After another week of research, interviews, and discussions with Ron, we are inching forward–toward finding the “better” solution to our problem. “There is no perfect solution to a wicked problem. Just good ones and not so good ones,” Ron reiterates to me as I sit in frustration during office hours. After having revisited the problem situation over a dozen times, I believe my group and I have finally touched upon the true issue. It was during Wednesday’s class exercise when we started figuring out the true problems behind the situation.

Situation: International students are not finding jobs in America, after graduation, within their allotted time.
Why it’s important: They are paying for the same education, opportunities, and experiences as domestic students, but they have to over come more challenges. It is LCB’s responsibility, as an educational institution, to provide optimal resources for all students.
Critical drivers of this issue: Legal issues, cultural differences, and stereotypes discourage employers from considering international students as valuable employees.
Goal: Raise international student’s potential to gain employment after graduating from LCB. Eventually, this will raise LCB’s reputation and competitive advantage.
Solution: Provide an International Student Liaison within the LCB Career Center to help international student’s with the legal aspects of OPT. Start an International Student Mentor Program with domestic students to help break down cultural and language barriers. Both of these aspects combined will help international students be more prepared and confident going into a job interview.

After conducting interviews with the International Affairs Advisor, the Director of the UO Career Center, and the Assistant Director of Career Services of LCB, we have a better understanding of the problem issue. I am fairly satisfied with the progress we have made over the last couple of weeks and I am excited to see it all come together in our proposal and presentation.