Ibrahim Gardner
International students face several challenges when seeking internships, particularly in competitive markets such as the USA. Visa regulations and work authorization status are key considerations, with most international students in the USA holding an F-1 visa, which allows for optional practical training (OPT) during or after their academic program. Understanding the legal requirements and visa-specific internship conditions is essential. Additionally, international students must navigate the complexities of finding internship opportunities, building a strong resume and cover letter, networking, and preparing for interviews. While there are dedicated employment sites and career services to assist with these processes, the competition for internships is intense, and international students may encounter companies with policies against hiring international candidates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1 visa, J-1 visa, CPT, OPT |
| Visa conditions | Must be eligible to work in the US, must gain work authorization |
| Internship type | Paid, unpaid, virtual |
| Internship conditions | Must be related to your major, required to complete your degree |
| Internship benefits | Foundation for your resume, future career experience, full-time employment opportunities |
| Internship search | LinkedIn, Handshake, career fairs, job boards, career services, internship search websites |
| Application process | Resume, cover letter, interviews |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements and work authorization
As an international student, 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, and it is important to understand these before applying for internships.
The most common student visas are F-1 and M-1. F-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing academic studies, while M-1 visas are for vocational studies. 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), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT. CPT allows students to undertake internships that are directly related to their degree, provided they have completed at least two full-time semesters. OPT allows students to work in the US for up to 12 months, or an additional two years for STEM graduates. M-1 students must ensure that any off-campus employment is related to their area of study and is authorized by the Designated School Official prior to starting work.
The J-1 visa is another option for international students. This is an exchange visitor visa for foreign nationals who have been approved to take part in work-and-study-based exchange programs. Examples include visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, and research assistants.
It is important to note that obtaining a visa can be challenging, and there is no guarantee that one will be issued. Additionally, visa requirements and work authorization rules can change, so it is crucial to stay updated on any changes to immigration policies that may impact your ability to work as an international student.
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Networking and career fairs
Networking and attending career fairs are crucial steps in securing an internship as an international student. Building a strong network can open doors to various internship opportunities and help you establish connections with professionals in your field.
Career fairs provide valuable opportunities for students to meet and interact with recruiters and employers. It is recommended to prepare an elevator pitch, a brief speech that introduces yourself, your interests, and your skills, to make a strong first impression. Additionally, attending career fairs allows you to have face-to-face interactions with recruiters, increasing your chances of being considered for an internship position. Many internships are not publicly posted, and even online listings may be awarded to applicants who have personally connected with recruiters. Therefore, it is essential to attend career fairs and networking events to increase your chances of securing an internship.
University career services and career centres are excellent resources for international students. Many universities have dedicated departments that assist students in finding internships and often have ties with companies open to hiring international students. They can provide workshops, webinars, databases, and networks to help you explore and connect with internship opportunities. It is advisable to register with your university's career centre and take advantage of their resources and guidance.
Online platforms such as LinkedIn, Handshake, Glassdoor, and Indeed also offer internship resources. These platforms allow you to search for internship postings, connect with potential employers, and explore opportunities. Handshake, in particular, helps students find off-campus internships and career fairs, and it is accessible to alumni for a year after graduation. Utilizing these online tools can complement your networking efforts and increase your chances of finding suitable internships.
Lastly, networking with fellow students, professors, alumni, and professionals in your field is vital. Each connection can potentially lead to unique internship opportunities or provide valuable insights. Joining industry-specific groups and networking with students from other institutions who have worked in your desired industry can be advantageous. Building a diverse and robust network will enhance your chances of securing an internship and open doors to future career opportunities.
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Resume and cover letter
As an international student, your resume is a vital tool in your search for internships. It is your chance to impress potential employers and secure an interview. Here are some key considerations for writing a strong resume:
- Structure and formatting: Organise your resume with clear sections, making it easy for employers to navigate. Ensure your resume is concise, with proper spacing and margins for a professional appearance.
- Header and contact information: Begin with a clear and professional header that includes essential contact details such as your full name, phone number, and email address. Ensure your email address sounds professional. Consider adding a link to your LinkedIn profile or other relevant online portfolios.
- Education: As a student, your academic experience is one of your key selling points. Place your education section near the top of your resume. Include your degree, field of study, and institution. If your Grade Point Average (GPA) is 3.6 or higher, you may also want to include it.
- Extracurricular activities: Including clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities can showcase additional skills such as leadership and communication abilities.
- Experience: List any previous internships, volunteer work, or relevant work history. Describe the tasks you performed and any significant achievements. Focus on transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and organisation.
- Skills: Highlight any professional certifications and specific soft skills (personal abilities) or hard skills (technical or job-specific skills) that make you stand out.
- Resume objective or summary: Include a statement that gives hiring managers insight into your career goals and highlights specific skills that make you perfect for the internship. This can also be a great place to mention your willingness to learn and how you plan to apply your existing skills in the new internship.
