International Student Career Resources Guidebook
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International Student
Career Resources Guidebook
Experiential Education &
Career Services
For international students interested in
internships (CPT), working after graduation
(OPT), resumes, networking, researching
companies, and interviewing
Visit EE&CS at: link.jwu.edu > career
First Things First Internship (CPT)
The first thing an international student usually asks when they arrive at Johnson & Wales University is Frequently Asked Questions
“where can I find a job”?
Before you begin your search it is important to do three things:
1. review the following frequently asked questions sections based on your interests:
• General Employment (see below)
• Internship (CPT)
• Employment (OPT)
2. you will need a U.S. style resume (even if it is to apply on-campus)
3. once you know you are eligible, and you have a U.S. resume you can apply for jobs at: link.jwu.edu >
career > find a job
note: Due to Federal regulations and employer concerns, securing employment after graduation can be challeng-
ing for international students. This guidebook is intended to educate international students on the U.S. job search
process and work opportunities available with a student visa.
General Employment What is CPT?
Curricular Practical Training is an
How do I find CPT
opportunities?
Frequently Asked Questions internship while you are a student.
To be eligible, you must have been
Go to:
link.jwu.edu > career > find an
Employment for more than 20
hours per week is considered
in F-1 student status in the U.S. for internship. full-time CPT. If the internship
at least one academic year course credit is equal to 13.5
Can I work on-campus? Can I work off-campus? When do I need a Social (three consecutive terms). You can search through the JWU (undergraduate) or 9 (graduate)
International students may work Security card? student job posting site and Going you may participate in a full-time
There are a few options for legal Global. Experiential Education
on-campus without applying to the Am I required to do CPT? CPT. You may also participate in full-
employment off-campus. For F-1 When you receive an offer for a Coordinators and Career Advisors time CPT if it is your summer break
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration students some of these include: paid internship, an on-campus CPT requirements are dependent
Services (USCIS) for work can help you navigate these tools or the last term and you only have
• Curricular Practical Training job, and/or when you receive upon your major. Some majors have
authorization. Job listings for on- and other online resources. your CPT left to do in order to
• Optional Practical Training your OPT card. a required CPT and others offer
campus positions can be found on- finish your course requirements.
• Severe Economic Hardship optional CPT by using your electives.
line at link.jwu.edu> career >find Can I work on-campus while You may not work on-campus
How do I get a Social while doing full-time internship.
a job then click on PVD Student For J-1 students: Refer to your major in the course participating in CPT?
Employment. Security card?
• Academic Training catalog and see your International While working in part-time CPT, You may work part-time on-
F-1 students without social Student Advisor for more specific (employment for 20 hours or less
International students can work campus and do a part-time
Speak with your International security numbers authorized for guidelines. per week is considered part-time
a maximum of 20 hours per week internship during summer breaks or
Student Advisor to determine work need to bring the following CPT) you must be enrolled in a
while school is in session but may in your last term if you do not have
your individual options. to the Social Security Administra- full-time course load (at least 12
work up to 40 hours per week other courses to take. You must
tion: their passport, 1-94 card, credits for undergraduate, 9 for
during any vacation periods, if receive approval from the Interna-
How do I know if I am and I-20 with work authorization, graduate). In this scenario, you
there is work available within your tional Student Advisor.
and a Support Letter from the would not be able to work on-cam-
department.
eligible for CPT or OPT?
International Student Advisor to pus for 20 hours per week in addi-
Refer to the frequently asked apply, as well as a Student Data tion to the CPT hours.
questions sections of this guide- Sheet from their prospective em-
book for Internship (CPT) and ployer.
Employment (OPT) details.
Step-by-Step Internship (CPT) Instructions Step-by-Step Internship (CPT) Instructions
Step 1: Register for Internship at least 6 months to 1 year before the term you plan to participate.
For more information on internship eligibility requirements and registration, go to link.jwu.edu > career > find Step 5: Visit the International Step 7: At least 3 months Step 9: The International
an internship and then click on Register Now. Center to ensure your I-20 is before your internship term, Student Advisor then authorizes
valid and discuss steps you you need to secure your you for internship and will email
need to follow to ensure you internship site, update your you when your new I-20 is ready
are “in-status” in preparation Experiential Education for pick-up.
for and throughout your Coordinator, and email your
internship. supervisor the Student Data Step 10: If your internship is
Sheet. paid, you need at least 2 weeks
Step 6: Conduct research for to apply for a Social Security
internship opportunities Step 8: No later than 3 Number at the Social Security
Go to link.jwu.edu > career > find weeks before the term Administration. You will need to
an internship then click on Search begins, your site supervisor bring:
for Internships. You will also find must email the Student Data • Letter from International
a link to Going Global which Sheet to the Experiential Student Advisor
focuses on international students Education Coordinator who • Student Data Sheet and job
looking for CPT or OPT then approves the intern- description from employer
opportunities. ship site and forwards the • Authorized CPT I-20
document to the Inter- • Passport, Visa, and I-94 Card
national Student Advisor.
