"We are Afro-Caribbean, not African American": career readiness and policy awareness in employment preparation experiences

Abstract

This quantitative study examined the career readiness and work authorization policy awareness of Afro-Caribbean international students (ACIS) enrolled at four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States. The research investigated how institutional practices, academic class standing, employment experiences, and résumé support influenced students' understanding of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) regulations. Data were collected from 106 ACIS students through a structured survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and chi-square tests. The findings revealed no statistically significant difference in OPT and CPT knowledge between lower-classmen and upper-classmen, suggesting that academic progression alone does not ensure comprehension of the work authorization policy. Despite moderate engagement with résumé assistance via faculty, career services, workshops, AI tools, and templates, no specific support was significantly associated with an increase in in-field interview outcomes. Alarmingly, over half of the students reported participating in off-campus employment outside their academic field, violating F-1 visa conditions under federal regulations. These findings raise concerns regarding the accessibility and clarity of institutional guidance on career preparation and legal employment compliance. This research underscores the urgent need for targeted institutional support and policy-aligned advising for international students, particularly those navigating scholarship agreements and transitioning into the U.S. workforce. The results offer important implications for career services, university administrators, and global sponsors supporting the ACIS population across higher education institutions.