation Year: 2023

CPT and OPT Position: AVP - Cyber Defense Application Security, Citizens Bank

"From the moment I set foot on the University of Michigan Dearborn campus, I was greeted by an energetic community of passionate learners and supportive faculty members. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance degree at UM-Dearborn has provided me with a multitude of opportunities to strengthen my professional capabilities. It led me to a full-time remote role as an AVP, Cyber Defense Application Security with Citizens Bank during my CPT.

Furthermore, after an exhilarating Master’s experience and graduating, I have started working on OPT status, continuing with a full-time role at Citizens Bank. I will be continuing to apply the knowledge that I gained in the classroom to real-world situations at work.

A significant advantage of OPT and CPT is the cultural immersion and exposure to a different work environment. Working in a foreign country exposed me to diverse perspectives, work styles, and cultural norms. This experience not only broadened my horizons but also enhanced my adaptability and improved my cross-cultural communication skills."

Pragati Gugale

Program of Study: Program and Project Management MS

Graduation Year: 2023

OPT Position: Project Manager, Ivytek

"My role as a Salesforce Project Manager at Ivytek provided me with invaluable practical experience, allowing me to apply the knowledge I gained at the University of Michigan-Dearborn to real-world professional projects. It empowered me to confidently lead projects, apply process improvements, and leverage my university education effectively. The Career Center's mock interviews alleviated my interview nerves, instilling confidence in every step. I'm immensely grateful to the university for its vast network, guiding my career path and empowering me to excel at every turn."

Bharat Kotabagi

Program of Study: Industrial and Systems Engineering MSE

Graduation Year: 2019

CPT and OPT Position: Project Manager - Powertrain Integration, LHP Software (DBA LHP Engineering Solutions)

"The UM-Dearborn campus offers great benefits like exceptional student organizations which help you interact with other students of similar interests. I was part of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and FSAE and got to connect with other manufacturing and automotive engineers across the campus and create a network. This is in addition to the super helpful instructors who foster learning through creative projects which are not limited to the four walls of the classroom. The environment at UM-Dearborn propels you to plan for your ideal CPT and OPT experience. Dearborn offers a geographical advantage as home of the Big 3. If you are a motor enthusiast looking for automotive opportunities, this is the place to be.

The experience of being a part of vehicle launch for one of the iconic brands in the US and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities helped me gain overall understanding of powertrain development from an organizational perspective. It trajected my career towards Hyliion Inc. producer of electrified powertrain solutions where I currently work as Engineering Manager - Chassis Integration leading engineering integration activities, change management, CAD and PLM organizational roadmap."

Bharat Kudachi

Program of Study: Electrical Engineering MSE

Graduation Year: 2022

CPT and OPT Position: Commercial Vehicle Test and Validation Intern, Isuzu Technical Center of America Inc.

OPT Position: Contract Engineer I, iVantage Group

"During my CPT period, I worked as an intern at ISUZU Technical Center of America, Plymouth. This experience helped me understand my curriculum from an industrial perspective, which was unique for me as a student. It also helped me understand what skills are required to be a good Electrical engineer. 

Working as an intern helped me break my limits and learn from my failures. More importantly, I got exposed to a worldwide workforce culture, and experienced different fields of technology to experiment with. All of this helped me gain professional, time management, and team-building skills.

The university helped me in all ways possible. The career service team was very active in organizing job fairs and providing assistance in reviewing my resume, helping me create a well-described and to-the-point resume. Moreover, the mock interviews taken by the career coach helped me understand how to answer precisely and not repeat the same things again and again."

Richa Chachara

Program of Study: Data Science MS 

Graduation Year: 2022

OPT Position: Senior Data Analyst, Target Enterprise Inc.

CPT Positions: Data Scientist Intern, Tesla, Inc. & Data Scientist Intern, DTE Energy 

"Initially, I faced confusion regarding how and where to begin the job application process, including crafting a resume and cover letter, as the requirements differ slightly between the US and my home country. However, the resources provided by Career services proved invaluable in assisting me in creating a strong resume. The mock interviews and story-building sessions were particularly beneficial.  Several career fairs provided valuable opportunities to connect with individuals from different companies. They enabled meaningful discussions about projects, teams, and the specific skill sets that companies are seeking in potential hires.

The university goes beyond solely focusing on academic endeavors and actively encourages students to embrace a wide range of experiences and resources. With the dedicated support of the OIA team, students are provided with assistance and guidance to make the most of these opportunities and achieve their goals.  The University of Michigan-Dearborn is not just a place of education.  It is a nurturing community that wholeheartedly supports and empowers international students.  With a wealth of opportunities and resources at their disposal, it serves as a launchpad for their dreams and a gateway to endless possibilities."

Interested in staying in the U.S. past OPT? Review the H-1B Employer Data Hub for data on employers who sponsor H-1B workers.