My 22-Year Journey in the USA: Insights for International Students

Having arrived in the USA 22 years ago, I still vividly remember stepping off the plane in Los Angeles in 2003. At that moment, my greatest relief was escaping the grueling college entrance exams back home. Little did I know that my journey would lead me to a fulfilling career in the United States. Today, I own a property, have a CPA, and have traveled internationally for business many times—far beyond what I imagined upon arrival. I want to share my experiences in education and job hunting in America, hoping to inspire and assist current international students.

My Background

Let me provide some context about my background:

1. Originally from Dali, Yunnan, I attended a well-known local high school but my scores were average—at best, I would have only qualified for Yunnan University in China.
2. When I first arrived in the USA, I held an H4 visa (family reunification visa), which I later transitioned to an F1 visa for my studies.
3. I settled in Southern California, completing my undergraduate degree at Cal State Fullerton and my master’s at USC, both in Accounting.
4. After my bachelor’s, I started working at EY in Irvine. During my OPT, I faced an H1B lottery setback, coinciding with the 2008 financial crisis, leading me to pursue my master’s degree to extend my stay in the USA.
5. Upon graduation, I successfully secured an H1B and began my career at EY in Los Angeles as an external auditor.
6. In 2013, I joined Disney’s internal audit project—my goal was to gain experience that could allow me to return to China. At that time, Shanghai Disneyland was under construction, and they required Chinese-speaking internal auditors. It was an incredible two-year experience, witnessing the transformation of a construction site into a bustling theme park, which remains a highlight of my career.
7. After being promoted to M1 in 2015, I transitioned to other internal audit projects, realizing the limited career prospects at EY. By then, I had obtained my green card, and in 2017, I switched to a department that had previously been a client of Disney.
8. After spending two years at Disney, I developed a strong aversion to auditing and resigned at the end of 2019 to travel, only to coincide with the pandemic. I found myself wandering Southeast Asia just as the world began to change dramatically.
9. After returning to the USA in March 2020, I faced unexpected quarantine measures. During the pandemic, thanks to connections made at EY, I joined a startup named AuditBoard, which specializes in auditing and GRC platforms, marking my shift from auditing to system implementation.
10. In 2023, I left AuditBoard and secured a contract job through a mediating company called Conexus. I wanted to explore the differences between freelance work and full-time roles. As of this year, I am enjoying some downtime back home in Yunnan.

Key Takeaways from My Job Search Journey in the USA

Reflecting on my professional path in the USA, I believe two key factors contributed greatly to my success:

1. Networking: Every job I’ve landed was through referrals. Don’t underestimate the importance of networking in the USA! ❗️
2. Seizing Opportunities: Look for projects that allow you to utilize your language skills—these are advantages that native speakers often don’t possess!

Final Thoughts

My journey in the USA has been filled with challenges and triumphs. It serves as a testament to the importance of determination and adaptability. I hope that my experiences can provide some guidance for current and future international students navigating their paths in this diverse and exciting country. Good luck! 🚀