How to Secure a Job in the US as an International Student (Part 1): Personal Branding 101

I’ve received a good number of personal messages and coffee chat requests asking me to share more about my job search journey. I know many international students are struggling to secure a job or even an internship due to the current economic situation and the competitive job market. So, I want to start this series of articles to share how you can better position yourself to secure a job or internship in the US. Welcome to Personal Branding 101.

Defining Your Unique Value Proposition

Your personal brand begins with your unique value proposition—a statement that answers the question: What makes you stand out? As an international student, you already have experiences that set you apart from others. Perhaps you’ve overcome language barriers, adjusting to a new culture, or brought a different perspective to group projects. The critical point is to be yourself—differentiate yourself from being just a regular student.

Get rid of the I am just a "student" mentality. Nothing wrong with it, but don't let it define you. You worth more than that.

Example: Develop a short statement that captures your value proposition. For instance: “I am a Business Analytics graduate with a unique ability to adapt quickly to new challenges, bring an international perspective, and leverage my bilingual skills to solve complex problems.”

Crafting Your Online Presence

Your personal brand needs a home, and your online presence is the best place to showcase it. For most job seekers, LinkedIn is the ideal platform. Here’s how you can optimize your profile to reflect your personal brand:

• Profile Picture: Use a professional photo. It doesn’t have to be taken by a photographer, but it should convey that you’re approachable and serious about your career. Stop using Pikachu or your graduation picture as your profile picture.
• Headline and About Section: Your headline should include more than just your current role or student status. Instead of “Business Analytics Student,” try something like “Business Analytics Student | Data Enthusiast with a Global Perspective.” I understand that we are all students or recent graduates when searching for a job. But get rid of the mindset of "I am just a student." At least let others know who you are, what drives you, and what you’ve accomplished.

• Experience Section: It’s okay if you don’t have a lot of internship experience. But at least try to fill this section—add your school club experience, leadership roles, sales jobs, volunteer work, or licenses you’ve earned through online classes. The key is to let people know you’re active and consistently pursuing opportunities in life. No one wants to connect with a “dead” account.
• Content and Activity: Be active! Share posts or articles relevant to your field. Write reflections on what you’re learning or industry trends that interest you. For example, if you recently completed a data analytics project, share insights on how data can drive business decisions. This shows employers that you’re engaged and continuously learning.

In addition to LinkedIn, consider creating a simple online portfolio. If you're in tech, this could be a website or even a GitHub repository. Use it to showcase your projects, accomplishments, and reflections.

Brand Consistency Across Platforms

Your personal brand should be consistent across all your professional materials—including your resume, cover letter, and social media profiles. Consistency helps establish a clear and strong image of who you are.

• Resume and Cover Letter: Use the same tone and highlight the same strengths in your resume and cover letter as you do online. If adaptability is a core part of your brand, provide examples that illustrate this skill.
• Social Media: Be mindful of your public profiles. Employers may look you up, so ensure everything visible aligns with your professional persona. For example, if you have a Twitter account, occasionally share relevant articles or retweet industry leaders to show your interest in your field.

Example: How I Built My Personal Brand

When I was searching for a job, I knew I had to differentiate myself. Coming from a Philosophy background and transitioning into Business Analytics, I used my unique path to tell a compelling story. I emphasized my ability to think critically and analyze complex issues—skills honed through my Philosophy studies—and combined that with my newly acquired technical skills in analytics. I shared why I chose to pivot from Philosophy to the tech field and what I want to accomplish eventually.

On LinkedIn, I shared my reflections on transitioning from humanities to data analytics and how my background gave me a unique perspective. I stayed active by creating content, writing articles, and even engaging with others’ posts through thoughtful comments. This helped me connect with others in my field and demonstrated my adaptability and growth mindset to recruiters.

Most importantly, KEEP YOURSELF BUSY AND PRODUCTIVE! I was never settled. I never wanted to be just an "A" student in school—going to class, preparing for exams, having hotpot dinners on Fridays, and playing board games. I was always hungry for opportunities to sharpen my skills. During college, I joined different organizations and student clubs, took on leadership roles, and launched a couple of side hustles from sophomore year onwards to achieve financial independence and gain real-world experience.

Final Thoughts: Take the First Step

Building your personal brand takes time, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do for your career. Start by defining what makes you unique, create an online presence that reflects that uniqueness, and ensure your brand is consistent across platforms. Your personal brand will help you stand out in the competitive US job market and, most importantly, tell your story in a way that resonates with employers.

Remember, most people fail to secure the job they want not because of a lack of technical skills but because of their inability to communicate effectively and make an impact. Personal branding is the first step we can take to practice that skill. Your journey as an international student is full of experiences that make you unique—use them to your advantage and let them shine through your personal brand.