Unlock Your Dream Job: Essential Tips for International Students!

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — From India to Innovation: A Cybersecurity Success Story

Meet Kartik Khurana, an inspiring figure whose journey from an undergraduate in India to a graduate student at Penn State has culminated in a dream come true: a full-time job offer! This December, as he graduates with a master’s degree in cybersecurity from the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), he is all set to launch his career at NVIDIA, a powerhouse in artificial intelligence (AI) computing based out of Santa Clara, California.

Khurana’s job hunt is a masterclass in perseverance. From racking up internships to building a robust LinkedIn presence, he exemplifies how harnessing available resources can lead to success in the competitive job market.

“Kartik has an incredible story of being proactive in his job search as an international student — and it has a happy ending!” says a professor and associate dean for research and graduate affairs in the College of IST. “Sharing his success can spark inspiration in other students to explore their options and fully embrace their academic journey.”

A Journey of Determination: From India to Penn State

In 2022, Khurana earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in Delhi, India. During his undergrad years, he learned firsthand the invaluable role internships play. His final stint as an information security analyst at Health Catalyst, a healthcare data analytics firm in the U.S., led him straight to a full-time position upon graduation.

After one year in that role, he made the bold decision to pursue a master’s degree in the United States. He chose Penn State, drawn by its stellar reputation and extensive alumni network, which boasts professionals in leading tech firms, promising valuable career connections in cybersecurity.

Internships: The Launchpad for Success

At Penn State, every undergraduate in the College of IST is required to complete at least one internship. Although graduate students like Khurana aren’t bound by this requirement, his previous experience had already instilled in him the significance of internships. Armed with determination, he applied for over 900 internship positions, received 25 interview invitations, and ultimately accepted offers from industry giants like Microsoft, Tesla, and NVIDIA, where he found his perfect fit.

“During my journey, I connected with over 2,000 professionals on LinkedIn for guidance and tips, including industry interns, full-time employees, managers, and C-suite executives,” Khurana shares. “The process of securing internships and full-time roles can be tough, but my strategy was both straightforward and thorough.”

His summer internship at NVIDIA allowed him to showcase his skills, ultimately leading to a job offer right after graduation. He’s ready to kick off his career with a bang!

Key Strategies for Success

Khurana compiled a checklist of strategies that not only worked for him but are also goldmines of wisdom for current and future international students at Penn State:

• Maximize University Resources. “Utilize career services, mentoring programs, and job databases at Penn State and the College of IST. These resources offer resume reviews, mock interviews, and access to alumni who can provide guidance and job leads.”
• Network Like a Pro. “Build a strong LinkedIn presence and strive to connect with as many professionals in your field as possible. Engage actively and initiate meaningful conversations with new contacts weekly.”
• Implement a Contact Management System. “This will help you organize your networking efforts. Jot down key points from conversations, set reminders for follow-ups, and treat each connection as a valuable opportunity.”
• Prepare for Interviews with Precision. “Research companies thoroughly and leverage resources like YouTube for technical and behavioral question prep. Craft STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories to highlight your skills, and practice mock interviews to boost your confidence.”
• Treat Job Searching as Sales. “View every opportunity as part of a sales pipeline, with consistent follow-ups and strategic planning to enhance your chances of landing that coveted offer.”

Khurana’s strategies kept him laser-focused and motivated throughout his journey.

“I hope my story inspires others to embark on their journeys with unwavering confidence and determination,” he concludes.