International Student Resources

A successful job search involves strategy. Below are tips specifically 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 or internship search by researching which companies have hired international candidates in the past.
• US-Style Application Documents: Resume & Cover Letter. Make sure you know how to write a US-style resume and cover letter by working with Career Services.
• Become Confident with Interviewing. Review the interviewing tab to explore resources on interviewing and specific tips for international students.
• Have a Plan B. Expand your pool of opportunities by applying for positions in the US and in your home country (or perhaps a third country too). Explore where your education and experiences are in demand and be open to options you previously hadn’t considered!
• Understand your Work 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 U.S. employers are experienced in hiring international students.  Please consult with the Office of International Affairs for more information.
• Get Involved. It will be difficult to get a job or internship through strong grades alone. US employers value students with experiential learning and leadership experience. See what transferable skills employers look for in candidates and identify any skills gaps that may exist in your current toolkit.
• Job Search Tips from Inside Higher Ed

Review these international student-specific job search resources: 

• Top H1B Sponsors
• International Student.com –  Started by a group of international students living in New York City with the goal of helping other students deal with American immigration authorities and education system.
• MyVisaJobs.com
• MyVisaJobs List of Top 100 H1B Sponsors 2022
• UNIWORLD: Directories of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries and Foreign Firms Operating in the U.S.
• U.S. Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services  – Information on Optional Practical Training (OPT)
• U.S. Department of Labor’s Certification Data Disclosure (click on FLC Case Data) – This site identifies companies that applied for H-1B visas for one or more new employees in the past few years.