Douglas Olsen
International students can find jobs through on-campus work, internships, and networking. On-campus jobs are a good way for international students to gain work experience and offset college costs, and they can be found through online job portals, university-specific job platforms, career centres, networking, and job fairs. International students in the US on an F-1 visa are allowed to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week without additional work authorization. Internships can also provide a way for international students to get their foot in the door and gain experience, and they can actively seek out companies that hire international students or offer visa sponsorship. Networking is key, and international students should take advantage of their college community and alumni groups to build solid connections. A well-prepared resume that highlights unique skills and experiences is also important for international students to stand out in the job market.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work eligibility | Check work eligibility and visa status |
| Resume | Format resume correctly, be succinct and truthful, and use keywords from the job description |
| Experience | Talk about all your experience, including transferable skills |
| Language proficiency | Mention any language proficiencies |
| Growth mindset | Be open to feedback and learning |
| Networking | Start networking early, attend career fairs, and build relationships |
| Research | Research the employer thoroughly |
| Personal qualities | Understand your strengths and weaknesses |
| Follow-up | Always follow up with companies after sending your resume |
| Job search tools | Use online job portals, university-specific job platforms, career centers, and job fairs |
| Internships | Look for internships with organizations that will sponsor work visas |
| On-campus jobs | Check eligibility and availability with the school |
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On-campus jobs
International students can find on-campus jobs through online job portals, university-specific job platforms, career centres, networking, and job fairs. They can also visit their college's career centre for help with their resume and to find out about on-campus jobs they may qualify for. International students can also physically go to places they may want to work, such as the library or cafeteria, and ask if they are hiring.
There are many types of on-campus jobs available to international students, including working in the dining hall, library, athletic facilities, campus offices, and departments. Students can also work as paid research assistants, academic tutors, or take on paid student leadership roles. International students can also find jobs in cafeterias, bookstores, and science labs, and they do not have to work in their field of study.
It is important to note that on-campus jobs can be competitive, so it is recommended to start applying early and to utilize resources such as career services for resume reviews and interview preparation. Networking is also key, and students should ask upperclassmen and peers how they found their on-campus jobs.
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Visa requirements
To work in the USA as an international student, you will generally need a student visa. There are two types of nonimmigrant visa categories for those wishing to study in the USA: the F-visa and the M-visa. The F-visa is for academic students enrolled in an accredited academic institution or language training program. The M-visa is for vocational students enrolled in vocational or other non-academic programs.
F-1 Visa
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution, or in a language training program. You must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate, and your school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept foreign students.
F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)
On-campus employment is the most freely available option for F-1 students. However, even if you can obtain a job on campus, you may not rely on it to prove financial resources for the year, and often these jobs are not related to your studies. Many schools require that you obtain permission from the International Student Office prior to accepting any on-campus employment, and they may not permit such employment in a student's first semester or year.
M-1 Visa
The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. M-1 students may engage in practical training only after they have completed their studies. For both F-1 and M-1 students, any off-campus training employment must be related to their area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
To work in the United States, international students on F1 visas must apply for an "employment authorization document" (EAD) with the help of their International Student Office. You do not need a job offer to apply for the EAD, but you will need to submit several forms and documents, pay fees, and provide photos. Processing can take up to 12 weeks or longer, and you cannot start work until you receive the EAD. Once you receive the EAD, you may work for any employer in any job, anywhere in the United States. Employment authorization is automatically terminated if a student fails to maintain valid F1 status.
Special Circumstances
In certain emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters, wars, or financial crises, F-1 students may be authorized for off-campus employment if they can demonstrate severe economic hardship beyond their control.
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Networking
International students can start by building relationships with their professors, peers, and even the parents of their friends at school. They can also attend career fairs and do CPT (Curricular Practical Training) internships to get ahead of the game. On-campus jobs are another great way to network and gain work experience, as well as offset college costs. These jobs can be found through online job boards on the school's website or by asking if different departments are hiring. International students can also use platforms like Handshake and Interstride to find on-campus jobs that are open to hiring international students.
When networking, it is important to be confident and positive about your abilities. You should also craft a compelling story that goes along with your resume to engage and interest people you meet. LinkedIn is a great platform to build your career network online and connect with people in positions that you aspire to have. You can also use LinkedIn to research companies and people before reaching out or attending networking events.
