Our 1-year Grad USA program is the first port of call for Irish grads looking to gain experience across the Atlantic.

Here's the headline: the bridge between college and your career, Grad USA is the chance to put your CV on the map with world-class job experience in the States. A win for your career – and your bucket list. Here are six signs that it could be just the thing you're looking for after graduation.

1. You're graduating this year (yay!) or have in the last 12 months

First of all, congrats! The main eligibility criteria for the Grad USA visa is that you must travel within 12 months of the date on your graduation certificate. (So there’s a bit of working out to do, if your degree is in maths, you’re sorted). This 12 months is essentially your travel window – to apply, get your sponsorship approved, and enter the USA.

If you're reading this and graduated over a year ago or you don't have a degree, don't worry. You may still qualify to work in America under our Trainee USA program.

2. You're a having post-college panic or future career path paralysis

We've been there. At college or uni, you have the next three or more years laid out for you. But before you can say 'Sean, stop drying your socks in the microwave!' (just our shared-house experience then...) you're graduating, people are moving on, and everyone seems to have a plan.

Grad USA is a great way to bridge that gap before entering the full-time job market. You'll turn your academic achievements into practical work experience, get a CV that stands out from the crowd, and it will give you the time and perspective to figure out the professional area or sector you want to move into when you return home.

3. Living abroad is on your moodboard

We're manifesting it for you – right now! The truth is, if you're looking to spend a stint living overseas then after college is a great time to do it (before all the mortgage, kids and adult stuff kicks in). This visa is unique to Irish students and grads, and so where better to live overseas than the USA?

Plus, who hasn't watched too many re-runs and imagined themselves sauntering down sidewalks with lattes the size of skyscrapers? The weather, the food, the music, the landscapes... the USA is iconic. And the great thing about this visa, is that you're not limited to one year-long position. You can do multiple shorter placements with 30 days of travel permitted in-between – giving you the freedom to live on different coasts, travel around the States, and add more varied work experience to your CV.

4. You're independent and are looking for a new challenge

Unlike other American J1 visas, the 1-year Grad USA visa is designed to help you start to make your own way in the world. Setting out on your own after graduating can be daunting, but don’t let this put you off. This is the perfect opportunity to get that head start on your career with experience that makes you stand out.

The USIT team will be on hand to walk you through the application process, help you figure out what internships you can do and companies you should target, and set you up with the sponsorship you need to work in the States. Your US sponsor will then be there to support you 24/7 on the ground.

5. You're looking to get the heck out of dodge

Ireland, we love you. But it's fair to say that America offers graduate opportunities that you just don't get at home. The number one place in the world to do an international internship – the States represents every sector and size of business out there. And so it's a surefire way to help you climb the career ladder when you get home. From fashion to finance, law to engineering – you can work in most industries as long as it is connected to your degree.

6. You want to unlock great earning potential

The USA has a well-paid and established internship culture, with most US graduates doing one or multiple internships before they take on a permanent role. The cost of living in the US can be high, but professional internships can also pay lucratively and you can typically expect to earn between USD $2,100-6,500 a month depending on the city and position. Making coffee and doing copy runs, this isn't! A headstart for your professional training, you'll return to Ireland with the kind of experience and progression that you simply wouldn't have had staying at home after graduation.

Seeing the signs? Find out more about USIT Grad USA or book in a call with our graduate team for all the intel.