Janice Lozano
International students face several challenges when seeking internships, particularly in competitive markets such as the USA. Visa regulations and work authorization are significant hurdles, with most international students requiring an F-1 visa for optional practical training (OPT) during or after their studies. Additionally, understanding the complex legal requirements and work authorization rules can be daunting, as international students must ensure their visa eligibility for specific internships. Furthermore, the availability of internships that cater to international students is limited, and certain companies might have policies against hiring international interns. However, internships are a valuable foundation for future career prospects, and online platforms like LinkedIn, Handshake, Glassdoor, and MyVisaJobs offer dedicated internship search tools for international students to explore opportunities and connect with potential employers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1, J-1 |
| Visa conditions | Depends on the student's country of origin and whether they are studying in the US or coming to the US only for the internship |
| Work authorization | Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
| Internship type | Paid or unpaid |
| Internship conditions | Depends on the nature of the industry, the specific company offering the internship, and the level of competition |
| Internship search websites | LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Idealist.org, Handshake, MyVisaJobs |
| Resume | Well-formatted, concise, and without errors |
| Cover letter | One page long, includes a brief overview of work history, skills, talents, and interests |
| Interview | Be prepared to discuss experiences, skills, and reasons for interest in the internship; research the company beforehand |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements
Understanding Visa Types
- F-1 Visa: The F-1 visa is commonly held by international students studying in the US. It allows for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which can be undertaken during or after completing an academic program. F-1 visa holders can apply for internships in the US, with assistance from their accredited university or college. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a form of internship that must be related to the student's degree program, and they must have completed their first academic year.
- J-1 Visa: The J-1 visa is for international visitors seeking professional or educational development opportunities in the US. J-1 students must be sponsored by an accredited educational institution or nonprofit organization. While they cannot apply for OPT, they can apply for Academic Training (AT) in their field for up to 18 months after graduation. Those solely coming to the US for an internship will likely need a J-1 visa and can apply for the J-1 Intern or J-1 Trainee visa.
- Other Visas: Depending on your circumstances, other visas such as the B-1 or B-2 visa might be applicable. The B-1 visa is for business or volunteer programs, while the B-2 visa is for tourism or non-credit study courses.
Visa Application Process
- Visa Regulations: Before applying for internships, understand the visa regulations and eligibility requirements for working in your desired country.
- University Support: Many universities have career services that assist international students in finding internships and navigating visa applications.
- Visa Assistance Programs: Consider utilizing internship placement providers who can help with visa support and application processes, although these services usually require payment.
- Student Visa Conditions: If you are already studying in the country, your student visa outlines the terms and conditions for employment, including internships. Ensure you understand these conditions before applying for internships.
Navigating visa requirements can be challenging, but with careful research and support from universities and advisors, international students can secure the necessary visas to gain valuable internship experience in their host countries.
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Resume and cover letter
As an international student, gaining experience in the country you are studying in can be very important, especially if you are considering staying in the country after graduation. Your resume and cover letter can help open doors, but the format and style may differ from your home country. Here are some tips for crafting a strong resume and cover letter as an international student:
Resume
- Include academic information from the last 2-3 years. If you are a first-year student, you can also include high school and related experiences.
- Represent all your strengths, skills, and experiences, including paid and unpaid work, extracurricular activities, and volunteering experience.
- Use action words to articulate your skills with concrete examples of how you developed each skill.
- Include bullet points and accomplishment statements to provide evidence of the skills that the employer is looking for.
- Include fluency in languages, but you don't need to disclose which language is your mother tongue. It is better to indicate bilingualism or multilingualism.
- Prepare a separate sheet with your reference information, including the company/organization name and location. Do not include references on your resume.
- Have others check your resume before you apply. Don't be afraid of negative feedback. Share your resume with family members, career counselors, and friends.
Cover Letter
- Include a header with your name, contact information, and the date.
- Use standard business salutations (e.g. Ms., Mr., Dr.) if you are sure about their gender, followed by their last name. If you do not know their gender and know their full name, you can use their full name. If you do not know their name, "Dear Hiring Manager(s):" is appropriate.
- Start with an introduction that grabs emotional attention and introduces yourself in one powerful, friendly, and professional sentence. Include one or two of your most impressive and relevant achievements or qualities.
- In the body, detail the personality traits and foundational skills that will make you an excellent intern. Add why you're a great fit for this particular company.
- In the conclusion, summarize your qualifications and enthusiasm for the internship. Reiterate your main point and let the recruiter know you are eager to discuss why your skills, attributes, and interests make you a good fit for the internship.
- End professionally with "Sincerely" or "Best regards" and your full name.
- Keep your cover letter to one page.
- Include quantified achievements to give employers an indication of what they can expect from you as an intern.
- Showcase your knowledge of the company by mentioning specific practices or products you're excited about.
- If you lack relevant work experience, focus on other experiences that qualify you for the internship.
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Networking
On-Campus Opportunities:
- Get involved with organisations on campus, especially those related to your major. This helps build initial networking contacts and references.
- Attend career fairs, workshops, and on-campus job boards to connect with employers near your university. Many organisations at these events work with universities to provide internship opportunities.