Step 2: Attend an Internship 101 workshop to learn program eligibility, timeline, site selection and more
You must provide your site
For workshop dates and locations go to link.jwu.edu > career > find an internship. Then click on internship and supervisor with the actual
then on Internship 101 to see scheduled workshops. Social Security Card in order to
be compensated.
Step 3: Create or enhance your resume based on U.S. standards
If your internship is un-
You will find helpful tools and resources to change your CV into a resume by visiting link.jwu.edu > career > paid, you don’t need a Social
build your resume. Once you have a draft of your resume, you can attend a resume workshop or make an Security Card and can be-
appointment with a Career Advisor to review your work. gin working with the intern-
ship site, on the first day of
the term, as long as you have
Step 4: Approximately 6 months before the internship term you registered for, an
received your new I-20 with
Experiential Education Coordinator will contact you to discuss your resume, potential
CPT work authorization from
internship sites, the Student Data Sheet and the process for work authorization.
your International Student
Advisor.
Employment (OPT)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OPT? Where do I go to find out
Optional Practical Training (OPT) about my OPT application?
provides an opportunity for F-1 Your International Student
student visa holders to gain up to Advisor can provide you with an
one year of real work experience in OPT Checklist and more specific
the student’s field of study. information.
Students are allowed one 12-month Web Resources OPT sessions are held every Friday
period for every degree completed Going Global at noon at the International Center
at the higher education level. Please in the Student Services Center and
link.jwu.edu > career > find a job >
see your International Student in the Friedman Center.
going global
Advisor for more specific details.
When should I apply for OPT?
When am I eligible? U.S. Citizenship & Immigration
A student must apply for OPT not
Services: uscis.gov
• Employment must be directly more than 90 days before their
related to your major field of study Work in the U.S.: degree end date and no later than
usa.gov/visitors/work.shtml 60 days from the last day of class.
• You must have been in F-1
student status in the U.S. for at International Student Job Search: How do I search for an OPT
internationalstudent.com/job-
least one academic year (three opportunity?
search
consecutive terms) Through link.jwu.edu> careers>
H1 Visa Jobs: h1visajobs.com find a job. You can also search
• You may lose your OPT benefit through Going Global which is also
if you are unemployed for more Author Dan Beaudry’s website and featured on the Career Tab.
than 90 days during your OPT blog: powerties.net
Additionally, you can search
period individual companies that are of
interest to you and utilize other job
• You must provide your search engines.
International Student Advisor
with your current employer’s name Experiential Education & Career
and address, as well as your mailing Services has Career Advisors that
address at all times during your OPT can help you navigate through
period these tools and provide you a list
of additional job search engines.
Creating a Resume Creating a Resume
The goal of a resume is to make you stand out from the competition Have your resume reviewed by a Career Advisor
Resume versus Curriculum Vitae (CV): Two Types of U.S. Resumes:
The primary differences are the length, what is 1. Experienced Based: For students with work
included, and what each is used for. A resume is a and internship experience. This format allows you Being an international student is an asset to an Provide a frame of reference for foreign companies
one page summary of your skills, experience, and to highlight what you did, how you did it, and the employer! You have multi-language skills, and schools. For example:
education. A CV is longer (2+ pages) and a more results. experience in living in other cultures, adaptability • a 110 property hotel chain
detailed outline of your skills and interests.
skills, and a global perspective. Emphasize language • one of the top 5 universities in China
2. Skills Based: Good for those who are looking skills on your resume. For example: • the Indian version of TGI Fridays
A CV is intended to be a full record of your career to highlight skills that are transferable (achieved
history. It almost always includes information that through course work, student clubs and organiza- • Bilingual in Japanese and English Focus on your global knowledge and cultural
by U.S. standards would be illegal for a potential em- tions and volunteer opportunities) and may not • Translated written and spoken English as a tour competencies. Employers highly value these skills.
ployer to ask a candidate. For example: photographs, have a lot of work experience, especially in the area guide Be sure to include specific examples of how you
marital status, religion, race, and other personal they are studying. demonstrate these skills in line with the employer’s
data.
