International student resources
Review the employers which have hired CPT and OPT students. Go to ASU International Student Resources, then down to the Companies with CPT/OPT section.
As an international student, you will have opportunities across many areas, but you may face challenges if you wish to work in the United States of America. You must utilize a variety of job search strategies and resources in obtaining full-time employment. One of the best places to start is to register with CareerLink.
The Career Center cannot advise on immigration, visa and work authorizations.
If you are not in the US, have no US status, and no US work authorization, continue reading through the sections which may help you find employers in your home country or countries which are home country-friendly. The career center has general strategies and resources to help you in this case. We do not have expertise in job search outside of the United States of America.
Review these steps and resources to gain insight into the international student internship and job search process, challenges, and resources available to you.
Beware of employment scams
ASU cares about our students and our employers. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of commonly seen hiring practices that should heighten your awareness to help you be successful in your job or internship search.
Know your U.S. work options
The Career Center cannot advise on immigration, visa and work authorizations.
If you are not in the US, have no US status, and no US work authorization, continue reading through the sections which may help you find employers in your home country or countries which are home country-friendly. The career center has general strategies and resources to help you in this case. We do not have expertise in job search outside of the United States of America.
Become familiar with immigration laws and procedures. Check out the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services website for more information. Also talk with ASU’s International Students and Scholars Center.
Speak with your academic advisor to determine if your program supports CPT work authorizations. Also become familiar with Pre-OPT and OPT. Learn about your program’s iPOS rules for adding/changing/deleting (if possible); deadlines for enrolling in an internship course; how many internships you can do; potential ramifications or substitution and related costs if you don’t get an internship after listing it on your iPOS.
Employers determine who they will interview and hire. ASU has no role in the interview and selection process.
From degree to H1B presentation
From Degree to H1B: Review this January 2022 overview of some of the employment options which might be available for international students before and after graduation. Presented by Jared Leung, Managing Attorney, at JCL Immigration Attorneys, PLLC.
CareerLink:
Your first stop for internships and jobs
There are many degree-related internship and job opportunities available to ASU students who have been authorized to work in the U.S. through CPT or OPT.
Log on to your CareerLink account to search for opportunities.
Research companies hiring international students
Going Global is an ideal one-stop tool for international students seeking US opportunities and for anyone wishing to work anywhere in the world. Research companies on GoinGlobal’s H1B section. You can find US companies that in the past have submitted H1B visa applications– which means they are international student friendly and more likely to consider CPT and OPT students. Set-up saved searches directly on those company websites, through CareerLink, and through GoinGlobal so you can be notified when jobs that fit you are posted.
Check out the Department of Labor Foreign Labor website, which includes a database of employers who have applied for visa applications.
In preparation for career fairs and other events, research job postings on the company’s website and on CareerLink. Look for information inside each job posting as many will list if they will consider hiring international students. Print or electronically store job postings and the requisition number so you can ask specifically about those postings and can prepare in advance how you fit and questions you may have. Inquire about opportunities with companies who recruit international students or have a multi-national presence.
Make a spreadsheet with websites and other resources to keep your research and searches in one place. Keep detailed notes about any contacts you establish and any action items you need to do should go on your calendar.
Prepare yourself
Earn good grades, participate in campus activities and get involved in career events- early!
Common Cultural Barriers lists some of the challenges international students encounter when seeking employment in the United States. The topics on this handout can serve as a guide for self-assessment or a list of discussion topics.
Prepare your resume and other application materials. Be sure they follow the country, industry, and method of application standards.
Access Going Global via CareerLink, to find resources and companies which in the past have sponsored H1Bs.
Network
Begin your network by identifying key people to assist you in your job search. Discuss your career plans with your professors, alumni, family, and career advisors, and ask them for advice.
Join ASU’s LinkedIn groups, ASU alumni groups and other groups to identify other people who are working in your areas of interest. On LinkedIn, follow companies that interest you. Use LinkedIn job search on the top navigation bar and job boards that might be within LinkedIn groups you join.
Join student-led professional affiliations (like ACI, AIAA, AOPA, BMES, IEEE, IIE, and SWE). Consider becoming a leader too.
Attend job fairs, mixers, on-campus speakers’ series and external professional conferences. If you are doing research, you might even be able to present and increase your visibility.
Don’t give up- networking is a process. Reevaluate your job search strategies, have a back-up plan, and check in with the Fulton Schools of Engineering Career Center for feedback.
Internships
International students on F-1 visas might be eligible to do a degree-related internship under curriculum practical training (CPT). In order to do an internship, international students must work through their academic advisor and the International Students & Scholars Center.
All paperwork must be submitted and approved by them prior to starting employment. The career center does not have a role in the paperwork.
On-campus interviews
International candidates are welcome to participate in on-campus interviews as long as the employers seek your specific work authorization. Go to CareerLink to see who is recruiting now. Career fairs and on-campus recruiting are a very small part of your job search strategy.
Review interview tips on our website, including Strategies for Successful Interviewing.
Follow-up
Follow-up with the individuals to whom you sent your materials on the date they discussed with you as their target date. Respect the recruiter’s time by following up only when they indicate.
Reiterate:
- How/when you met the person
- Your strong interest in the position
- That you forwarded materials to their attention and applied to postings (list the posting # and titles if applicable)
- You can provide any additional information.
If given the opportunity to interview, follow-up with a thank you note.