Why Don't They Hire Us?
By Prabhu Rajamani JGSM '10
Issue date: 11/2/09 Section: Perspectives
It is fathomable that some small companies don't hire because they lack the resources to file immigration petitions with the government. But, when you consider huge conglomerates that have very structured expatriate assignment programs, it is hard to justify their rationale for not hiring international students.
It is also true that some organizations have inconsistent policies. For example, the company for which I previously worked sponsored employee visas for foreign nationals who worked at an undergraduate level. But, the same company does not recruit international MBA students. Are such immigration laws specific to MBAs?
In contrast, banks and consulting firms have no issue hiring international students. The majority of these jobs is highly compensated, and these firms have been very successful due to the diversity they are able to bring to the table. Many international students choose to pursue investment banking or consulting as a career because they are more likely to be hired in these fields. Even if students have an interest in marketing, there are few firms that come to campus to seek out international students for marketing positions. In the end, many international MBA students are pigeonholed into finance or consulting and left competing against a higher number of candidates for fewer openings than that which would be available across a range of industries.
What could ultimately happen as a result of this mounting hiring problem? Brain drain-and it is happening right now. The market is losing thousands of talented individuals as they are forced to return to their home countries or pursue other work outside of the States. Despite the fact that U.S. tax dollars and the donations of many major corporations help to fund the advanced education and training of international students at America's top institutions, companies are losing on this investment in creating a smarter, more diverse workforce for the U.S.
As mentioned previously, many firms are able to deliver unique offerings and competitive advantages because of their diverse workforces. If this flawed system perpetuates, U.S. corporations won't be the only ones to lose out in the global marketplace; it could affect the entire U.S. economy. Perhaps then recruiters would take notice of the top international talent sitting right under their noses.
It is also true that some organizations have inconsistent policies. For example, the company for which I previously worked sponsored employee visas for foreign nationals who worked at an undergraduate level. But, the same company does not recruit international MBA students. Are such immigration laws specific to MBAs?
In contrast, banks and consulting firms have no issue hiring international students. The majority of these jobs is highly compensated, and these firms have been very successful due to the diversity they are able to bring to the table. Many international students choose to pursue investment banking or consulting as a career because they are more likely to be hired in these fields. Even if students have an interest in marketing, there are few firms that come to campus to seek out international students for marketing positions. In the end, many international MBA students are pigeonholed into finance or consulting and left competing against a higher number of candidates for fewer openings than that which would be available across a range of industries.
What could ultimately happen as a result of this mounting hiring problem? Brain drain-and it is happening right now. The market is losing thousands of talented individuals as they are forced to return to their home countries or pursue other work outside of the States. Despite the fact that U.S. tax dollars and the donations of many major corporations help to fund the advanced education and training of international students at America's top institutions, companies are losing on this investment in creating a smarter, more diverse workforce for the U.S.
As mentioned previously, many firms are able to deliver unique offerings and competitive advantages because of their diverse workforces. If this flawed system perpetuates, U.S. corporations won't be the only ones to lose out in the global marketplace; it could affect the entire U.S. economy. Perhaps then recruiters would take notice of the top international talent sitting right under their noses.
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Amitabh
posted 11/06/09 @ 4:25 PM EST
This is very true. Extremely well-written article. If I was an employer, I would send you an offer letter immediately. There is always room in the Bollywood industry!
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