Economic Downturn: The View from Hawk Hill | International student concerned with current job market

It's a Tuesday night and Alexis Ng, '09, is lounging on her couch watching the latest news after finishing her weekly babysitting duties. As the sole resident assistant of the second floor on the A-side of Merion Gardens apartment building, her door is usually wide open so anyone can feel comfortable entering if they need her help.

Ng's residence in Philadelphia is a far distance from her home in Singapore, where her parents live. Ng is a 21-year-old international marketing major who decided to come to America during her high school years, when representatives from Saint Joseph's University came to her school with a presentation about the university, its reputable business program, and its historic location. She wanted to try something new and explore a different country; of course, the university's offer of a scholarship helped as well.

These days, however, with the economic tide turning and graduation lurking around the corner, Ng is concerned with how she will fare in the job market as an international student.

She wants to work in America for at least the first four or five years after she graduates in May, although it will be challenging given the increasing competition for jobs and the additional pressure a student from abroad faces.

Ng explained that international students have to acquire F-1 visas, then find companies willing to sponsor them. They also have to exhibit above average qualities just to be at an equal level with the Americans. She has been searching for the right job, but has been unable to find the one for which she is looking.

Ng's parents worry about the state of the American economy too. Another one of their children, Alyssa Ng, '10, attends Saint Joseph's, studying finance. In addition to worrying about their daughters living in the economically insecure environment, the Ngs worry about the direct effects on Singapore. Singapore-a country whose economy is closely tied to the U.S. economy-is feeling the effects of the economic collapse, although not as badly as the U.S. "I think the weakening of the U.S. dollar worries them," said Alexis Ng. "So far, the stock market has affected my parents. They're hoping that things get better in the next five years."

Ng, however, does not regret her decision to come to the U.S. Her priorities in coming to the country were exposure and new experiences, which she received. The economy continues to be a problem, but only a small one in the grand scheme of things. Ng has seen how different societies operate now and treasures the importance of experiencing another culture's values.

"Whether I get a job or not is another thing altogether," said Ng. "I wish this crisis didn't have to happen at this time when I am just about to look for a job, but I have enjoyed my time in America."

Ng still has two positive things she can say about the economy, despite the turmoil. First, the American credit system remains intact. She enjoys that she can still buy things now and pay later, which is something that Singapore does not allow people to do.

Second, the crisis has encouraged Ng to attend graduate school. While it is something that she has always pondered, she now knows for sure that graduate school is something that will not only be beneficial, but necessary. She plans to enroll in the M.S. program at Saint Joseph's.