- Get feedback: Before submitting your resume, ask for feedback from family members, career counsellors, or friends. They can help identify any spelling errors or suggest additional talking points.
In addition to your resume, a well-crafted cover letter is essential when applying for internships. A cover letter allows you to showcase your unique qualities and explain why you are a good fit for the role. Here are some tips for writing a compelling cover letter:
- Format and length: Keep your cover letter concise and limited to one page. Use a clean and readable font, such as Arial or Calibri, with a font size between 10 and 12 points. Include a header with your contact information, similar to your resume. End with a professional sign-off, such as "Sincerely" or "Best."
- Customise your letter: Avoid using a generic template for all applications. Instead, tailor your cover letter to each specific internship. Show that you have researched the company and the role. Refer to the internship posting, highlighting how your skills and experiences align with the desired candidate's qualifications.
- Share your enthusiasm: Begin your cover letter by expressing your excitement about the internship and explaining why you are a good fit. Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and your interest in the role.
- Highlight soft skills: While your resume focuses on technical skills, use your cover letter to showcase desirable soft skills such as time management, communication, and leadership abilities. Provide specific examples or accomplishments that illustrate these skills.
- Discuss what you'll bring to the role: In addition to what you'll gain from the internship, share what you believe you will contribute to the position. This shows employers that you are eager to learn and gain valuable work experience.
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Interview preparation
Understand the visa requirements
Firstly, it is important to understand the visa requirements for international students seeking internships in the US. Most international students in the US hold an F-1 visa, which allows for optional practical training (OPT) during or after their academic program. Alternatively, if you are a student in Russia seeking an internship in the US, you will need a J1 visa, as internships are considered work.
Research the company
Research the company beforehand to demonstrate your knowledge and interest. Understand the company's mission and values, and be prepared to explain why you are interested in the specific internship and how it aligns with your career goals.
Prepare your answers
Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss your experiences, skills, and interests. Be prepared to provide specific examples that demonstrate your qualifications and strengths. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses, and focus on how you can contribute to the company.
Dress appropriately
Make sure to dress professionally and appropriately for the interview. Research the company's dress code and culture to get an idea of what is expected. If in doubt, it is generally better to dress more formally rather than casually.
Arrive early
Plan your route to the interview location and arrive at least 10-15 minutes early. This will allow you to relax and compose yourself before the interview begins. It also demonstrates punctuality and a strong work ethic.
Follow up
After the interview, don't forget to follow up with a thank-you note or email to the interviewer. This is a professional courtesy and can help you stand out as a candidate. It also demonstrates your continued interest in the internship position.
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Internship websites and job boards
There are numerous internship websites and job boards that international students can use to find opportunities. Here are some popular options:
- LinkedIn: A great platform for professional networking and job searching. You can connect with people, endorse skills, and find internships. LinkedIn is especially useful for discovering hidden opportunities through your network.
- Handshake: This career development site partners with many US universities and major employers, offering listings for entry-level roles and internships on and off-campus.
- SimplyHired: Aggregates internship listings from across the web, allowing you to filter by salary and location, and streamlining the application process.
- CoolWorks: The job board for modern-day adventurers, offering internships with a side of adventure and the opportunity to work outdoors.
- USAJobs.gov: The official portal for federal internships in the US, including the prestigious Pathways Program, which can lead to full-time government roles.
- Generation Hired: Offers career resources, skill-building events, networking opportunities, and a job board, with a special focus on underrepresented talent.
- Y Combinator's job board: A goldmine for internship opportunities with startups and fast-growing tech companies, many of which offer remote internships and flexible schedules.
- Dribbble: The #1 job board for worldwide design jobs, connecting you with designers and jobs in the design community.
- Country-specific platforms: Depending on your target country, there are various country-specific platforms. For example, Talent Egg, Bumeran, and Welcome to the Jungle for Canadian students, or platforms showcasing roles in Latin America, Mexico, France, and nearby European countries.
- University Career Services: Many universities have dedicated career services to assist students in finding internships and jobs. Utilize their resources, schedule appointments with career advisors, and attend workshops.
- GoAbroad.com: Features internships abroad, allowing you to search by destination, career field, or timeframe. Includes opportunities like nursing internships, internships in Japan, and TEFL internships in Thailand.
These websites and job boards provide a great starting point for international students seeking internships. They offer a range of opportunities across different industries and locations, helping students build their resumes, gain professional experience, and make valuable connections.
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Frequently asked questions
One of the biggest challenges is obtaining the correct visa and work authorization. Most international students in the US hold an F-1 visa, which allows for optional practical training (OPT) during or after their academic program. However, for internships, they must gain work authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which requires the internship to be related to their degree.
Networking is crucial in the US job market. Students should attend career fairs, networking events, and workshops, as well as utilize their university's career services and international student services. Building a strong resume and cover letter is also important.
Yes, LinkedIn is a great place to start, as it has many internship listings and is the top professional networking site. Handshake is another good website, as it partners with many US universities and employers. Other websites include Glassdoor and Idealist.org.
