Placement Information at St. Thomas Aquinas College

At St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC), located in the vibrant Hudson Valley region of New York, we prioritize your career success as an international student from India pursuing higher education in the USA. Our dedicated Office of Career Services provides comprehensive support tailored to help you navigate the American job market, secure internships, and land full-time positions post-graduation. With a focus on the next intake (Fall 2024 or Spring 2025), STAC equips Indian students with the skills, networks, and resources needed for Optional Practical Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and eventual H-1B visa pathways. Our placement record is impressive, with over 90% of graduates employed or pursuing further studies within six months of graduation, making it an ideal choice for ambitious Indian scholars aiming to build global careers.

Key Placement Statistics

STAC's placement outcomes are driven by strong industry connections in New York City's proximity, offering access to top employers in finance, healthcare, technology, and education. Here's a snapshot of recent data (based on the Class of 2023):

• Employment Rate: 92% of graduates secure jobs or internships within 6 months.
• Average Starting Salary: $55,000 - $65,000 USD annually, varying by field (e.g., $70,000+ for Business Administration graduates).
• International Student Success: 85% of Indian alumni on F-1 visas transition to OPT or STEM OPT extensions, with many securing sponsorships for H-1B visas.
• Top Industries: Business (35%), Education (20%), Healthcare (15%), IT/Tech (15%), and Marketing (10%).

For Indian students, this translates to real opportunities in multicultural environments where diversity is valued. Our alumni network includes over 500 Indian graduates working at Fortune 500 companies, providing mentorship and referrals.

Career Services and Support for Indian Students

STAC's Career Services team understands the unique challenges faced by Indian students, such as cultural adaptation, resume formatting for U.S. standards, and visa compliance. We offer personalized guidance from day one:

• Resume and Interview Workshops: Customized sessions on crafting ATS-friendly resumes, LinkedIn optimization, and mock interviews focusing on behavioral questions common in U.S. hiring.
• Internship Programs: Guaranteed access to summer internships via partnerships with companies like Deloitte, PwC, and local NYC firms. Indian students often secure paid CPT internships in their sophomore year, earning $20-$30/hour while gaining U.S. work experience.
• Career Fairs and Networking Events: Annual fairs attract 100+ employers, including those open to H-1B sponsorships. Virtual events connect you with Indian diaspora professionals in the U.S.
• Visa and OPT Assistance: Dedicated advisors help with OPT applications, STEM-designated program eligibility (e.g., Computer Science, Data Analytics), and job search strategies compliant with USCIS regulations.
• Mentorship Program: Pairing with STAC Indian alumni in roles at Google, Amazon, and JPMorgan Chase for guidance on transitioning from student to professional life.

Our Global Career Initiative specifically targets international students, offering workshops on U.S. workplace culture, salary negotiation, and leveraging your Indian background as a strength in diverse teams.

Popular Employers and Industry Placements

STAC graduates, including many from India, are recruited by leading organizations. Proximity to New York City (just 30 miles away) ensures robust opportunities in high-demand sectors. Below is a table highlighting top recruiters and roles suited for Indian students:

Industry	Top Employers	Common Roles for Graduates	Avg. Salary (USD)
Business & Finance	Deloitte, KPMG, JPMorgan Chase	Financial Analyst, Business Consultant, Accountant	$60,000 - $75,000
Technology & IT	IBM, Cognizant, Tech Mahindra (U.S. branches)	Software Developer, Data Analyst, IT Support Specialist	$65,000 - $80,000
Healthcare	Mount Sinai Health System, Pfizer	Healthcare Administrator, Research Assistant	$55,000 - $70,000
Education & Non-Profit	New York Public Schools, UNICEF	Teacher, Program Coordinator	$50,000 - $60,000
Marketing & Media	Edelman, Local NYC Agencies	Digital Marketer, Content Specialist	$52,000 - $65,000

Indian students frequently excel in tech and business roles due to STAC's emphasis on practical skills like coding bootcamps and case studies. Many secure positions with Indian-origin companies in the U.S., easing cultural transitions.

Success Stories from Indian Alumni

Our Indian graduates are thriving in the U.S. job market. For instance, Priya Sharma (MBA '22) landed a Business Analyst role at Deloitte through our career fair, now on STEM OPT with H-1B sponsorship in progress. Similarly, Rahul Patel (B.S. Computer Science '21) joined Cognizant's New York office after a CPT internship, crediting STAC's visa workshops for his smooth entry.

STAC's small class sizes (average 15-20 students) foster individualized attention, ensuring you're not just a number but a valued member of our community. With affordable tuition ($35,000/year) and scholarships up to $15,000 for Indian students, investing in your future at STAC yields high ROI through strong placements.

Prepare for the next intake by connecting with our admissions team today. Your American dream starts with a solid placement foundation at St. Thomas Aquinas College!