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Guides

Where are you now, and what's next?

Start with the stage that matches where you are now.

01Choosing a school02Admitted03In school04Graduating soon

Look at the job market around each school, not just the school itself. Location can shape the internships, networking, and early-career opportunities nearby.

What to do

Start with a major. The tools below use it to compare job markets and schools.

See where the job market is strongest for that major before you compare schools.

For each school on your list, compare the job market around it.

Compare costs within one metro area. Same job market, very different tuition.

You're down to two or three schools. Now compare the numbers: which metro area has more employers, which school costs less in the same metro, and what the occupations for your major pay.

What to do

Put your offers side by side and compare the job markets, not just the school names.

Add up the cost of the whole program, not just one year of tuition.

See the occupations for your major and their median pay in the school's metro area.

This is when the employer list becomes useful. Narrow it 139,210 employers down to a few dozen worth watching, starting with your major and metro area.

What to do

Filter employers by the occupation you want, not by how well known they are.

Start with employers that have filed steadily over several years. Their filing history is more consistent.

Follow those few dozen employers closely instead of sending résumés everywhere.

If your school's metro area has few jobs, plan ahead for moving after graduation.

Apply for internships early. Where They Hire shows which ones say yes to CPT or to international students, in the employer's words.

Now timing matters: OPT, STEM OPT, then your longer-term options. Know what each deadline requires so late paperwork doesn't close an option.

What to do

See which metro areas have the most jobs for your major, then decide where to apply first.

Know the OPT and STEM OPT dates, and what to do before each one.

Know all your options after graduation, not just one.

Finalize your list of employers before recruiting season starts.

Apply first to the jobs whose posting says yes to sponsorship or OPT. Where They Hire lists them every night.

Every tool in one table

Tool

What it answers

What's free

Careers & salariesWhich occupations have the most jobs, what they pay, and where the jobs areAll numbers free · employer names for membersMajors & career pathsOccupations related to this major and where the jobs areAll numbers freeFind schoolsWhich schools offer your major and fit your budget and test scoresAll numbers free · school names for membersCompare job marketsYou have a school in mind: compare the job markets for your major and see how its city ranks5 free lookups a day after you verify your emailEmployers with H-1B historyWhich employers have filed LCAs for this occupation in this metro areaAll numbers free · names for membersLook up an employerYou have an employer in mind: look up its LCA filing history, occupations, and locations5 free lookups a day after you verify your emailWorking in the U.S.Your options for staying in the U.S. after graduationFree2027 internshipsWhich summer 2027 internships are open to international studentsFreeCompanies hiring nowWhich companies post jobs open to international students, and what they say about visasFree · following and emails for membersU.S. jobs and jobs abroadEvery open job that fits, with what the posting says about sponsorship, OPT and CPTMembers · 3-day free trial

Every number on the site is free. School and employer names in the lists and unlimited lookups come with Where They Hire membership: a 3-day free trial, then $39 a month or $100 for 3 months. Cancel anytime.

Resources

Free to read, no sign-up

Study in the U.S., Stay in the U.S.Free guide. A roadmap for international students.
Guide libraryGuides by topicChoosing a major, job market, and school; OPT and STEM OPT; and getting ready to work.Open the library