It is also important to note that networking goals will shift with time. As a first- or second-year student, the focus may be on creating relationships, while juniors and seniors may leverage existing relationships to find work.
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Resume and cover letter
When applying for jobs as an international student, it's important to remember that resume and cover letter formats differ across countries. Researching standard practices for the region you are applying to can help you create an effective resume. For example, in the United States and Canada, resumes should be one to two pages long, summarising your work history, skills, and education, whereas in Germany, it is common to list your education before your work experience.
- Include academic information from the last 2-3 years. If you are a first-year student, you can mention your high school and related experiences. As you progress in your degree, replace high school experiences with more recent ones.
- If you are still a student, your university education should be the main focus of your resume. Include your school's name, your major, and your GPA. You can also mention any scholarships or awards you have received.
- List your work experience, including internships, entry-level jobs, volunteering positions, and research projects. If you don't have much professional experience, that's okay—you can still highlight skills you've gained from other jobs or leadership roles.
- Add your technical and cross-cultural skills, such as language proficiency and any certifications.
- Include a summary of who you are, your professional track, and why you are qualified for the job. Use action verbs to communicate your responsibilities effectively.
- Keep your resume concise and clear, focusing on relevant experiences and skills.
When it comes to the cover letter, here are some tips:
- Use standard business salutations (e.g. Mr., Ms., Dr.) if you are sure about the recipient's gender, followed by their last name. If you don't know their gender but have their full name, use their full name. If you don't know their name, "Dear Hiring Manager(s):" is appropriate.
- Only include the submission date on the cover letter, not on the resume or references.
- Use your cover letter to showcase your unique skills and experiences that make you a good fit for the position.
- Avoid flowery language or words that are not commonly used in a professional context.
- Proofread your cover letter for grammar and syntax accuracy.
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Job portals
Handshake
Handshake is a widely used platform across many US universities. It allows students to connect with employers, search for internships and full-time jobs, and schedule appointments with career advisors. One of its key benefits for international students is its extensive filtering options, such as "Will sponsor or doesn't require a US work visa" and "Accepts OPT/CPT." These filters enable international students to target employers who are open to hiring individuals requiring work authorization or sponsorship. Handshake also integrates with universities, making it easier for students to access employers who understand the nuances of hiring international talent.
MyVisaJobs
MyVisaJobs.com is a valuable platform for international students as it helps identify companies with a history of sponsoring international employees. The database allows users to narrow down job opportunities that are more likely to lead to sponsorship and long-term employment in the US. The H-1B Employer Data Hub, hosted by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), provides detailed information on companies that petition for H-1B visas. This enables international students to take a data-driven approach to their job search, increasing the chances of finding employers willing to sponsor H-1B visas.
LinkedIn is another popular platform for international students. It offers a vast network of professionals and job opportunities worldwide. Students can use LinkedIn to search for jobs, connect with recruiters, and build a professional profile. LinkedIn also provides features such as LinkedIn Jobs, which allows users to filter job postings based on various criteria, including location, industry, and job type. International students can use these filters to find opportunities that align with their work authorization status and visa requirements.
CareerShift
CareerShift is a job and internship search tool that aggregates opportunities from multiple sources. It provides contact information for alumni and other professionals, making it easier for international students to network and connect with potential employers. The platform also offers an advanced search feature, allowing students to filter opportunities based on their visa status, such as the H1-B Visa Sponsorship filter.
University-Specific Platforms
In addition to the above-mentioned general job portals, international students can also explore university-specific platforms and resources. Many universities offer online job boards on their websites, providing on-campus job opportunities for students. These jobs are often easily accessible to international students, as they do not always require additional work authorization. University career centres can provide guidance on resume building, interview preparation, and identifying suitable job opportunities, both on and off-campus.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can find jobs in the US by networking, attending career fairs, and using job portals. It is important to know which companies are open to hiring international students and to understand your work eligibility and visa status.
International students can highlight their unique skills and knowledge, such as language proficiencies and internationally diverse workforces bringing new ideas. It is also important to have a strong resume and to be able to talk about any work experience and transferable skills.
International students can find on-campus jobs in cafeterias, bookstores, science labs, dining halls, libraries, athletic facilities, and campus offices and departments. They can also work as paid research assistants, academic tutors, or take on paid student leadership roles.
