UPDATE: This article was originally posted on February 26, 2020. It has been updated with new information and tips below.
One of the most exciting opportunities for international students looking to study in the United States has been the 3-year optional practice training (OPT) program offered by STEM-designated MBA programs.
Compared with typical MBA programs, a STEM MBA offers international graduates the opportunity to work longer in the US. While all MBA graduates are eligible for 1-year OPT visas (unless you previously completed a degree in the US and already obtained an OPT visa), STEM MBA graduates have a 2-year extension on this period, totaling 3 years.
However, there is one important piece of information that many MBA applicants and students often don’t know: employers who hire international STEM MBA graduates must also be STEM-certified.
The last thing that anyone who has completed an MBA program wants is to have difficulties getting started on their post-MBA careers. That’s why in this post, we cover the best employers for graduates of STEM-certified programs, plus all the essential information you need to ensure immediate, quality employment to take advantage of the 3-year OPT and ensure your visa stays valid.
Top 10 STEM-certified employers
To be able to hire international students who have completed STEM-certified MBA programs, the US government mandates that employers must meet a certain number of requirements. These requirements include being enrolled in the government’s E-Verify program, providing formal training to ensure that international employees are maximizing their career development, and having the proper OPT reporting structures in place.
The following employers have proven track records of fulfilling these requirements and hiring thousands of post-MBA graduates who have fulfilled their STEM-certified programs.
Note: according to official lists of the top employers of OPT students, there are certain companies, such as AZTech Technologies LLC and Integra Technologies, who provided false employment letters to thousands of graduates without offering real employment. Many victims of this fraud had their visas revoked as a result. We have not included these companies on our list.
Amazon
Having hired almost 2,500 STEM OPT graduates in 2019 (the most recent year for which official government data is official), Amazon is by far the largest employer of post-STEM MBA students in the US.
And as one of the fastest-growing companies in the world, opportunities will only increase for STEM graduates. So if you are looking for a fast-paced job in engineering and/or IT, Amazon may be the right place for you!
In 2019, Google hired over 950 STEM OPT students. With a growing number of roles in areas such as engineering, software development, and analytics, Google has a wide range of possibilities for those seeking a STEM-focused career.
Deloitte
Deloitte is at the head of STEM innovation, exemplified by the fact that the firm hired 675 STEM OPT students in 2019 and new offerings such as the STEM Connect Virtual Experience Program. For STEM OPT graduates, there are various opportunities across STEM fields, from energy resources to telecommunications and media.
Microsoft
As one of the most important tech companies in the world, Microsoft is a leader in innovation and modern engineering. 700 STEM OPT students were hired in 2019, gaining access to jobs in AI, software development, machine learning, and many other cutting-edge areas.
Intel
With 690 OPT graduates joining Intel Corporation in 2019, this company is another great option for STEM MBAs to pursue quality employment. Intel is a thought leader in the STEM field and actively promotes multiple initiatives to not only modernize the industry but also increase access to underrepresented groups. Joining Intel post-MBA is therefore an excellent opportunity for not only innovative disruption but also social impact.
Facebook/Meta
As Facebook transitions into Meta, employees of the company have widening opportunities to be at the forefront of the latest trends and innovations in tech. As a result, the tech giant has hired an increasing number of STEM OPT graduates since the program was introduced. Explore Facebook’s current job opportunities here.
Apple
Another prominent company that has a solid track record of hiring STEM OPT graduates is Apple. A company that values ingenuity and creativity, working at Apple offers employees the ability to work collaboratively to develop innovative products and solutions.
Walmart
Although not a tech giant, Walmart, as one of the biggest powerhouses in the world, has a plethora of jobs in engineering and tech. And having obtained STEM certification, the company is growing as a provider of STEM OPT opportunities.
IBM
Focused on providing cutting-edge technological solutions, IBM is another company that has earned certification to hire recent graduates of STEM MBAs. To learn about the many opportunities that the company offers in AI, engineering, data science, and more, click here.
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
PwC is a global powerhouse of accounting and multinational services, offering various ways for employees to apply their STEM knowledge to a vast array of fields and industries. Technology-related careers at PwC focus on problem-solving to improve businesses across the world. Having hired over 300 STEM OPT graduates in 2019, the company is a solid choice for students looking for quality recruitment opportunities.
How to get hired post-MBA
While many students often assume that simply completing their STEM MBAs is enough to ensure post-graduate employment, there are a number of factors that students must consider in order to keep their visas and get hired. We go through these key factors below.
Ensure your visa and degree requirements are met
To be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, you must ensure that you hold a valid F-1 visa. Additionally, the program you are enrolled in must be STEM OPT-certified – simply taking STEM-focused courses or tracks is often not enough for eligibility.
For students who completed STEM-certified degrees before the OPT extension was approved, certain schools do allow for retroactive OPT eligibility. We suggest that you contact your school’s administration to learn more.
Complete the OPT application
It is very important that you complete your STEM OPT application before graduating (you will do this through your school’s designated portal). You can apply up to 90 days before your program’s end date.
We recommend doing this as early as possible within the 90-day period, as US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must receive your application by your current OPT end date in order to be eligible for the STEM extension.
For more information on this stage of the validation process, please visit your school’s STEM OPT resources on their website.
Ensure adequate working hours and reporting
Once you receive your offer letter from your employer, you are required to report your employer’s name, address, and EIN, your start date of employment, the number of hours to be worked per week, your supervisor’s name and contact information, and how the employment is related to your course work. You must also complete and submit required forms, including an I-983 form and I-765 form.
For the STEM OPT extension, you must work more than 20 hours per week with a STEM-certified company.
While you are employed, you will have to submit regular reporting while being monitored by your designated school official (DSO). This will occur every six months. You will also be required to submit evaluations every 12 months and at the end of your 36-month OPT period. If, for any reason, you change employers, you must also report a change in your employment status.
While these requirements may seem cumbersome, it is very important to stay on track. Consequences may include initiating EAD revocation proceedings, revocation of immigration benefits, and termination of your visa.
Need more STEM OPT questions answered?
While the STEM OPT program is a great opportunity for international students wanting to gain experience and broaden their networks in the US, it can be an overwhelming process – whether it’s deciding on the right program, ensuring you are prepared for the stringent reporting requirements, or even knowing what questions to ask your school’s admissions office.
Luckily, Ellin Lolis Consulting has proven experience working with clients from around the world to get them into their dream MBA programs and onto successful careers. As a result, we are able to answer all the questions you have given your individual situation.
To get access to our expert support, apply to work with us today!
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