International Students: Post-Grad Internship Opportunities

International students can apply for internships in the US, which can be a great way to gain experience in their field, build in-demand skills, and increase their employability after graduation. However, it is important to navigate the visa process and understand the eligibility requirements, as well as the competitiveness of the internship application process in the US.

Student visa requirements

International students can apply for internships as long as they meet the requirements of their student visa. The type of student visa you have will outline the terms and conditions for employment while in the US, including how to get internships.

To study in the US as an international student, you must obtain a student visa. The most common types of student visas are:

• F-1 Visa (Academic Student): This visa is for full-time international students pursuing academic studies. F-1 students must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. Their school must also be authorized by the US government to accept foreign students.
• M-1 Visa (Vocational Student): This visa is for full-time international students pursuing vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training.
• J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor): This visa is for foreign nationals who have been approved to participate in work-and-study-based exchange programs. J-1 students must be sponsored by an accredited educational or other non-profit institution and may be able to find internship placements through their sponsor.

To obtain a student visa, you must first be accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school in the US. Once accepted, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The school will then issue you a Form I-20, which you must present during your visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.

Other general requirements for obtaining a student visa include:

• Enrolling as a full-time student at an accredited institution
• Demonstrating English proficiency or being enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency
• Having sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies
• Maintaining a residence abroad with no intention of giving it up

Work authorization

As an international student, you can apply for an internship as long as it meets the requirements of your student visa. Your student visa outlines your terms and conditions for employment while in the US, including how to get internships. Each student visa has its own specific internship conditions.

If you are an F-1 student, you can gain practical experience by working an internship during the school year or on summer break through Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT can be authorized by your designated school official (DSO) but must be part of your academic program and be integral to your major field of study. Your employer will set up an agreement with your school to authorize part-time or full-time work. Before applying for CPT, you must have already studied as an F-1 student for at least a year and be enrolled at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.

Another option for F-1 students is Optional Practical Training (OPT), which can authorize you to work an internship before or after you graduate. OPT internships must be approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. You can intern up to 20 hours per week while in school or full-time during the summer or after you’ve earned your degree. You can usually work under OPT for up to 12 months, though STEM majors may qualify for a 24-month extension. To be eligible for OPT, you must have studied for at least a year.

If you are a J-1 student, you cannot apply for OPT but can apply for Academic Training (AT) in a field related to your program for up to 18 months after graduating. J-1 students must be sponsored by an accredited educational or other nonprofit institution and may be able to find internship placements through their sponsor.

Resume and cover letter

As an international student, you can apply for an internship as long as it meets the requirements of your student visa. For instance, if you are studying in the United States on an F-1 student visa, your visa allows you to work an internship during or after school, but you'll need to get work authorization first. This can be done by getting approved for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT lets you gain practical experience by working an internship or taking part in cooperative education during the school year or on summer break. Your employer will set up an agreement with your school to authorize part-time or full-time work.

Now, let's discuss how to create a compelling resume and cover letter to increase your chances of securing an internship.

Resume

Your resume, or CV, is a concise document outlining your qualifications, skills, and experience. It is essential to have a well-formatted and concise resume when applying for internships. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Keep it concise and well-formatted: Ensure your resume is easy to read and not overly lengthy. Focus on highlighting the most relevant information for the internship you are applying for.
• Include education and qualifications: Mention your academic qualifications, such as your degree, major, and any relevant coursework or projects. This is especially important if you have limited work experience.
• Highlight relevant skills: Think about the skills the employer is looking for and ensure your resume showcases these. For example, if you are applying for a role in business administration, you might emphasize your attention to detail, positive attitude, and adaptability.
• List work experience: Include any previous work experience, even if it is not directly related to the internship. This demonstrates your work ethic and ability to function in a professional environment.
• Consider extra-curricular activities: If you have limited work experience, you can also list any extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, or projects that demonstrate your skills and abilities.

