WIP: A Mixed-Method Study of International Students' Career Support Networks: Barriers and Opportunities

This work-in-progress research paper investigated where and how international students seek career support and perceived barriers. Existing literature has examined career readiness and preparation, particularly focused on international students' diaspora patterns and cultural adjustment, but lacks holistic insights into their career decision-forming and support systems from a mixed-method social network perspective. We employed a mixed-method research approach and leveraged data collected from the international undergraduate student body at a U.S. Midwestern university via interviews and surveys sequentially. This WIP paper primarily focused on the qualitative section of this project based on the data from the nine interview transcripts. The data were analyzed by both egocentric social network and thematic analysis. Our preliminary findings identified the most common source of support for international students. We also recognized barriers existing in multiple forms and dimensions and a lack of support in three major areas for international students, particularly access, human connection, and clarity. Our unique contribution in this study highlighted the interconnection among students' perceived (or lack of) career support and barriers from a social network perspective. Based on our preliminary findings, we offer suggestions to inform practices and policy change congruent to the actual needs of international students from multiple stakeholders, including, but not limited to, home institutions, faculty, and staff members.