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This weekly newsletter is mostly about the article, books, videos etc. I read or watch or my views on different topics which revolves around my head during the week. Todays episode is on current state of education, international students in the U.S., and the disconnect between universities, job markets, and the harsh realities faced by graduates.
1. US universities urge international students to return to campus before Trump inauguration
https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/26/us/international-students-us-colleges-trump/index.html
Universities in the U.S. are urging their international students to return to the country before potential political changes occur, especially with the possibility of Donald Trump being sworn in again.
The fear stems from potential changes in immigration policies and visa rules that could impact students’ ability to stay in the U.S.
This has created uncertainty among students and their families, as they are now worried about completing their education and securing jobs in the U.S.
Read more on this story in above link. This was the Top News Story this week , which made headlines in national news. Very high level, this looks like because in 2016 trump restricted entry to U.S from few nations, so universities are taking caution to let their students return back to U.S before trump inauguration. This is not just about travel bans which may come up, there is a dark reality behind this news.
2. Record Numbers of International Students to US
To understand why Universities are making this request. Check this link for actual facts about number of international students coming to U.S annually.
https://opendoorsdata.org/annual-release/international-students/
In 2023/24, the total number of international students in the U.S. increased by 7% to a record high of 1,126,690 students.
The number of international students coming to the U.S. in 2023 has broken records, surpassing even pre-pandemic levels.
Universities have been offering more seats for postgraduate programs to international students, prioritizing revenue without factoring in the job market's ability to absorb these graduates.
This influx of students has led to oversaturation in some fields, particularly in technology and computer science.
Also Students moving here, International graduate students and students on OPT reached record highs. OPT: The number of international students who remained in the United States to gain practical work experience through Optional Practical Training (OPT) reached a record high of 242,782 students, an increase of 22% from the prior year.
3. Disconnect Between Universities and Job Markets
Many universities are increasing enrollment in postgraduate programs, ignoring the availability of jobs in those fields.
Universities mainly focus on revenue by filling seats rather than on the actual job market conditions.
Students—both international and domestic—are graduating with high expectations of lucrative jobs that may not exist.
The gap between academic programs and industry needs is widening, leaving graduates frustrated and underpaid.
4. U.S. Tech Job Market Reality
The U.S. tech job market has been volatile, with massive layoffs from companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta over the past year.
Entry-level positions in technology have become scarce, making it challenging for new graduates to secure employment.
Even when graduates find jobs, many are underpaid, earning as low as $35 per hour (~$70,000 per year).
In cities where tech jobs are concentrated—like San Francisco, Seattle, or New York—this pay is not sustainable due to the high cost of living, which often requires an income of $135,000 or more per year to live comfortably.
5. Challenges for 2022 and 2023 Batches of Students
The 2022 batch of postgraduate students has started entering the job market in 2024, but many are struggling to find jobs six months into their Optional Practical Training (OPT) period.
The 2023 batch will face even greater challenges in 2025, as the tech job market continues to struggle with layoffs and economic uncertainty.
International students face additional challenges as they have limited time during their OPT period to secure employment, or they risk losing their legal status in the U.S.
6. Salary Disparity and Cost of Living
Many jobs offered to international and domestic students in tech are paying far below market expectations.
Living expenses in major cities make it nearly impossible for graduates to save money or pay off student loans.
Students are increasingly questioning the return on investment (ROI) of U.S. higher education, given the low starting salaries compared to the high cost of education and living.
7. Universities’ Role in This Crisis
Universities are failing both international and domestic students by overselling the promise of well-paying jobs after graduation.
They are prioritizing their financial gain, enrolling record numbers of students, and not considering the long-term impact on students' careers.
U.S. universities have been criticized for not offering adequate support to international students, such as career counseling, job placement assistance, or realistic expectations about job prospects.
Domestic students, too, are suffering due to skyrocketing tuition costs and student loan debt, with no guarantee of securing jobs that allow them to pay off this debt.
8. Shifting Trends in Education
More domestic students in the U.S. are opting out of traditional four-year college programs due to the high costs and poor job market outcomes.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/why-more-americans-are-skipping-college
Instead, they are enrolling in short-term skill-based programs, such as Google’s six-month certifications, which are much more affordable and lead to well-paying jobs.
Companies like Google and Microsoft are offering alternative pathways to employment that challenge the traditional education model, such as online courses, apprenticeships, and job-specific training.
These programs provide students with practical skills in months rather than years, at a fraction of the cost of a traditional degree.
9. The Outdated Narrative Around Education
The old belief that pursuing a postgraduate degree guarantees a high-paying job in a top-tier company no longer holds true in the U.S. job market.
Students are following outdated advice without considering the current realities, such as economic instability, a competitive job market, and rising living costs.
Many students are not researching job market trends, relying instead on the assumption that a U.S. degree will automatically lead to success.
10. Future Challenges for 2025 and Beyond
The large number of students graduating in 2025 will likely overwhelm the job market further, especially in fields like computer science and data analytics.
Students need to start exploring alternative career paths, upskilling in niche areas, and networking early to improve their chances of employment.
International students must also prepare for uncertainties surrounding visa rules, OPT timelines, and job search challenges.
11. Call to Action for Universities
Universities must align their academic offerings with job market demands, reducing oversaturation in popular fields like computer science.
They should offer more transparent data on career outcomes, helping students make informed decisions about their education.
Career counseling, internships, and partnerships with industry leaders should be mandatory to prepare students for the job market.
Universities should also advocate for policy changes that support international students, such as extended OPT timelines or simplified visa processes.
12. Advice for Students and Families
Research the job market in your chosen field before committing to a degree program.
Consider the cost of living in the area where you plan to work after graduation and how much income you’ll need to break even.
Look into alternative education paths like certifications, apprenticeships, and bootcamps that provide practical skills in a shorter time frame.
Network early, gain practical experience through internships, and focus on acquiring in-demand skills to improve employability.
13. Closing Thoughts
The U.S. education system is facing a major crisis, with students graduating into a market that cannot meet their expectations or needs.
Universities need to prioritize students' futures over their own financial gain.
Students and families must make informed decisions, keeping the current economic and job market realities in mind.
It’s time for a shift in how we view education and career preparation, moving away from outdated models and toward practical, skill-based learning.
That is all for this week. See you again.Do let me know in comments or reply me over email to share what is your view on this post. So, Share, Like, subscribe whatever these days’ kids say :-)
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