Do not include TOEFL scores. Instead add informa- requirements.
Resume Resources: tion in your highlights about the number of years
A resume is a concise document typically not
Visit link.jwu.edu > career > build your resume and you have studied or spoken English. Update your resume in your native language, to
longer than one page as a potential employer will
click on build my resume to start creating one of serve as back-up for future employment opportuni-
not spend a lot of time reviewing it initially. It is
these resume styles. The resume builder tool will Check for grammatical and spelling errors, as well as ties in your home country.
a brief, customized list of skills and achievements
format the resume for you. You will also find resume awkward use of language.
based specifically on the job you are applying for.
examples by college and bullet statement examples.
Once you have created a resume, attend a Resume
Workshop to refine and make improvements, then
you can also choose to meet with a Career Advisor.
link.jwu.edu > career > build your resume
Creating a Cover Letter Research
A well written cover letter connects your skills with the job What does your industry offer
• A cover letter, also known as an application letter, • While a resume contains details on your overall
is sent along with a resume to provide additional qualifications, a cover letter allows you to present
information on your skills, experience, and abilities. and explain the specific qualities as it relates to the
position.
• It is also the place to be upfront about your
employment status as an international student and • Employers receive hundreds of resumes for a
the types of work you are eligible to be hired for such position but a well-written cover letter makes it clear
as CPT or OPT. why you are the best person for the job/internship.
• Once you have created your cover letter, make
an appointment with a Career Advisor to review it.
Getting Started Targeting Your Search Finding Companies
Once you have your resume and Focus on: You will also want to attend on-
cover letter ready, it is now time • U.S. companies operating in campus events such as career
your home country fairs, guest lectures, company
Starting your Cover Letter to do more research on your
industry as a whole and what it • International corporations information sessions, career
has to offer. • Companies who have previous- workshops, and other events.
123 Main Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740 ly hired international students
Knowing what jobs and • Use link.jwu.edu > career > find There is great value in attend-
December 10, 2012 organizations are out there is an a job for student jobs, intern- ing career fairs because they
essential part of the process for ships, and full-time employment. give you an opportunity to
Mary Jones You can also click on Going Global
any job seeker; this should be network with and learn more
Human Resources Director
done well in advance and on an to search for internships and jobs about employers. Prior to
American Insurers
2500 Brook Avenue on-going basis throughout your attending, research registered
Suite 105 job search. Sample Internship Sites organizations and note their
Boston, MA 00215 • Four Seasons Hotels citizenship requirements in the
Go to: link.jwu.edu > career • GTECH job descriptions. Go to link.jwu.
Dear Ms. Jones, • Hilton Hotels
> know your industry to get edu > career > upcoming career
started. • Nordstrom events
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and my accompanying resume for the position of
{position title here}. I became aware of your {the position} opening through {contact person who • State Street Bank
received the employment lead from and their job title, newspaper advertisement and the date of • Walt Disney World
issue, internet site, or other source}. {The person above and/or the applicant} feels that I would be a • Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI
strong candidate for the {title} position based on the requirements your company has listed. • Capital Grille
• Turnberry Isle Resort
Get the rest of this letter at: www.jwu.edu/providence/careers>build your resume>cover letters • Marriott International
Research - Going Global Networking
Identifying companies interested in hiring international students Getting started, informational interviews & other ways to network
Use Going Global as a tool for your job and internship search as well as to search for companies that have
applied for sponsorship in the past and may be familiar with the process for international students. Go to:
link.jwu.edu >career> and click on the Going Global link. Once there, filter your results by: Industry, Job Networking Defined Objectives: Seeking and Selecting
Title, Company, Location, Skill Set, Degree, and Advanced Search. (noun) A supportive system of • To gain information from an Individuals for the
sharing information and services industry professional in your field Informational Interview
amoung individuals having a • To showcase your talents and • Individuals that work for a
common interest. skill set company that could potentially
hire you and/or provide advice and
• To establish an ongoing connec-
experience regarding your career
Once you have found organizations tion with individuals that may be search
you are interested in working for able to help you establish relation-
• People that have a career
by doing industry research, you will ships with their employers and background and/or current
want to do some networking and others in your field position that is of interest to you
begin to prepare to market your • To find out how experts in your • Ask friends, family, and faculty for
skills. field have successfully navigated contacts
their career paths • Access school alumni network
How to Introduce Yourself
• Social media: LinkedIn, Facebook
Start with a great introduction Keeping in Touch with your and Twitter (search company name
of yourself highlighting your skills Network and Johnson & Wales alumni)
and experience. Clear, concise, Once you have had a conversation • Professional organizations and
confident communication. This you should thank them for associations
takes practice but the delivery is talking to you and always ask • Former and current employers
important. for a business card and contact • Experiential Education & Career
information. You should always Services
Write your introduction and use follow up the conversation with a • Career Events
your research to help tailor it to thank you note or email.
