When the job market seems overwhelming, especially for international students facing uncertainty, it can be difficult to stay grounded. For Xinyue Wang, a student in the Master of Arts in Communication program at Michigan State University, the journey to clarity was anything but linear. As of January, Wang has three job offers in China and continues to explore other opportunities.

Wang’s experience offers an honest and refreshing perspective in a competitive job market, one that resonates with MSU students no matter where they intend to focus their search.

Navigating a tough job market

Like many recent graduates, Wang, who will graduate this May, entered the job search during a challenging period. As hiring slows down, headcounts shrinking and industries transforming rapidly, especially with the growing impact of artificial intelligence, the landscape for entry-level candidates has shifted significantly.

Beyond these external pressures, Wang identified a more subtle obstacle: information asymmetry.

“Many students only see a very narrow slice of the job market,” Wang said. “We’re only influenced by social media, or by where seniors went. That creates blind spots.”

Instead of limiting herself to a handful of “popular” industries or roles, Wang began questioning assumptions about prestige, employer branding and so-called “dream job positions.” She learned to critically evaluate industries, and tell the difference between what looks good and what actually feels right.

From student mindset to professional thinking

One of the most transformative parts of Wang’s journey was the shift from a student mindset to a professional mindset. Early on, she found herself hyper-focused on external validation — offers and company reputation, only to realize this mindset intensified anxiety.

“I had to remind myself that a job is not an exam, and it doesn’t define your entire life,” she said. “Work is important, but it’s also just one part of who you are.”

This perspective helped her approach interviews as two-way conversations, not one-sided evaluations. She became more intentional about asking questions, assessing team culture and imagining what daily life in a role would actually feel like.

A strategic choice: Taking a gap semester

One of Wang’s most pivotal decisions was to take a gap semester to pursue internships, spanning multiple industries and functions, from internet advertising and e-commerce operations to global go-to-market roles and brand management. These experiences did more than strengthen her resume; they helped her eliminate options that didn’t align with her values and allowed her to discover what kind of work environment energized her.

The gap semester allowed her to build confidence in workplaces, gain practical skills and develop professional maturity: skills like cross-functional communication, stakeholder management and storytelling — key differentiators in interviews.

Becoming the standout applicant

Across interviews, Wang noticed several factors that consistently worked in her favor:

• Strong self-awareness: She tailored her self-introduction for each role, clearly articulating how her experiences aligned with specific job requirements.
• Professional presence: She emphasized resilience, communication and confidence, qualities teams look for in colleagues, not just candidates.
• Practical experience across industries: By exploring different roles, she built a transferable skill set rather than locking herself into a single path too early.

Ultimately, she received three offers and chose one in mind that balanced growth, compensation, work-life expectations and long-term potential. For now, she continues to explore other opportunities.

MSU’s role

Wang credits MSU for helping her develop a broader, more global perspective. Classroom discussions, interactions with international peers and exposure to different communication styles shaped how she approached storytelling, collaboration and her ways of performing in workplaces.

She also highlighted the value of MSU’s career resources, such as advising workshops and programs like the MSU China Career Trek. Wang encourages students to use platforms like LinkedIn and connect with MSU alumni.

Words of advice

• A job search is just a chapter of one’s life, not a statement of one’s worth.
• Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Often, being relaxed and true to yourself helps you do better, even when the market is tough.
• Don’t over-idealize employers or industries. A supportive team and a good manager often matter more than brand names. When possible, avoid competing in saturated, low-growth industries.
• Experiment early. Internships are not just resume builders, they are tools for self-discovery.
• Take care of yourself. Eating well, sleeping enough and maintaining joy are not distractions; they are foundations, especially during a demanding job search process.

“Job searching is not about winning or failing. For most people, it’s either success or growth, and growth always stays with you.”

This story originally appeared on the International Studies and Programs website.