Unlocking Global Talent | Part 2: Hiring International Students Post-Graduation

Many employers are struggling to recruit qualified staff, which hinders their ability to grow and sustain services. In this series, we’ll explore the often-overlooked talent pool of international students and graduates. Unlock the potential of this diverse talent with our comprehensive three-part workshop series, designed to demystify the process and guide employers through the key steps of hiring and managing international students and graduates effectively.

Session #2: Hiring International Students Post-Graduation: A Comprehensive Guide for Employers

Are you looking to hire international students after they graduate? Join us for an insightful in-person session focused on post-graduation opportunities called Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT, programs that enable international students to work in the U.S. after graduation. This workshop will provide you with essential information on how to effectively hire and manage international graduates under these programs.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding OPT and STEM OPT
• Eligibility Requirements
• Application and Compliance
• Employer Responsibilities
• Benefits of Hiring OPT and STEM OPT Graduates:
  • Highly Skilled Talent
  • Innovation and Fresh Perspectives
  • Increased Retention
  • Global Competitiveness
• Common Misconceptions:
  • Complexity of Compliance
  • Limited Work Authorization
  • Cost Concerns
  • Short-Term Commitment
• Q&A Session

This series is open to the public, however NPP members are encouraged to register. Registration is required for all attendees.

More About the Speakers:

Alexandria M. Iwanenko | Amicangelo & Theisen | Immigration Law Attorney

Alexandria focuses her practice on immigration law. She is admitted to practice before the courts of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Alexandria has experience drafting naturalization, green card, special immigrant juvenile, and asylum
applications. Throughout law school she worked as a law clerk at a small immigration law firm in Pittsburgh and as a legal intern at Jewish Family and Community Services in the Immigration Legal Services Department.

Originally from Buffalo, Alexandria graduated from Canisius College with a triple major BA in International Relations, Spanish, and Latin American Studies, and earned her JD from Duquesne University School of Law. At both schools, she earned Distinguished Student Awards and graduated with summa cum laude honors. Alexandria has traveled to over a dozen countries, learning about different cultures, languages, and foreign affairs. Her unique experience as the daughter of a first-generation American and granddaughter of immigrants allows her to empathize with a variety of her client's immigration matters.

Dr. Alyson Eagle | Gannon University | Assistant Director of Employer Relations

Dr. Alyson Eagle is the Assistant Director of Employer Relations at Gannon University. During work hours, she aspires to work directly with Gannon students to connect them to their dream job and/or internship. Outside of work, Aly is committed to social injustice work by passionately advocating for equality rights, specifically surrounding women’s rights, inclusive hiring practices, increasing diversity within the workforce, and LGBTQ+ activism. She co-leads a Dream Weavers – Erie women’s group focused on building community and supporting one another to achieve their goals and aspirations.

Aly received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. She is a proud Gannon alumnus, who graduated from the Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program in December 2015 and Organizational Learning and Leadership doctorate program in May 2023.

Courtney Olevnik | Faye Ventures, Founder & CEO | International Education Consultant

Courtney Olevnik is an international education consultant, real estate proprietor, and yogini. A passion for higher education and travel fuels her work as a consultant for international students, educators, and institutions navigating the complexities of international student visas, evolving immigration regulations, cross-cultural understanding, and post-graduation opportunities as well as anything in between. As a real estate proprietor, she has linked retail and private renters to viable city-focused units under her management. Being a yogini for over a decade represents her commitment to fostering mindfulness, balance, and holistic wellness...specializing in vinyasa (energetic practice matching movement with breath) and yin (slow flow, passive practice where poses are held for 3 to 5 minutes).

Courtney is also a cat & kitten foster for the Humane Society, the vice chair for Erie ClaySpace board, and the membership chair for the Emerging Erie Fund (an affiliate group of the Erie Community Foundation). Ultimately, she strives to be a multi-hyphenate…creating harmony between her professional aspirations and a unique & synergistic lifestyle.