Placement Information at the University of Kansas

The University of Kansas (KU) is renowned for its robust career support system, designed to prepare students for successful careers in the USA and beyond. For Indian students eyeing the next intake (Fall 2024 or Spring 2025), KU's placement services offer tailored guidance to navigate the competitive job market, including visa processes like OPT and CPT. With a focus on practical experience, industry connections, and personalized advising, KU boasts an impressive 95% employment rate within six months of graduation for its undergraduates and graduates. This section highlights key placement opportunities, statistics, and resources optimized for international students from India.

Career Services and Support for Indian Students

KU's Career Center serves as the hub for all placement activities, providing free, comprehensive services to help you build a strong professional profile. As an Indian student, you'll benefit from specialized workshops on resume building tailored to U.S. standards, interview preparation for tech and business roles, and networking strategies to connect with Indian alumni networks.

• One-on-One Advising: Schedule appointments with career counselors experienced in international placements. They offer guidance on adapting Indian qualifications to U.S. job applications and preparing for H-1B visa sponsorships.
• Job and Internship Portals: Access Handshake, KU's online platform, listing thousands of opportunities from top U.S. employers. Indian students often secure roles in IT, healthcare, and engineering through this portal.
• Mock Interviews and Skill Workshops: Practice behavioral and technical interviews, with sessions on cultural nuances to impress American recruiters.
• International Student Support: Dedicated advisors help with Optional Practical Training (OPT) applications, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for internships during studies, and post-graduation work authorization. KU's high success rate in OPT approvals (over 90%) is a boon for F-1 visa holders from India.

For the upcoming intake, early engagement is key—join orientation sessions focused on career planning to maximize your time at KU.

Internship Opportunities

Internships are a cornerstone of KU's placement strategy, with over 70% of students participating in at least one before graduation. These experiences often lead to full-time offers and are crucial for Indian students building U.S. work experience.

Key Highlights:

• Cooperative Education (Co-op) Programs: Paid internships in fields like computer science, business analytics, and biomedical engineering, lasting 6-12 months. Partners include Fortune 500 companies like Google, Boeing, and Deloitte.
• Summer Internships: KU facilitates applications for summer roles, with dedicated support for CPT to ensure legal work authorization. In 2023, 85% of international interns converted to full-time positions.
• Industry-Specific Placements: Engineering students intern at NASA-affiliated labs, while business majors join firms like Ernst & Young. Indian students frequently secure tech internships in Kansas City's growing startup ecosystem.
• Global Exposure: Opportunities for virtual internships with Indian multinationals like Infosys and TCS, bridging your home-country experience with U.S. markets.

To prepare for the next intake, update your LinkedIn profile and attend KU's virtual internship fairs starting in September 2024.

Placement Statistics and Outcomes

KU's placement record is strong, with graduates earning competitive salaries. For the Class of 2023, the average starting salary was $62,000 USD, rising to $75,000 for STEM fields popular among Indian students. Here's a snapshot of recent data:

Program	Employment Rate (6 Months Post-Grad)	Average Salary (USD)	Top Industries for Indian Students
Business Administration	94%	$58,000	Finance, Consulting, IT Services
Computer Science & Engineering	97%	$78,000	Software Development, Data Analytics, Aerospace
Pharmacy & Health Sciences	92%	$65,000	Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Research
Overall International Students	91%	$68,000	Tech, Education, Business

These figures are particularly encouraging for Indian students, as KU's alumni network includes over 5,000 professionals in the U.S., many from India, offering mentorship and referrals. Sectors like IT and healthcare see high demand, with placements in cities like Kansas City, Chicago, and Silicon Valley.

Top Recruiters and Alumni Success

KU attracts premier employers through annual career fairs, virtual expos, and on-campus recruitment. Top recruiters include:

• Tech Giants: Microsoft, Amazon, IBM—ideal for Indian CS graduates seeking H-1B sponsorships.
• Consulting Firms: McKinsey, PwC, Accenture, with strong ties to Indian operations.
• Healthcare Leaders: Cerner (now Oracle Health), Hallmark, and pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer.
• Local Opportunities: Kansas-based firms like Koch Industries and Garmin for engineering roles.

Alumni success stories abound: Indian KU graduates like Raj Patel (MS in Computer Science, now at Google) and Priya Sharma (MBA, Director at Deloitte) credit KU's career services for their transitions. The KU Alumni Association hosts India-specific networking events, both virtually and in the U.S., to foster connections for the next intake cohort.

Tips for Indian Students in the Next Intake

1. Start Early: Register with the Career Center upon arrival in Fall 2024 to access exclusive job listings.
2. Build Your Network: Join Indian student associations like the Indian Students Association at KU for peer support and alumni intros.
3. Leverage Resources: Utilize KU's Employer Relations team for company info sessions tailored to international talent.
4. Focus on Skills: Enhance English communication and U.S. workplace etiquette through free ESL and professional development courses.
5. Visa Readiness: Attend OPT/CPT seminars to ensure seamless work authorization post-studies.

With KU's commitment to global employability, Indian students are well-positioned for thriving careers in the USA. For personalized advice, contact KU's International Student Services during your application process.