By Rita Pan

It's been a little over two months since I first set foot in the US. Life is slowly but surely falling into a routine. Throughout these initial weeks of the semester, I've been looking for on-campus job opportunities or internships, and I'm delighted to report that I've successfully gotten a position as a graduate assistant. In this post, I want to share not only the reasons motivating my job search but also my experiences along the way.

There are several compelling reasons driving my pursuit of a job right from the start. Firstly, as an international student, my ability to work off-campus is restricted by the terms of my F-1 visa until I apply for CPT and OPT. This limitation has curbed my opportunities to gain hands-on experience in my field of study. Consequently, I've embraced every on-campus position as a valuable chance to not only build practical skills but also refine my interview techniques and strengthen my language proficiency.

Secondly, there's the matter of my daily routine. Honestly, I've found myself struggling to make productive use of my mornings. I really hate to say it, but most of my mornings have been slept through, causing my day to begin in the afternoon… By having a job, I hope to enforce a more structured schedule, enabling me to set and accomplish daily goals more effectively.

Last but certainly not least is the living costs. It's no secret that the cost of living here can be rather intimidating. And while I'm fortunate to have my parents helping with my tuition, I’ve been hoping to shoulder some of the expenses, easing the financial strain on my family. By working and saving simultaneously, I hope to contribute my share.

And here comes the interview experience which, as many would agree, is a formidable challenge. Despite the fact that the people who interviewed me have all been warm and hospitable, I couldn't help but feel the nervousness that comes with the prospect of failing. My most significant challenge during interviews has been handling questions for which I wasn't prepared. This unscripted aspect of the process left me feeling uneasy, and I recognized the need for further practice and refinement in this area. Fortunately, after a series of attempts and much perseverance, I made it!

As of now, I have been working for about two weeks. Everything is still in the learning phase, and I'm putting in my best efforts to meet and exceed the expectations of my role. I'm endeavoring to strike a balance between my work, my academic pursuits, and my personal life. My primary objective in this regard is to manage my time effectively, and additionally, to immerse myself in an English-speaking environment as much as possible. As I write this, I constantly reflect on the takeaways that these experiences have brought along. I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that the future holds and see how this experience will shape and empower me.