Greater Dubuque Development Corporation and the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque are partnering with area colleges and universities on a shared international student retention effort focused on a simple idea: more of the talented students from other countries already studying here should have a clear pathway to start their careers in the Greater Dubuque region.
Recent data collected from participating institutions of higher education shows a meaningful pipeline of international students across regional campuses, including students nearing graduation and students already expressing interest in working in the Greater Dubuque area after graduation through Optional Practical Training (OPT). These colleges and universities also identified employer education and expanded OPT opportunities as one of the clearest ways to strengthen retention and improve employment outcomes for these students.
Across the seven area colleges and universities currently participating in this effort, 301 international students are enrolled, with 31 of these students already indicating interest in pursuing OPT opportunities with a Dubuque-area employer.
The OPT program allows international students to legally remain and work in the United States in a role directly related to their field of study for a limited period after graduation. For STEM-related placements, eligible graduates may be able to work for up to three years under OPT. For many non-STEM jobs, the period is up to one year. Importantly, hiring through OPT does not require employer sponsorship, and there is no employer cost for the OPT authorization itself.
That distinction matters because many employers rule out international candidates too early in the hiring process, assuming the process is more complicated or costly than it actually is. In most OPT cases, the student works with their school to complete and submit the required paperwork after securing a job offer related to their major.
For employers, this represents a practical, low-friction way to access skilled talent that is already living, learning, and building community in the Greater Dubuque region. International students often bring valuable competencies including adaptability, persistence, fluency in multiple languages, and global perspectives that can strengthen teams and help employers compete in an increasingly connected economy.
If your company has never explored hiring through OPT, download our FAQ to learn more and reach out to Nic Hockenberry, Director of Workforce Programming, with any questions. Employers interested in considering international student candidates for internships, temporary placements, or full-time roles are encouraged to start the conversation now.
To learn more, contact Nic Hockenberry, Director of Workforce Programming at 563-557-9049 or nicolash@greaterdubuque.org.