My Journey through OPT
07.30.2025 | Uncategorized
Hi, I’m Sohma, the new Sales & Marketing Coordinator at Bond Consultants. I’d like to share my journey of transitioning from an international college student to securing a job in the U.S. through Optional Practical Training (OPT), and the valuable lessons I learned along the way.
What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows F‑1 international students to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months in a field directly related to their academic major. Students may apply up to 90 days before graduation or within 60 days after, and the OPT employment must begin within that timeframe.
For those qualifying in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), there is a possible 24-month extension, making a total of up to 36 months of work authorization.
Participation Trends
OPT usage has grown significantly in recent years. In 2024, nearly 195,000 international students received OPT authorizations which is up 21% from the previous year. Among those, almost 95,400 students received STEM OPT extensions.
My Journey
When I decided to pursue OPT, I began with three critical preparations:
- Updating and polishing my resume
- Researching companies that aligned with my skills
- Gathering required documents
With my resume ready and documents in order, I applied through platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed while also networking people both inside and outside of my network, such as professors, classmates, and recruiters. I knew that timing and strategy were vital as an international student.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
One of the biggest challenges was managing the OPT unemployment limits. On initial post-completion OPT, you are only allowed 90 days of unemployment; if you qualify for STEM OPT, you receive an additional 60 days, for a total of 150 days allowed across both. Exceeding that cap may lead to termination of your SEVIS record and a loss of F-1 status.
I also realized I needed to effectively communicate how my international experience added value rather than being perceived as a limitation. So I learned to:
- Tailor resumes and portfolios to each application
- Be proactive, initiating conversations even before the “perfect” job appeared
- Emphasize my global perspective and adaptability as strengths
Why OPT Matters
OPT offers a unique bridge between academic study and professional experience in the U.S. With hundreds of thousands of participants annually, it’s widely used by international graduates to launch their careers. The STEM extension, in particular, allows eligible graduates to work up to three years, often making the difference in being able to transition to a longer-term visa or employment path.
Why I’m Sharing This
I know firsthand how overwhelming this process can feel, applying for OPT, navigating the tight timeline, and eventually landing a job in a foreign country. But it is possible. With effort, patience, and persistence, OPT truly opens doors.
If you’re an international student or recent graduate wondering if a U.S. career is achievable. With preparation and perseverance, and by making full use of OPT, you can succeed.