I am compelled to write this down as I increasingly see the frustration amongst the students who have recently graduated or are going to graduate.

First of all the truth. Just because you attended a school in USA doesn’t mean you will get a job. First of all the job outlook in general is very bleak, second companies are increasingly not hiring international students. If you have a degree in a non technical field that makes the outlook even worse. Think about it, hundreds of thousands of Americans graduate every year, most competing in the non tech field, why would an employer choose you over them specially when they have a natural command of communication, i.e. language. You might get lucky sometimes, but the fact is you have to offer something to standout otherwise you will end up being frustrated.

So, my first advise is that don’t waste your time taking courses just for the sake of graduating in US. If you are really into history and liberal arts, or even business mgmt, then go ahead and take them; you might get something out at the end. But if you are taking those courses just to get a bach/master degree then good luck finding a job.
Second, while at school, start networking. Nepotism rules in Nepal, networking rules in US. Don’t constraint yourself with just the usual Nepali crowd. Attend seminars in the field of your study/interest. Talk to professors, experts. Keep throwing the dart until it hits the bulls eye.

Third, have a fall back option. What will you do if you don’t get any job in your field after graduation? Are you willing to go back? Many students just come here, go straight to school and don’t worry about it until 1 semester before the graduation. You need to have some plans. Maybe you are willing to do other jobs that could sponsor H-1B visa even if it is not in your field of study.

Fourth, keep on applying. The more tickets you buy the better chances of hitting the jackpot. Don’t give up after applying for, say a month. New job postings keep changing every day and one day you migth find a company that is looking for you. Have a budget and a plan so that you can afford this period of job hunt.

Lastly, don’t get frustrated. What’s the worse that could happen? You will end up going back to Nepal and maybe disappoint your parents a little. Don’t worry, they are your parents and others who are disappointed were probably not your biggest supporter anyways. Hey, atleast you have an option to go back. US citizens who don’t find any jobs don’t have that luxury, they are stuck here. Some of you might have loans, don’t dispair. If you are willing and able, you will always be able to repay them back even in Nepal, it might take a while but you will be able to do so.
I want to add that you need a positive outlook. If you get frustrated and think negatively, you might end up in just that. Don’t take failures as the full stop, they are just speed bumps. Keep thinking that you are going to get there and keep trying. I can’t promise you that you will get a job here, but I can promise that you will lead a satisfactory life either here or back home..isn’t that what we all strive for anyways?