From Rejection to Opportunity: My Journey to Becoming a STEP Graduate Assistant as an International Student

When I first arrived at the University at Albany as an international student in the MS in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity , I was filled with excitement, curiosity, and—if I’m being honest—a little bit of fear. I knew starting graduate school in a new country wouldn’t be easy, especially when it came to finding an on-campus job. What I didn’t expect, though, was how many times I would face rejection before finally hearing the one word I had been waiting for: “Congratulations.”

Job Hunting as an International Student
One of the biggest challenges I encountered early on was applying for on-campus jobs. As an international student, there are particular rules for employment, and I had to make sure every job I applied to followed the guidelines of my visa. I applied to multiple roles—from dining services and library assistant to graduate assistant positions in various departments—but each time, I received a polite rejection or, sometimes, no response at all.
It was frustrating and disheartening. I began to wonder if I would ever find a position that matched my skills and interests. But I reminded myself why I came here in the first place—to grow, learn, and push myself out of my comfort zone. Giving up was never an option.

Staying Focused and Keeping Hope Alive
Instead of letting rejection bring me down, I took it as an opportunity to improve. I updated my resume, tailored my cover letters more specifically for each position, and started attending campus events to meet new people and learn more about the opportunities available to students like me.
I also reached out to career services, who provided helpful feedback and even helped me practice for interviews. Slowly but surely, I began to feel more confident—and more hopeful.

Getting the “Yes” That Changed Everything
Then, one day, I got an email from the University’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP). They were looking for a Graduate Assistant to support their initiatives and help guide underrepresented students through academic enrichment and personal development.
I still remember the joy I felt when I saw the words “We’d like to offer you the position.” After so many rejections, this moment felt surreal. All the effort, persistence, and belief in myself had finally paid off.

Why This Role Means So Much to Me
Becoming a STEP Graduate Assistant has been more than just a job. It has given me a sense of purpose and belonging. I now get to support and mentor students, just as I once needed support myself. It’s a full-circle moment that reminds me how powerful perseverance and self-belief can be.

Final Thoughts for Fellow International Students
If you're an international student struggling to find an on-campus job, please don’t give up. It’s okay to feel discouraged—but don’t let that stop you from trying again. Rejections are not the end of your journey; sometimes, they are redirections toward something even better.

Keep showing up. Keep learning. And most importantly, keep believing in yourself.