USA job market for students on an F1 OPT visa: IT Jobs Vs Non-IT Jobs

Introduction:

The job market in the United States is constantly evolving, and understanding how to properly align your skills to fit into this open out industry is very crucial for both OPT job seekers and employers. In this article, we will explore job market trends as well as the obligatory skills needed for an OPT student to successfully land them into their dream job.

Importance of the Job Market Analysis

Conducting a thorough analysis of the job market is essential for both OPT job seekers and employers. It provides valuable insights into the current trends and demands, allowing International students on F1 OPT visa status to make informed decisions about career choices and organizations to strategize their talent acquisition efforts effectively. Employers are cognizant of the dynamics around the competitive industry, this enables them to improve recruitment, and adjust into industry trends. In a rapidly progressing workforce landscape, job market research is a scope that aligns individual preferences with market demand, and еnsurеs a synergistic relationship bеtwееn talent and opportunity.

Factors Affecting Both IT and Non-IT Job Markets

Several factors influence the job markets for both IT and non-IT students in the USA. Understanding these factors is crucial for OPT job seekers and employers alike.

1. Impact of Economic Cycles on OPT Job Markets

Economic cycles, such as recessions, expansions, and inflation have a significant impact on job markets. During recessions, OPT job opportunities may decrease as organizations cut costs and downsize. Conversely, during economic expansions, there may be increased hiring and more OPT job opportunities available. When inflation occurs, payrolls are likely to be cut down and many people who are already employed may end up unemployed.

2. Trends in Hiring During Economic Uncertainty

Economic uncertainty, as seen during global crises or major disruptions, can lead to temporary hiring freezes or reduced OPT job in the USA, as the competition will rapidly increase. Most businesses will experience budget constraints, however, some industries, particularly technology, may still experience growth during these uncertain times as digitalization becomes even more important for businesses.

3. Shift towards Remote and Hybrid Work Models

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, creating a shift in work models across industries. Both IT and non-IT students now have increased opportunities for remote and hybrid work arrangements. This flexibility allows international students to secure OPT jobs beyond their geographical constraints. Remote work has proven to cause more productivity from employers, which ensures the smooth sailing of a business and results in increased profits. However remote work may be challenging to many if they do not have the necessary technical skills in order to keep up with industry digitalization, hence it is important to keep learning and improving your skills.

Importance of Continuous Learning

In both the IT and non-IT sectors, continuous learning is crucial for professional growth and remaining competitive. Technology evolves rapidly, demanding IT professionals to upskill or reskill to stay relevant. Non-IT professionals must also invest in professional development opportunities to adapt to changing industry requirements.

Below is a compilation of the OPT jobs in the IT and Non IT sectors.

TRENDING OPT JOBS FOR IT STUDENTS

SOFTWARE ENGINEER

  • Salary range: ($93,308 to $211,360) per annum
  • Technical skills: Coding and computer programming, Software testing, Object-orientated design, Software development
  • Interpersonal Skills: Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving, Multitasking, Attention to detail

NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR

  • Salary range: ($62,059 to $77,257) per annum
  • Technical skills: Virtualization, Troubleshooting, Network configuration, Network monitoring, Wireless networking
  • Interpersonal Skills: Patience, IT and technical skills, Problem-solving skills, Team working skills, Attention to detail.

DATA SCIENTIST

  • Salary range: ($30,371 to $187,000) per annum
  • Technical skills: Data Visualization, MATLAB, Python,SQL and NoSQL, Machine Learning
  • Interpersonal Skills: Effective Communication, Collaboration, Problem-Solving, Adaptability, Attention to Detail

DATA ANALYST

  • Salary range: ($30,371 to $187,000) per annum
  • Technical skills: Statistical Analysis, Data Visualization, Programming Skills (e.g., Python, R), Database Management, Data Cleaning and Pre-processing
  • Interpersonal Skills: Effective Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Adaptability, Stakeholder Management

SYSTEMS ENGINEER

  • Salary range: ($67,472 to $85,142) per annum
  • Technical skills: Systems Architecture, Network Administration, Virtualization Technologies, Scripting and Automation, Server Configuration and Management
  • Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication skills, Decision-making, Information security, Analytical skills, Leadership.

WEB DEVELOPER

  • Salary range: ($59,583 to $82,340) per annum
  • Technical skills: HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Responsive Web Design, Version Control/Git, Front-end Frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js)
  • Interpersonal Skills: Effective Communication, Collaboration, Problem-Solving, Attention to Detail, Time Management

CYBER SECURITY ANALYST

  • Salary range: ($52,000-$235,000) per annum
  • Technical skills: Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Penetration Testing, Firewall Configuration and Management, Threat Intelligence Analysis
  • Interpersonal Skills: Effective Communication, Analytical Thinking, Team Collaboration, Crisis Management, Attention to Detail

JAVA DEVELOPER

  • Salary range: ($86,670 to $115,463) per annum
  • Technical skills: Java Server pages (JSP) and servlets, Web frameworks like Struts and spring, Service-oriented architecture, Web Technologies like HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and jQuery, Mark-up Languages such as XML, JSON.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Effective Communication, Collaboration, Problem-Solving Adaptability, Teamwork

