Information for International Students

• Expand your network and make it work for you.
  • Networking is one of the most effective ways people find out about positions and get hired.
• Refine your communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong English language skills, non-verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills are all crucial for international students who wish to work and succeed in the US, and right now is the best time to polish those skills.
• Research international employee friendly employers.
  • Be intentional about your job search by researching which companies have hired international candidates in the past.
• Use US style application documents.
  • Make sure you know how to write a US style resume and cover letter and seek feedback from native speakers of English and Career Center advisors.
• Have a Plan B.
  • Expand your pool of opportunities by applying for positions in the US and in your home country (or even a third country). Explore where your education and experiences are in demand be open to different options.
• Understand your off-campus authorization and employment visa options.
  • It is essential for international students to understand when and how they can start working off campus. Students need to be able to articulate their student visa work authorization options and their employment visa options to employers, as not all US employers are experienced in hiring international candidates.
• Get involved.
  • It will be difficult to get a job or internship through strong grades alone. US employers value students with extra-curricular activities, related hands on experience and leadership experience.
  • Review the US Jobs and Internships for International Students.

Difficulties International Students Face:

• Job hunting is always hard, but for international students, the process is even more difficult and frustrating. Oftentimes, employers are hesitant to hire international students. This can be for a number of reasons. The most common reasons include:
  • Complexities and misunderstandings concerning visas.
  • Hiring international students can be costly and time-consuming.
  • Fear of new hires leaving after six months or a year.
  • Concern that the student might have poor English skills.