Career planning for international students: Choosing a major that pays off
When you’re investing in a master’s degree abroad, your choice of major is more than just academic – it’s strategic. For international students, picking the right field of study can shape your job prospects, visa eligibility and long-term earning potential in the U.S. or Canada.
The key is finding a degree that matches both your personal interests and global demand. If your goal is to stay competitive and career-ready after graduation, here’s how to make sure your major sets you up for success.
Why your major matters more than ever
Unlike some domestic students who can explore freely and switch paths later, international students studying overseas often face stricter timelines and fewer second chances. Your major not only impacts the kind of work you’ll be allowed to pursue under F-1 visa rules- it also affects how long you can stay after graduation and what types of companies are likely to hire you.
Postgraduate majors with strong demand and clear career pathways are more likely to:
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- Lead to jobs that qualify for OPT or STEM OPT extensions
- Attract employers open to sponsoring H-1B visas
- Offer faster job placement and higher starting salaries
- Deliver long-term ROI on your education investment
Choosing wisely now helps protect your options later.
Fields with strong earning potential and employer demand
If you’re looking to build a solid career foundation and justify the cost of financing education, these fields consistently rank high for both salary and job opportunities:
Computer science and engineering
From software development to cybersecurity, demand for tech talent remains high across North America. These roles offer high starting salaries and are among the most sponsored by U.S. employers.
Data science and analytics
With nearly every industry relying on data to drive decision-making, degrees in analytics, statistics, and AI offer flexible career options and strong postgraduation salaries.
Business analytics and STEM MBAs
MBA programs with STEM designations (in fields like finance, supply chain, or information systems) allow you to qualify for extended work time while preparing for leadership roles across industries.
Health care and public health
Master’s degrees in public health, health informatics, and healthcare administration offer career pathways in hospitals, nonprofits, and government programs—with rising global demand.
Engineering Fields (Electrical, Mechanical, Environmental)
Engineers continue to be in demand across sectors including energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure. These degrees also tend to qualify for STEM OPT extensions.
Tools to help you compare outcomes by major
It’s not always easy to predict how a major will perform post-graduation, but there are tools that help.
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- Look at salary data on sites like PayScale, Glassdoor, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Use international student career outcome reports from universities you’re considering.
- Research which majors align with the DHS STEM OPT Designated Degree Program list.
- Explore employer databases to see which fields are most often linked to H-1B sponsorship.
- Look at salary data on sites like PayScale, Glassdoor, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The more research you do upfront, the more confident you’ll feel choosing a degree with strong career potential.
How MPOWER Financing supports outcome-focused students
MPOWER Financing works with thousands of international postgraduate students who are focused on outcomes- students in STEM, business, health, and engineering fields who are building careers that travel with them.
MPOWER offers:
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- No-cosigner student loans
- Over 500 MPOWER-eligible schools across the U.S. and Canada
- Fixed interest rate student loans with flexible loan amounts from US$2,001 to US$100,000
- Access to Path2Success, a career platform with resume tools and OPT/H-1B job search filters
When you choose a career-focused degree, MPOWER helps ensure your financial strategy supports your long-term goals- so you’re free to focus on the major that pays off.
Your major is your foundation- choose it like it matters
Picking a postgraduate major is one of the most important career decisions you’ll make. It influences not only what you’ll study, but where you’ll work, how long you can stay, and how much you can grow.
With research, foresight, and the right financial tools, you can confidently pursue a degree that opens doors. Whether it’s coding, engineering, or analytics, choose the major that gets you closer to the life you want- and make sure the resources around you support that vision.