- Take advantage of career services provided by your university. Many universities in the US have dedicated career services to assist students in finding internships and jobs. Schedule appointments with career advisors and utilise their resources.
Online Platforms:
- Utilise professional networking websites like LinkedIn to find internships and connect with professionals.
- Join online communities, such as subreddits, specific to your field of interest where you can connect with other international students and professionals.
Building Relationships:
- Prepare an elevator pitch or value statement to introduce yourself and your interests to potential connections.
- Aim to build lasting professional relationships beyond just exchanging hellos. Show genuine interest in your colleagues' careers, passions, and lives.
- Stay in touch with your connections by periodically checking in. Share relevant articles or resources, or invite them to industry-related events to make the relationship mutually beneficial.
- Offer engaging conversations and satisfying validation to create value for the other person and build a strong relationship.
Proactive Measures:
- Be proactive and reach out to companies and workers to inquire about non-paid internship opportunities.
- Understand visa regulations and work authorisations, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT), to ensure you are eligible to work as an international student in the US.
By consistently applying these networking tips, international students can enhance their chances of obtaining internships and building valuable connections that may lead to future opportunities.
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Interview preparation
Understanding Visa Requirements
Before applying for internships, it's crucial for international students to understand the visa requirements and regulations. Most international students in the US hold an F-1 visa, which allows for optional practical training (OPT) during or after their academic program. To be eligible for an internship, you may need to obtain work authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or OPT. CPT allows you to gain practical experience during your studies, while OPT allows you to work in the US for up to 12 months after graduation, or an additional two years for STEM graduates.
Building a Strong Resume and Cover Letter
A well-formatted and concise resume is essential when applying for internships. Seek feedback from career counselors, friends, and family, and utilise your university's career services for guidance. A cover letter is also crucial; it should highlight your personal work history, skills, talents, and interests, and why you're a good fit for the role.
Networking and Research
Networking is vital in the US job market. Attend career fairs, networking events, and workshops, both on and off campus. Utilise LinkedIn and other networking platforms to connect with professionals in your field. When preparing for an interview, research the company thoroughly to demonstrate your knowledge and interest.
Practicing Common Interview Questions
Familiarise yourself with common interview questions and be prepared to discuss your experiences, skills, and why you're interested in the specific internship. Practice answering questions confidently and thoughtfully.
Understanding Internship Requirements
Ensure that you meet the requirements for the internship, including any necessary work authorizations. The internship should be related to your major and may be required to complete your degree. If it's optional, you may still be able to complete it through CPT if you receive college credit.
Knowing Your Rights
Understand your rights as an international student intern. For example, if you work full-time for 12 months on CPT, you won't be eligible for OPT. Additionally, recognise that some companies may have policies against hiring international students, but don't let this deter you. Policies aren't absolute laws, and employers may be open to updating them, especially if they find a strong candidate.
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Internship websites
LinkedIn is a great place to start your search for internships with major companies. It is the current leader in professional networking websites.
Handshake
Handshake is a career development site that partners with many US universities and major employers, offering listings for entry-level roles and internships on and off-campus.
Shorelight
Shorelight offers career services that allow you to connect with top employers in the US and even start a virtual internship from your home country. They can also direct you to academic support services, provide visa assistance, and help you write cover letters.
Virtual Internships
Virtual Internships is a platform that connects educators and employers worldwide to provide ambitious interns with access to guaranteed remote internships. They work with 13,000 companies and provide a team of expert coaches to guide interns toward career success.
GoAbroad
GoAbroad offers a directory of internships abroad, which can be searched by destination, career field, or timeframe. They also provide reviews, guides, and articles, as well as a comparison tool to help match you with the best internships.
Absolute Internship
Absolute Internship provides first-hand experiences of past international interns, a wealth of career advice, and cross-cultural insights. They also offer remote internships, which can be a great opportunity for career development and expanding cultural awareness.
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Frequently asked questions
It can be challenging for international students to secure internships due to visa requirements and competition. However, with proper planning and resources, it is achievable. Understanding visa regulations and eligibility for internships is crucial. International students should also start their search early and utilise career services, networking opportunities, and online platforms to find suitable internship opportunities.
International students in the US typically hold an F-1 visa, which allows for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT enables students to gain practical experience through internships related to their degree. OPT allows students to work in the US for up to 12 months, or 2 additional years for STEM graduates.
International students can explore internship opportunities through career fairs, on-campus job boards, networking events, and online platforms like LinkedIn, Handshake, Glassdoor, and MyVisaJobs. Networking with professors, students, and professionals in their field can also help identify potential internship openings.
In addition to visa requirements, international students should ensure that the internship is related to their major or field of study. It is also important to start the search early and be proactive in reaching out to potential employers. Understanding work authorisation rules and ensuring that the employer can legally hire international students is crucial.
International students should focus on building a strong resume and cover letter, highlighting their skills and interests. They should also prepare for interviews by practising common questions and researching the company. Additionally, understanding work authorisation processes, such as CPT or OPT, and staying updated on immigration policies that may impact their eligibility, is essential.
