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How to work in US Real estate as an International student

Updated: Mar 24

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A. Why study Real Estate in the US? It's a great deal!

Tino's Background

Tino is a professional working in the real estate industry in the United States. He previously studied at National Kaohsiung Normal University in Taiwan, majoring in Business Administration. During his university years, he interned in the development and design departments of a construction company. After graduating, he moved to Washington state in the United States, where he attended a one-year real estate professional institute. Upon graduation, he successfully secured a job in the real estate development department as a Real Estate Development Associate.

Academic Background & Choice

One of the reasons Tino chose to further his education in the United States was the potential for development in the American real estate market, which was influenced by his family background. His father, being an architect, instilled in Tino an early interest in real estate and construction. Additionally, Tino found satisfaction in the opportunities for learning in the United States, particularly due to the comparatively more systematic and standardized nature of the American real estate market, which motivated him to deepen his knowledge in the field.

School & Department/Program of study

Tino attended a real estate institute located in Washington state, USA, which offers a one-year professional real estate research program. Although the school may not be in a prominent urban location, its real estate institute is highly ranked in the field, and combined with its geographic advantages, Tino was satisfied with his choice. Furthermore, the real estate program at this school falls under the STEM category, providing Tino with the opportunity for STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension upon graduation. This opens up more choices and opportunities for his career development in the United States.

Professional Knowledge and Industry Differences

During his studies, Tino acquired professional real estate knowledge and gained a deeper understanding of the American real estate market. He believes that compared to Taiwan, the American real estate market is more systematic and standardized, which reduces project timelines and costs while also alleviating the burden of interior decoration on consumers. These insights and knowledge will undoubtedly contribute to his future career success.

Career Goal

Tino's primary career development direction after graduation is to become a real estate investment consultant, aiming to leverage his professional knowledge and skills in international real estate investment projects. He believes that major cities offer more favorable conditions for the development of the real estate industry, which is why he is satisfied with choosing Washington State and attending the real estate institute there. Moreover, as his profession falls within the STEM field, he has the opportunity to obtain an OPT extension, providing him with greater flexibility and room for growth in his career in the United States.

 

B. Landing a Job in the US Real Estate Industry: Insights and Strategies for International Graduates


The Key to Working in the US: Embracing Cultural and Professional Challenges

While aware of the cultural and engineering differences he would face, Tino decided to leverage his investment in his education in the US, including the opportunity for legal employment through Optional Practical Training (OPT). He saw these challenges not as obstacles but as avenues for gaining unique experiences, learning, and development. Tino's journey highlights the importance of viewing cultural and professional differences as opportunities for growth in the US job market.


Navigating the Job Search: Effective Strategies and Platforms

Tino began his job search early, attending career fairs and utilizing job search websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. By focusing on positions where he believed he had a better chance (including those in Chinese-funded or entry-level roles), Tino submitted around 50 applications, securing 7-8 interviews. aAlthough the interview rate was lower than expected, primarily due to the broader economic environment, Tino's persistence paid off, landing a job through LinkedIn. His experience underscores the value of career fairs for honing interview and networking skills. It suggests that while consulting roles in real estate might demand more from applicants, opportunities in construction can be more accessible for those with less experience with the right approach to job searching on platforms like Indeed.


Preparing for Real Estate Interviews: Overcoming Language Barriers and More

Tino shares his approach to navigating the three typical stages of the interview process, from phone screenings focused on background and personality to more in-depth professional queries and final paperwork. Initially struggling with language barriers, Tino adjusted his strategy from memorizing scripted answers to organizing responses around key questions and keywords, facilitating smoother, more confident replies. This method helped Tino overcome nervousness and made his interview communication more effective.


Trends for International Graduates in Real Estate: Opportunities Amidst Challenges

Tino's success as the first international student in his department to secure employment reflects his pragmatic approach to job hunting: Prioritizing Opportunities over Ideal Conditions.

He advises other Asian international students to consider companies with stronger ties to Asian communities, as firms rooted in predominantly white cultures may pose additional challenges. Nevertheless, Tino views the real estate sector as a promising field for international graduates, driven by its steady growth and Asians' interest in the US real estate market. This suggests a vibrant landscape of opportunities for those ready to navigate its challenges.


 

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