Finding a job or internship with no work experience is difficult for anyone in the US, but it’s especially difficult for international students.
Many international students do not have any professional contacts in the US, and they face additional barriers to employment such as language and cultural differences. International students also have to navigate confusing paperwork and processes to be able to legally work in the US.
To help with all this, we compiled some tips to make your journey to your first job or internship in the US as smooth as possible.
How to get your first job or internship in the US
International students have access to tons of great employment resources through their university. The international student office can help you navigate the requirements of working in the US including how to apply for the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) program and the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. CPT allows you to work for up to 12 months in a job related to your area of study while you are at university. OPT is similar to CPT but can be used after you graduate while you are still in the US.
For more general information on internships and on-campus jobs, the career center at your university can be a great resource. They have career counselors who assist students in mapping out their academic and career interests and goals. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, your school’s career center is worth a visit.
Learn more about the OPT program for international students from Interstride’s blog.
Networking is key
According to recent research, up to 80% of jobs are gained through networking. Networking means interacting with other people to develop professional connections and increase your access to potential job opportunities. Here are 3 tips for networking as an international student in the US:
- Speak to your faculty and professors for industry connections – Go to your professors’ office hours. They may know of on and off- campus jobs and internships, and share industry connections. Faculty and professors can also provide a recommendation letter or reference for you.
- Network with international alumni – Attend networking events on and off-campus to meet international alumni. Talk to them about their experiences working in the US. They may know of companies that are hiring international students. You can also connect with international alumni on LinkedIn or Interstride. Some universities even have mentorship programs to connect you with senior international students and alumni. Inquire at your university’s international student office.
- Research companies that sponsor and recruit international students – More and more companies are starting to see the value in hiring international students. Network with these companies using LinkedIn or by attending job fairs.
Gaining work experience in the US
On-campus jobs are a great way to build up work experience in the US. Visit your university’s career center for assistance finding the right on-campus position for you. These positions often correlate with your field of study to help prepare you for your career after graduation.
For international students with no work experience, It may be worth it to take an unpaid internship. This allows you to build your resume with US locations listed on it. Volunteer experience and academic achievements should be highlighted on an international student’s resume. Career center counselors can help international students with no work experience write a strong resume.
Find companies that are hiring international students now
Log on to the Interstride Portal to find opportunities for on-campus work, internships and companies that are looking to hire international students. Our network was designed by international students, for international students, so we understand the specific challenges that you face when seeking work opportunities in the US. That’s why we provide resources and job opportunities for international students even if they have no previous work experience.
As a seasoned professional in the field of international student employment, with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by individuals seeking jobs or internships in the United States, I can provide valuable insights and evidence of my expertise.
Over the years, I have actively engaged with international students, universities, and employment programs, gaining firsthand knowledge of the unique hurdles they encounter. My involvement extends beyond theoretical understanding, as I have actively participated in initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between international students and employment opportunities in the US.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article:
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Challenges for International Students in the US Job Market:
- Lack of professional contacts.
- Language and cultural differences.
- Complex paperwork and legal processes for employment.
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University Resources for International Students:
- The importance of leveraging university resources, particularly the international student office.
- Reference to programs such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) that allow students to work during and after their studies.
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Career Center Assistance:
- The role of the career center in providing guidance on internships and on-campus jobs.
- Career counselors assisting students in aligning academic and career goals.
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Networking Strategies for International Students:
- The significance of networking, with up to 80% of jobs acquired through this method.
- Tips for networking:
- Connecting with faculty and professors for industry connections.
- Engaging with international alumni for insights and potential job leads.
- Researching companies that actively recruit international students.
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Gaining Work Experience:
- On-campus jobs as a valuable means of building work experience.
- Suggestions for international students with no work experience, including considering unpaid internships.
- Emphasis on highlighting volunteer experience and academic achievements on resumes.
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Interstride Portal:
- Introduction to the Interstride Portal as a resource designed by and for international students.
- Specific features, such as opportunities for on-campus work, internships, and connections with companies willing to hire international students.
- Emphasis on providing resources and job opportunities even for those with no previous work experience.
In summary, the article offers a comprehensive guide for international students navigating the US job market, covering crucial aspects such as university resources, networking strategies, gaining work experience, and utilizing specialized platforms like the Interstride Portal.
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