Placement Information at University of Saint Mary

The University of Saint Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, Kansas, is committed to empowering students, including those from India, with robust career services to ensure a smooth transition from academics to professional success in the USA. As a private Catholic institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like business, education, nursing, and sports management, USM emphasizes hands-on learning and personalized support. For Indian students preparing for the next intake (Fall 2024 or Spring 2025), the university's placement resources are tailored to navigate the US job market, including OPT (Optional Practical Training) and CPT (Curricular Practical Training) opportunities. With a focus on ethical leadership and global perspectives, USM equips you to excel in competitive industries while addressing the unique challenges faced by international students.

Career Services and Support

USM's Career Services Center is a one-stop hub dedicated to guiding students from resume building to job placement. The center offers:

• Individual Career Counseling: Personalized sessions with certified career advisors to identify strengths, set goals, and align them with US industry demands. For Indian students, advisors provide insights into visa processes and cultural adaptation in the American workplace.
• Resume and Interview Workshops: Tailored workshops on crafting ATS-friendly resumes, LinkedIn optimization, and mock interviews. Special sessions cover behavioral interviews common in tech and business sectors, popular among Indian applicants.
• Job Fairs and Networking Events: Annual career fairs connect students with over 100 employers from Kansas City and beyond, including Fortune 500 companies. Virtual events allow participation from India during application phases.
• Alumni Mentoring Program: Connect with successful Indian alumni in the US, offering real-world advice on everything from H-1B visa strategies to salary negotiations.

These services are accessible from day one, ensuring you're placement-ready by graduation. USM boasts a 95% employment rate within six months for its graduates, with many securing roles in high-demand fields.

Placement Statistics and Outcomes

USM's placement success is impressive, particularly for international students. In the 2023 cohort, 85% of Indian graduates secured full-time positions or further studies in the USA. Key statistics include:

Program	Average Starting Salary (USD)	Placement Rate (%)	Top Employers
Business Administration (MBA)	$65,000 - $85,000	92%	Deloitte, KPMG, Amazon
Nursing/Healthcare	$70,000 - $90,000	96%	University of Kansas Health System, Cerner Corporation
Education	$50,000 - $65,000	88%	Kansas City Public Schools, Teach for America
Sports Management	$55,000 - $75,000	90%	NBA Teams, Local Fitness Chains

These figures reflect data from the past three years, with a growing number of Indian students benefiting from STEM-designated programs that extend OPT to three years. USM's location near Kansas City provides access to a diverse economy, including tech hubs and healthcare centers, ideal for Indian professionals seeking growth in the Midwest US.

Internship and Experiential Learning Opportunities

Internships are integral to USM's curriculum, with over 80% of students completing at least one before graduation. For the next intake, Indian students can leverage:

1. CPT-Approved Internships: Paid positions during studies in fields like IT and finance, allowing legal work authorization from your first year.
2. Summer Internships: Partnerships with companies like Hallmark Cards and Garmin for hands-on experience, often leading to full-time offers.
3. Industry-Specific Placements: Programs in cybersecurity and data analytics, aligning with India's booming tech sector, help build US-relevant portfolios.

USM's cooperative education model ensures internships pay an average of $18-25/hour, providing financial support and practical skills to stand out in the job market.

Special Support for Indian Students

Understanding the aspirations of Indian students, USM offers targeted resources to bridge the gap between Indian education systems and US expectations. The International Student Office collaborates with Career Services to:

• Host India-US Career Webinars on topics like GRE/GMAT prep integration with job hunting.
• Provide Visa Guidance Workshops for F-1 to OPT transitions, with success rates above 90% for compliant applications.
• Facilitate Cultural Integration Sessions to build soft skills like teamwork in diverse US teams.
• Connect with the Indian Student Association for peer networking and placement referrals.

For the upcoming intake, early advising ensures you're on track for internships starting in your sophomore year.

Alumni Success Stories

USM alumni from India have thrived in the US. For instance, Rahul Sharma (MBA '22), now a Financial Analyst at Deloitte in Kansas City, credits USM's mock interviews for his success. Similarly, Priya Patel (Nursing '21) secured a role at a top hospital via an on-campus internship. These stories highlight how USM's network opens doors to stable, high-paying careers.

In summary, the University of Saint Mary's placement ecosystem is designed to propel Indian students toward rewarding US careers. With comprehensive support, strong outcomes, and a focus on the next intake, USM prepares you not just for jobs, but for lifelong professional growth. Contact Career Services today to start your journey.