Cover Letter

The cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself, express your interest in the internship, and explain why you are a good fit for the role. It is a powerful tool to showcase your skills, passion, and motivation. Here are some tips for writing a compelling cover letter:

• Structure and format: Ensure your cover letter is well-structured and follows a similar format to other cover letters. It should include a header with your contact information, a greeting to the hiring manager, an introduction, and a conclusion. It should be no longer than one page.
• Express your passion and motivation: Use the cover letter to convey your enthusiasm for the role and explain why you are interested in the company and its mission. This is your chance to stand out and make a strong impression.
• Highlight relevant skills and qualifications: Mention specific skills and qualifications that make you a good fit for the internship. For example, if applying for a computer science internship, talk about relevant coursework and projects you have completed.
• Include a call to action: Finish your cover letter by expressing your eagerness for an interview and thanking the reader for their time. End with a polite closing, such as "Sincerely," followed by your name.
• Proofread and edit: Ensure your cover letter is well-written, free of errors, and tailored specifically to the internship you are applying for. Ask a friend or career services office to review it and provide feedback.

Remember, the resume and cover letter are your first impression on a potential employer, so take the time to craft them carefully and ensure they highlight your unique skills and qualifications. Good luck with your internship applications!

Networking opportunities

As an international student, you can apply for an internship as long as it meets the requirements of your student visa. Visa considerations are important when it comes to internship hunting as an international student. For instance, if you are an F-1 student, you will need to obtain work authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) before you can start interning. OPT can authorize you to work an internship before or after you graduate, while CPT lets you gain practical experience by working an internship during the school year or on summer break. J-1 students cannot apply for OPT but can apply for Academic Training (AT) in a field related to their program for up to 18 months after graduating.

Now, let's dive into some networking opportunities for internship hunting:

Career Fairs

Career fairs are excellent venues for networking and landing your dream internship. Research the attending companies in advance and prepare an elevator pitch to deliver face-to-face to recruiters. Follow up with the connections you make, as this could lead to your desired internship. Attend fairs that match your field of study to increase your chances of connecting with companies looking for interns in your area of expertise.

Industry Nights and Recruitment Events

Industry nights and recruitment events are prime opportunities to network with companies that align with your interests and goals. Bring your resume and practice your pitch to leave a lasting impression.

Alumni Networks

Tap into your alma mater's alumni network for personalized advice and connections. Reach out to alumni in your field, share your aspirations, and ask for guidance. Alumni often have a soft spot for fellow graduates and may provide valuable insights and referrals.

Campus Resources

Your college campus is brimming with opportunities to expand your network and attend events that cater to internship opportunities. These include career centers, professional development workshops, campus scholar programs, and web-based applications.

Online Platforms

If you cannot attend networking events in person, online platforms provide a convenient alternative. Utilize LinkedIn and your university's platforms, such as Handshake, to explore internship opportunities and connect with potential employers.

Direct Conversations

While applying for internships online is a common approach, it may not be the most effective. To increase your chances of success, engage in direct conversations with potential employers. Be proactive and steer the conversation, demonstrating your knowledge and interest in the company and role.

By leveraging these networking opportunities, you can enhance your chances of securing an internship that aligns with your career aspirations. Remember to start your internship hunt early, as competition for internships is high, and many employers recruit and hire well in advance.

Internship conditions

International students can apply for internships in the US, and doing so can be an invaluable way to gain new skills, build your network, and improve your job prospects after graduation. However, there are several conditions that international students must meet to be eligible for internships in the US. These conditions depend on the type of visa the student holds.

F-1 Visa

If you are an F-1 student visa holder, you are allowed to work an internship during or after school, but you must obtain work authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) first. CPT allows you to gain practical experience by working an internship during the school year or on summer break. Your employer will need to set up an agreement with your school to authorize part-time or full-time work, and the internship must be part of your academic program and integral to your major field of study. To be eligible for CPT, you must have already studied as an F-1 student for at least a year and be enrolled at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.

OPT can authorize you to work an internship before or after you graduate, and you can work up to 20 hours per week while in school or full-time during the summer or after you've earned your degree. OPT internships must be within your field of study, and you can usually work for up to 12 months, although STEM majors may qualify for a 24-month extension. To be eligible for OPT, you must have studied for at least a year.

J-1 Visa

Students with a J-1 visa can apply for Academic Training (AT) in a field related to their program for up to 18 months after graduating. Alternatively, they can enter the US on a J-1 intern visa or J-1 trainee visa. The J-1 intern visa allows students and recent graduates to undergo an internship in the US, provided they are currently enrolled in a foreign college or university or have graduated within the past 12 months. This visa is valid for up to 12 months, and students must receive written approval from their J-1 Responsible Officer at their sponsoring institutions.

Frequently asked questions