Thornburg Investment's Hiring Policy: Opportunities For International Students

Thornburg Investment Management is a US-based investment management company that offers services to institutional and professional investors. The company is regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange under U.S. laws and does not provide services to individual investors or non-U.S. entities. While the company's website does not explicitly mention their hiring policies regarding international students, it is important to note that they operate within the constraints of US laws and regulations, which may pose challenges for international students seeking employment. Obtaining the necessary visas and work authorizations, such as the F-1 student visa, H-1B visa, or OPT (Optional Practical Training), can be complex and influence an employer's decision to hire international candidates.

Thornburg's hiring of international students is impacted by visa issues

One significant challenge for international students seeking employment in the US is the limited time frame for finding a job after graduation. For instance, students on an F-1 visa have only 12 months to secure a full-time role before needing to apply for an H-1B visa, which is rarely sponsored by banks and other financial institutions. This time constraint can put immense pressure on international students to find employment promptly, and it may deter employers from considering international candidates.

Additionally, the visa sponsorship process can be cumbersome and costly for employers. Sponsoring a visa often entails additional administrative work and legal fees, which may deter some companies from hiring international students. Larger firms tend to be more open to sponsoring visas than smaller ones due to their greater resources and experience in navigating the complex process.

To address these challenges, Barnes & Thornburg offers an Immigration Pathfinder Program to assist employers and foreign national students in navigating the visa sponsorship process. The program aims to provide support and guidance to international students seeking to transition from student visas to employment visas.

Furthermore, international students can improve their chances of employment by choosing a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) major, which extends the work experience period to 36 months before applying for an H-1B visa. Networking and building connections with alumni and professionals in their industry can also enhance their prospects of finding visa-sponsoring employers.

Thornburg's preference for local students over international students

Thornburg Investment Management is a US-based company that offers investment services to institutional and professional investors. The company's website and terms of use specify that its content is intended for institutional and professional investors in the United States only and is not suitable for individual investors or non-US entities. This suggests that Thornburg Investment Management primarily targets and serves local US-based clients.

While the company does have a global presence with offices in various countries, its services seem to be tailored for institutional investors in the US context. The company's terms of use are governed by US laws, and it is regulated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission, indicating a focus on the US market.

Additionally, the company's leadership team and board of directors primarily comprise individuals with backgrounds in US-based financial institutions, further suggesting a preference for local talent and expertise.

International students or individuals based outside the US may face challenges in accessing career opportunities with Thornburg Investment Management due to the company's focus on the US market and legal and regulatory requirements. However, it is important to note that the company's global presence and international business strategy indicate some level of interest in international talent and markets.

In summary, while Thornburg Investment Management's primary focus appears to be on local US-based clients and talent, they may still consider international students or individuals for certain roles, especially those with relevant experience or expertise in the company's areas of operation.

Thornburg's competition for international students

Overview

Thornburg Investment Management is a US-based company and as such, there are visa requirements that international students must consider when applying for internships. While international students can apply for unpaid or paid internships, there are additional considerations related to their student visas. For example, for internships on CPT or OPT allowances, the internship or job must be directly related to the student's degree program.

Visa Requirements

One of the biggest challenges for international students seeking internships in the US is the visa process. For non-STEM majors on an F-1 student visa, the student can only work for 12 months after graduating and must line up a full-time role within 3 months of finishing their degree. After 12 months, they need to apply for an H-1B visa, which banks rarely want to sponsor. On the other hand, STEM majors can extend their work experience period to 36 months before applying for an H1-B visa.

Competition

The competition for international students seeking internships at Thornburg Investment Management would be other international students who are also navigating the visa process and have similar skill sets and qualifications. Additionally, there may be competition from domestic students who may be more attractive candidates to the company due to the complexities and costs associated with hiring international students.

Strategies for International Students

To increase their chances of being hired, international students can consider the following strategies:

• Focus on firms that have sponsored visas in the past. If a firm has a history of sponsoring visas, they may be more open to doing so again.
• Larger firms may be more open to sponsoring visas than smaller ones. Larger firms have more resources and are more likely to have encountered specific visa issues before.
• Consider internships in international finance hotspots first. Some cities, such as London, Toronto, and Singapore, may be more open to hiring international students and can provide valuable experience that can lead to opportunities in the US.
• Network with alumni and people from your country who have been in a similar situation. They can provide valuable insights and advice on navigating the visa process and finding internship opportunities.
• Pick a STEM major or add a second major that qualifies as STEM to extend the work experience period before needing to apply for an H-1B visa.
• Be persistent and aggressive in your job search. Follow up consistently with potential employers and don't be afraid to send multiple emails if you don't hear back.

