KENT THOMAS tells PRAKRITI ROY about the various programmes one can study in a US State University, job prospects and how to go clear the visa interview
How many years of education and work experience is must for a masters programme at MSUIJ
We are looking for 15 years of education. The three year degree in Europe and India is acceptable as a bachelors degree. Work experience is not a must but it helps in your application. You can mention what kind of work you were doing in your statement of purpose along with why you want to pursue a particular degree.
How many international students do you have in your universityIJ Which are the most sought after courses among themIJ
There 1,700 international students out of a total number of 23,000. About a third of the Indian students are in business programmes.
In terms of post-study work opportunities, what are the optionsIJ
There is an entire range. In Springfield, where we are located, we have headquarters of five major corporate. So project managers, accountants, marketing students, fashion and design students, hotel administration students all get jobs. We have a placement cell too, not just an umbrella cell for the university but separate ones for individual colleges
For how long can students stay on after completing their degreesIJ
They can stay for one year unless it’s a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) degree. In that case, they can stay for three years.
How many students continue working in the USIJ
In the Optional Practical Training (OPT) period on an F1 visa, where they are allowed to remain in the US after they graduate, most students stay here because they do unpaid local internships which often lead to jobs. The companies that come to recruit also like to take international students as they are more focussed on working and less on playing. After the OPT period, about 30 per cent go home. And after a few years, many go back to their home country for various reasons like family.
What’s the best time to apply byIJ
For the intake in August, the cut-off point is May 1. For the January intake, October 1 is the cut-off point. I would suggest that students start working on their applications three-four months prior because it takes students a long time to get the testing done and to get hold of the financial statements.
How many students get jobsIJ
Probably half the students get jobs in Missouri or nearby. As per our inquiries, 83% students say they get jobs. The ones who don’t get jobs, often don’t reply and the ones who do, we can’t tell if they’re telling the truth.
With the US presidential elections coming up, are you foreseeing any policy changesIJ
The head of the State may change but the bureaucracy is the same, much like India. These are all unforeseen things which we can’t predict.
Tips for students for their visa interview.
The consular officer will ask: Why do you want to go thereIJ What do you want to studyIJ Why do you want to do thatIJ So you should go on the website of the university and city and get all your answers. They will ask who is paying for it and what your parents do. They will ask if you are planning to take a loan and if you will come back to India.
What kind of jobs are there for humanities programmes like arts, communication, cinematographyIJ
Our fashion programme is very strong and students often find jobs in various parts of the world. One of our cinematography students ended up in Berlin. Students from our hotel management programme get recruited from the US offices of five-star chains and posted in various parts of the world. The world is open to those who want to go.