International Student Career Resources Guidebook

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International Student Career Resources Guidebook
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
International Student Career Resources Guidebook
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.
International Student Career Resources Guidebook
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.
International Student Career Resources Guidebook
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.
International Student Career Resources Guidebook
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
International Student Career Resources Guidebook
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
International Student Career Resources Guidebook
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
International Student Career Resources Guidebook
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!
International Student Career Resources Guidebook
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
International Student Career Resources Guidebook
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