include: Other Ways to Network
• Brief background on yourself: Try to maintain the contact • On-Campus Clubs &
education, work, or internship through emails, phone calls, social Organizations, e.g. I-Club
experience and country of origin networking sites, and informa- • Volunteer: ongoing volunteer
• Special skills relevant to position/ tional interviews. opportunities and community
service learning
company you want to stand out
from the crowd: certifications, lan- Informational Interviews • Online through Facebook,
Twitter, and LinkedIn
guage skills, industry specific skills A meeting that you initiate in
• Explain why you are interested in order to gather information about • Industry Associations
working for the organization: show your field or desired job opportu- • Internship
you have done your company nity/company (Beaudry, 2009).
research
Interviewing Interviewing
Tips every international student should know Tips every international student should know
The
thought of Preparation
START
What to Expect in a U.S. Interview
• Access common interview questions and tips • Be sure to make eye contact as it is expected
INTERVIEWING on how to interview through
link.jwu.edu > Career > Interview Skills
practicing and shows confidence. Be prepared for open
discussions on your accomplishments and
in the U.S. YOUR leadership skills. You’ll want to have plenty of
• Ask for letters of recommendation from faculty
can members, advisors or supervisors that can speak interviewing
examples to demonstrate your top skills
certainly to your skills and abilities. This is valuable infor-
mation for you to assess some of your strongest skills!
• Direct questions about your skills and
experience
be scary. skills
• Be prepared to show confidence in your
• Depending on your industry, consider a career speaking points and body language
portfolio; this is a visual display of your work and
attributes. You can compile pictures of work,
awards, certificates, customer accounts, and Schedule • Share your strengthes, leadership style, and
problem-solving skills. Be ready to share your
The recommendations into a binder, or put the work
a mock weaknesses if asked
online in a website or presentation
o n ly wa y • Know as much as you can about the companies INTERVIEW
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the company
and examples of the comprehensive research
and positions you will be interviewing for and you have done
to get over match your skills to that company and position today
your fears • Market yourself! Employers expect you to tell
is to
• Practice and enhance your communication
skills by: speaking in class, making presentations,
with our them why you are the best person for the job
talking in English with friends, and participating
in on-campus activities
CAREER • Explain your value as an international
PRAC TICE, student: adaptability, global knowledge, cultural
practice, ADVISORS competency, and work authorization eligibility
p ra c tice!
No Work Experience?
Increase your workplace skills
through volunteerism. Connect with us!
Experiential Education & Career
Services can work with you on
your resume and then connect
you with the Feinstein Commu-
nity Service Center.
Step 1 :
Visit link.jwu.edu >career>build Experiential Education
& Career Services
your resume then bring your
resume in to Experiential
Education & Career Services
Downcity Campus Harborside Campus
John Hazen White Building, 1st floor Friedman Center, 1st floor
Step 2 :
(401) 598-1070 (401) 598-4611
Visit the Feinstein Community
M-F 8:30am-4:30pm M-F 8:30am-4:30pm
Service Center to be placed in a
non-profit organization to volun-
teer, gain work experience and
meet your goals
Step 3 :
Volunteer for 25 total hours
and then return to the Feinstein
Community Service Center to Experiential Education & Career Follow us! @jwuprovcareers
receive a certificate Services JWU Providence
Step 4 :
Return to Experiential Education
& Career Services where Career
Advisors will help you incorpo-
rate your new skills into your
resume
International
For more information, call or
Student Services
walk in to visit Experiential Downcity Campus Harborside Campus
Education & Career Services. Student Services Center, 1st floor Friedman Center, 1st floor
(401) 598-4669 (401) 598-4669
M-F 8:30am-4:30pm M-F 8:30am-4:30pm
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