Extra Career Training for International Students in Many Fields

Rahmath Khatoon has gone all in on CSI! She is shaping her future by taking her time to  customize her education to her career goals. 

International students often have big hills to climb when it comes to getting an education and career training in the US. They have challenges such as obtaining visas, language barriers, and even finances. Most of these students are smart, very capable, and extremely focused on their goals. In fact, some of them will go above and beyond what they need in order to prove that they have the education and experience needed to be successful in America and around the world.

Rahmath Khatoon is one of those international students with the drive to succeed. Originally from India, Rahmath takes her courses very seriously. She has been in the Chicago area for four and a half years and much of that time has been spent as a student at the Skokie campus of Computer Systems Institute.

Learning about Industry Differences 

Rahmath came to the US as someone who already had some work experience in business, but she wanted to take things to the next level. Now that she is an international student in the US she is taking some time so that she can strategically achieve her goals. She is doing that by building on top of what she is learning. “I have been in three programs at CSI – Finance, Marketing, and I’m planning to take Hospitality Leadership next,” she says. “My main career goal is to secure a job where I can apply my skills in finance and marketing while continuing to learn and grow in the industry.”

Business practices in the US are different from what she is used to in her home country, “Before coming to the U.S., I worked in accounting in India. One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed here is how technology is integrated into finance and accounting processes,” she says.

Rahmath has had to make some adjustments to the way things are done, “In the U.S., there’s a stronger focus on digital tools and automation, whereas in India, many businesses still rely on more traditional methods. The regulatory systems are also quite different, so adjusting to new financial laws and standards has been a learning experience.”

Challenges for International Students

Learning how the US does business compared to other countries is just one of the challenges that some international students can face. For some, school itself can be completely different, “As a student, one of the challenges I’ve faced is adapting to a new education system,” says Rahmath. “The teaching style, assignments, and expectations are different from what I was used to.” 

Although her mother is still in India, Rahmath says that she will sometimes reach out to her when she needs help with something. When she isn’t in school, Rahmath enjoys cooking, reading, and exploring new places. Making time for fun things is important to her, but she is making it work, “Balancing studies with other responsibilities has been a challenge, but it has helped me become more organized and resilient.”

Opportunities for International Students

CSI has a lot to offer international students. There are a variety of available programs for a wide range of interests. Available fields include business, healthcare, and information technology. For students who are wanting to get more comfortable and confident with their English skills, there are English as a Second Language, or ESL, programs. It’s possible to start there and then move into the career programs. 

CSI can also help students with Career Practical Training, or CPT, and Optional Practical Training, or OPT, so that they can get hands-on experience in their fields. Rahmath hasn’t done CPT or OPT yet, but they are next on her list. She can’t wait to get started, “I am especially interested in roles that allow me to combine analytical thinking with creative problem-solving.”

Rahmath also appreciates that even though she is taking extra time to finish her education at CSI, she is saving money, “The cost is good. It is more expensive at other schools.” She has said that she has been able to take advantage of a payment plan that allows her to pay as she goes.

The lower cost education while getting excellent hands-on career training are obvious benefits, but Rahmath is more impressed with the people she has met during her journey. She has nothing but positive things to say about her instructors, “The teachers are good. They are very helpful,” she says. Rahmath continues, “One of the best parts about being a student at CSI has been the supportive learning environment. The teachers are knowledgeable and truly care about helping students succeed.”

Although everyone has been great, Rahmath says that one has stood out to her, “My favorite teacher has been Samuel Adebayo. His classes have been engaging, and he explains concepts in a way that makes them easy to understand,” she says. 

Of course, she also enjoys learning from her fellow students, “My classmates are also very good. They are from all over the world. I enjoy being able to interact with and learn from them.”

If you are working in your home country or in the US, but are ready to explore being an international student, CSI would love to hear how we can help you with your career goals. Fill out our contact form now and we’ll get in touch!