The decision to leave home is never easy. Mine came wrapped in a flurry of visa paperwork, teary goodbyes, and a quiet resolve that this leap was going to change everything. I boarded that flight with a suitcase of hopes, a heart full of nerves, and a vague plan to make it in one of the most competitive legal markets in the world.
Reality hit fast. Life as an international student wasn’t just about adjusting to new professors or a different academic system—it was about finding belonging in a space that wasn’t exactly built for me.
What Helped Me Stand Out
Looking back, one word made all the difference: intentionality. From the start, I knew I couldn’t afford to take a passive approach. So I made a point to put myself out there. I connected with alumni, reached out to law firm associates, and yes—asked people for coffee chats even when I didn’t know what to say beyond “Hi, I admire your work.”
Not every message was answered. But the ones that were? They led to some of the most insightful conversations of my life.
I treated networking like learning a language. At first, it was awkward. But over time, it became a genuine way to build relationships—not just hunt for a job.
Yes, the Visa Struggle is Real
There’s a pressure that comes with the ticking clock of OPT. One year. That’s what most LL.M. grads get to work in the U.S. post-degree. And when your future hinges on a visa lottery, there’s only so much you can control.
I was fortunate to get picked in the H-1B on my first try—but I walked into the job knowing I had to prepare as though I wouldn’t. That meant understanding my options, staying transparent with employers, and being mentally ready for whatever path unfolded.
If you’re navigating that same uncertainty: you're not alone. Just make sure you're not caught off guard.
Crafting a Personal Brand That Landed Interviews
One thing that surprised me? How much your application materials have to speak for you before you even get in the room.
I spent hours refining my résumé to highlight not just tasks, but outcomes. I created a separate deal sheet that showcased my work on transactions. I kept my LinkedIn current and used it as more than a digital résumé—it became a networking tool, a place to share ideas and connect with people doing work I was genuinely curious about.
Columbia’s career services team played a big role here. Their guidance helped me present my story in a way that felt polished, but still real.
Life on the Inside
I always knew I wanted to work in M&A and Private Equity. There's something exciting about the pace, the complexity, and the constant evolution of the space. Joining a major law firm felt like stepping onto a moving train—you catch your breath, hold on tight, and learn fast.
At first, my days revolved around due diligence. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me to spot patterns, dive into detail, and understand how deals are built from the ground up. As time passed, I got more involved in drafting and negotiations. That’s when the job started to really come alive for me.
The Edge I Brought With Me
Before coming to the U.S., I had already practiced corporate law back home. That experience gave me more than bullet points on a résumé—it gave me stories to tell. It gave me insight into cross-border matters and the confidence to hold my own in conversations.
Being international doesn’t just mean you're from another country—it means you bring a different lens, a fresh perspective. In a field like law, where nuance matters, that perspective is powerful.
Growth, Goals, and Grounding Yourself
Right now, I’m focused on growing—technically, strategically, and as a teammate. I want to eventually make partner, but for now, I’m taking it one step at a time. That means asking questions when I don’t know something. Being reliable. Delivering quality work. And keeping the curiosity alive.
Outside work, I make time to recharge. Travel helps me reset. So does reminding myself why I started this journey in the first place.
To Anyone on This Path
If you’re still in law school or about to graduate, and wondering if it’s all going to work out—breathe. It’s okay to feel unsure. Everyone does.
But don’t underestimate the value of being consistent. Of showing up, again and again. Of doing the small things well, and trusting that they will lead somewhere.
Because they will.