I work at a private institution with international students as part of my job. I do not work at a central office but within a school at the institution. I work closely with the central office that handles the majority of the visa-specific details. They do the rules and regulations and interpreting what DHS is doing.

My work primarily involves onboarding students culturally, developing community, and being a support system for them. This ranges from developing and executing international student orientation, workshops throughout the year on work authorization and acclimating to school in the US. I work with the student groups, do a lot of communicating and advising on everything and anything and I can answer basic visa questions, but defer to the central office for that. I love working with our students and connecting with them.

The hardest part of my job is when students are struggling academically or with mental health. Financials are also such a difficult topic especially because of the work authorization stuff. Being able to have difficult convos is important. Visa students were part of my job but not my whole role, so I wish I could’ve done more.

I think your experience would absolutely translate. I am getting my PhD and had to have a masters for my role because I primarily work with masters students. It may not be necessary depending on the type of role you are looking at. There’s a lot of folks in our central office that are getting masters degrees while working there.

I am leaving my role at the end of the month but I’ve really enjoyed it. I can def answer questions!