IT CO-ORDINATOR

  • Salary range: ($43,000 to $187,200) per annum
  • Technical skills: Network Administration, Systems Configuration and Management, IT Infrastructure Planning, Troubleshooting and Technical Support, Project Management
  • Interpersonal Skills: Communication, Team Collaboration, Leadership, Conflict Resolution, Time Management

SERVICE DESK ANALYST

  • Salary range: ($28,990 to $81,260) per annum
  • Technical skills: IT Troubleshooting, Help Desk Software, Remote Desktop Support, Operating System Knowledge (Windows, macOS, Linux), Hardware and Software Installation and Configuration
  • Interpersonal Skills: Customer Service, Effective Communication, Patience, Empathy, Conflict Resolution

OPT JOBS FOR NON-IT STUDENTS

BUSINESS ANALYST

  • Salary range: ($74996 to $91978) per annum
  • Technical skills: Requirements Analysis, Data Analysis, Process Mapping Stakeholder Management
  • Interpersonal Skills: Team Collaboration, Leadership, Conflict Resolution, Time Management, Communication

MARKET RESEARCH ANALYST

  • Salary range: ($55,000 to $132,500) per annum
  • Technical skills: Data Analysis, Market Research Techniques, Statistical Analysis Report Writing, Presentation Skills
  • Interpersonal Skills: Time management, Effective Communication, Patience, Empathy, Conflict Resolution

DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGIST

  • Salary range: ($67,348 and $90,169) per annum
  • Technical skills: SEO, Content Marketing, Video Marketing, Product/UX Design, Social Media Marketing
  • Interpersonal Skills: Creative Thinking, Problem-solving, Communication Skills, Team collaboration, Attention to detail

SURGEON

  • Salary range: ($365,700 to $513,200) per annum
  • Technical skills: Creating a medicinal prescription after studying the symptoms, Administrating patients with medicines, Understanding allergic reactions from mixing medicines, Diagnosing health problems, handling medical equipment.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Communication, Empathy, Teamwork, Leadership Decision-Making

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER

  • Salary range: ($69,678 and $104,681) per annum
  • Technical skills: Radar Operation, Communication Systems, Air Traffic Management Software, Emergency Response Procedures, Aircraft Navigation Systems
  • Interpersonal Skills: Communication skills, Decision-making skills, Detail oriented, Organizational skills, Problem-solving skills

PETROLEUM ENGINEER

  • Salary range: ($21,677 to $585,969) per annum
  • Technical skills: Reservoir Engineering, Drilling Engineering, Production Engineering, Well Testing and Evaluation, Petroleum Geology
  • Interpersonal Skills: Analytical skills, Team working skills, the ability to solve complex problems, the ability to work under pressure, Project management skills.

COPORATE LAWYER

  • Salary range: ($23,362 to $618,087) per annum
  • Technical skills: Legal Knowledge, Contract Drafting and Negotiation, Corporate Governance, Commercial Awareness, Ethical Judgment
  • Interpersonal Skills: Communication Skills, Analytical Thinking, Problem-Solving, Attention to Detail, Negotiation Skills

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER

  • Salary range: ($32,000 to $380,000) per annum
  • Technical skills: Recruitment and Staffing, Employee Relations, HR Compliance, Performance Management, Conflict Resolution
  • Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication, Decision-making skills, Technological skill, Adaptability skills, Emotional intelligence skills

PSYCHIATRIST

  • Salary range: ($68,500 - $98,499) per annum
  • Technical skills: Counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach, Knowledge of psychology, Knowledge of medicine and dentistry, The ability to understand people's reactions, Excellent verbal communication skills
  • Interpersonal Skills: Active Listening, Empathy, Communication, Patience Trust-Building

FINANCIAL MANAGER

  • Salary range: ($104,500 to $132,500) per annum
  • Technical skills: Financial Analysis, Budgeting and Forecasting, Risk Management, Strategic Planning, Financial Reporting
  • Interpersonal Skills: Communication, Leadership, Relationship Building, Conflict Resolution,Decision-Making

NAVIGATING THE CROSSROADS

Regardless of the path chosen, both IT and non-IT fields present unique challenges and opportunities for international students. Success in either field often depends on a combination of technical expertise, adaptability, effective networking, and a proactive approach to professional development. The important thing is to use the strengths and experiences gained during the F1 OPT period to build a fulfilling career in the United States. After all, the U.S job market offers a wide range of opportunities for international students, and choosing between an IT or non-IT career can be an exciting journey that reflects the diversity and dynamism of the U.S. workforce.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the OPT job market for IT students and non-IT students in the USA differs in various aspects, from demand and salary trends to the factors shaping both sectors. OPT Job seekers should consider these factors when making career choices, while employers should adapt to evolving market dynamics. By staying informed about the OPT job market trends, both IT and non-IT students can navigate their career paths with confidence and make the most of the opportunities available to them.

  1. Clara Michael

    Clara Michael is a Career Counsellor and Legal advisor at United OPT. she has very good working experience with OPT, CPT and H1B candidates. She has a vast knowledge of recruitment and immigration laws. Through her experience and knowledge, she is giving her best to support the international student community in the USA. Do share the article if you like it.