While there are challenges and competition for international students seeking internships at Thornburg Investment Management, there are also opportunities and strategies that can increase their chances of being hired. By being proactive, flexible, and persistent, international students can improve their chances of securing a valuable internship opportunity.

Thornburg's willingness to sponsor visas for international students

Thornburg Investment Management is a US-based company that operates under US laws and regulations. The company's website does not explicitly mention any information about sponsoring visas for international students or employees. However, it is important to note that the company has a presence in multiple countries and territories outside the US, including Canada, the United Kingdom, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. This indicates that Thornburg Investment Management has a global mindset and may be open to hiring international talent.

In general, international students and job seekers face challenges when looking for employment opportunities in the United States due to visa-related issues. The process of obtaining a work visa can be complex and costly for both the individual and the employer. Some companies may be reluctant to hire international students because of the additional administrative work, legal fees, and the risk of visa rejection. However, larger firms and those with a history of sponsoring visas in the past may be more open to hiring international candidates.

To increase their chances of securing a job that provides visa sponsorship, international students can consider the following strategies:

• Focus on firms with a history of sponsoring visas: Past behaviour is often a good indicator of future behaviour. If a company has sponsored visas for international employees in the past, they may be more likely to do so again. Online databases and resources, such as the H1B Database, can provide valuable information on which companies actively sponsor visas.
• Target larger firms: Larger companies often have more experience dealing with visa issues and may have the necessary resources and infrastructure to navigate the process. They may also have a higher demand for diverse talent, increasing the chances of sponsorship.
• Network and build connections: Building a strong professional network can be beneficial for international students. Connecting with alumni, country fellows, and industry professionals can provide insights into which companies are more open to hiring international candidates. These connections can also help navigate the unique challenges faced by international job seekers.
• Consider alternative paths: Breaking into certain industries or specific companies as an international student can be challenging. In such cases, considering alternative paths, such as starting with a smaller firm or a different role, can increase the chances of gaining valuable work experience and eventually transitioning to the desired position or company.
• Emphasize your unique strengths: International students bring a diverse skill set and perspective to the table. Fluency in multiple languages, cross-cultural competence, and connections in their home country can be valuable assets for companies looking to expand globally or target specific markets. Highlighting these strengths can increase an international student's appeal to potential employers.

While the specific details of Thornburg Investment Management's policies on sponsoring visas for international students are not publicly available, the company's global presence and commitment to delivering consistent risk-adjusted outperformance suggest that they may be open to hiring diverse talent. International students can increase their chances of securing a position by networking, highlighting their unique strengths, and targeting firms with a history of sponsoring visas.

Thornburg's preference for international students with certain backgrounds

Thornburg Investment Management is a US-based company that offers institutional and professional investment services. The company's website does not provide specific information about their hiring policies for international students or their preferences for specific backgrounds. However, some general insights can be gleaned from the broader industry trends and practices.

International students seeking opportunities in the investment banking industry in the United States often face challenges due to visa requirements and competition from domestic candidates. Obtaining the necessary visas, such as H-1B or TN, can be a complex and uncertain process, and US firms may be reluctant to navigate the additional administrative work and costs associated with international hires.

To enhance their chances, international students can consider the following strategies:

• Focus on firms with a history of sponsoring visas: Some investment banks are more open to hiring international students and have a track record of sponsoring visas. Examples include UBS, Barclays, BAML, JPM, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley.
• Target specific groups within banks: Certain groups within investment banks, such as FIG, may be more amenable to hiring international candidates.
• Pursue a STEM major: International students on an F-1 student visa can extend their work period to 36 months if they major in a STEM field. This provides more time to secure a full-time role and improves their chances of being hired for analyst positions, which typically require a two-year commitment.
• Network extensively: Building a strong network is crucial. Attend networking events, connect with alumni, and utilise online platforms like LinkedIn to make meaningful connections that can vouch for your skills and potential.
• Consider smaller firms: While bulge bracket banks are attractive, smaller firms may provide more opportunities for international students. These firms might be more willing to navigate the visa process and could offer a stepping stone into the industry.
• Gain relevant experience: International students can increase their chances by gaining practical experience through internships, either in their home country or the US. This not only enhances their resumes but also demonstrates their commitment to the field.
• Choose a well-known university: Opting for a better-known university for master's programs can improve an international student's chances of securing a role in investment banking.
• Be mindful of cultural fit: It is essential to demonstrate an understanding of US culture and integrate socially. Networking events and extracurricular activities can help bridge cultural gaps and show adaptability.

In summary, international students seeking opportunities at Thornburg Investment Management or similar firms should be proactive in their job search. They should research visa requirements, target firms with a history of sponsoring international candidates, network extensively, and gain relevant experience to enhance their employability.

Frequently asked questions